Charity Digital: Cyber Essentials Training - Mastering the Five Key Controls for Digital Security

Date & time: 24 February 2026, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Venue
Online

Navigating the world of cyber security can be intimidating, especially with the ever-changing threats and technical language. Yet, in a world where cyberattacks are increasingly targeting organisations of all sizes, including charities, it’s crucial to understand how to defend your assets.

 

Half of businesses (50%*) and around a third of charities (32%*) in the UK reported a cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. Without the right safeguards in place, you risk exposing your organisation to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational harm.

 

This three-hour workshop offers an accessible introduction to Cyber Essentials, a government-backed framework designed to help organisations protect themselves from the most common cyber threats. Over two engaging sessions, we’ll break down the scheme’s five critical controls and run a live hack, including reconnaissance and initial access, where you will play a lead role in the operation. By the end of the training, you’ll be equipped with actionable strategies to strengthen your organisation’s digital defences.

Navigating the world of cyber security can be intimidating, especially with the ever-changing threats and technical language. Yet, in a world where cyberattacks are increasingly targeting organisations of all sizes, including charities, it’s crucial to understand how to defend your assets.

 

Half of businesses (50%*) and around a third of charities (32%*) in the UK reported a cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. Without the right safeguards in place, you risk exposing your organisation to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational harm.

 

This three-hour workshop offers an accessible introduction to Cyber Essentials, a government-backed framework designed to help organisations protect themselves from the most common cyber threats. Over two engaging sessions, we’ll break down the scheme’s five critical controls and run a live hack, including reconnaissance and initial access, where you will play a lead role in the operation. By the end of the training, you’ll be equipped with actionable strategies to strengthen your organisation’s digital defences.

 

Tickets cost £99 + VAT. To purchase this course, click "add to basket" in the bottom right corner.

 

What You’ll Learn:

 

The training is split into two interactive sessions, each lasting around 80 minutes, with a short break in between.

 

Session 1: Foundations of Cybersecurity and the Cyber Essentials Framework

 

  • An overview of Cyber Essentials: why it matters and how it works
  • Firewalls explained: setting up the first line of defence
  • Secure configuration best practices for devices and systems
  • Update management: why updates are vital and how to stay on top of them

Break (20 minutes)

 

Session 2: Cyber Essentials Framework Continued & Cyber Security Hack Simulation

  • Malware protection: spotting threats and defending against attacks
  • User Access Controls: protecting sensitive data by managing permissions

Interactive group activity: The Hack Simulation


In this hands-on exercise, participants will collaborate to simulate an attack and compromise a business email account. You’ll:

  • Step into the shoes of an attacker, learning how accounts are compromised
  • Learn how attackers use open source information and tools
  • Uncover the steps needed to prevent such incidents

 

This practical experience will empower you to identify vulnerabilities and adopt effective countermeasures both in your professional and personal environments.

 

Who Should Attend?

 

This workshop is designed for professionals from all backgrounds—whether you’re a charity leader, IT officer, or simply someone keen to understand cybersecurity essentials. No prior technical knowledge is required. The training offers a supportive environment to ask questions, discuss challenges, and gain confidence in managing cybersecurity risks.

 

Cost
£99 + VAT per person
Provider
Charity Digital
Further details / booking