What is a pre-audit and audit call?
The Pre-Audit and Audit call, what they are and what to expect.
If you're preparing for Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+), there are two key stages where an assessor will speak with you:
- A Pre-Audit Call - to help you prepare
- An Audit Call - the official check for compliance
These calls are designed to support you and ensure everything is in place for certification.
The Pre-Audit Call - Helping You Get Ready
This is a helpful, informal discussion to make sure you're on track.
What typically happens:
- Vulnerability Management Check: The assessor will confirm that your organisation is running regular vulnerability scans and fixing issues.
- Scan Review: You'll go over recent scan results together to highlight anything that needs fixing.
- Q&A Support: You'll be able to ask questions and clarify anything you're unsure about.
The pre-audit is your chance to get ahead of any issues, with no pressure.
The Audit Call - The Real Check
This is the official stage where the assessor confirms you meet the CE+ requirements.
What to expect:
- Scan Results Rechecked: They'll confirm all issues have been resolved.
System Checks:
- Systems are up to date
- Antivirus is installed and active
- User accounts are secure with limited admin access
- Firewalls are configured properly
- Devices are protected against common threats
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): The assessor will confirm MFA is enabled where possible on all cloud services (e.g., Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace). MFA is now a critical requirement and a common reason for failing CE+ if not properly implemented.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the goal of these calls is to help you meet the standard-not to trip you up.
With some preparation and communication with your assessor, achieving CE+ can be a smooth and successful process.