Cyber Essentials: A proactive approach to hotel security
The lowdown
We helped Hampton by Hilton Waterloo earn Cyber Essentials certification, boosting their cyber defences without disrupting hotel operations.
- Clear, step-by-step support through the full Cyber Essentials certification process
- Identified and resolved security gaps with practical, scalable fixes
- Strengthened guest data protection and internal systems with minimal disruption
- Built a robust security framework to support long-term compliance and growth
The client
Hampton by Hilton Waterloo
This busy city hotel sits at the heart of London’s attractions. Visitors love the easy access to top destinations like the West End theatres, London Eye and Buckingham Palace.
The challenge
Tackling growing cyber risks
The hospitality industry is facing ever-evolving and increasingly sophisticated digital threats. Our client wanted to achieve Cyber Essentials certification, strengthening their cyber security and enhancing their excellent trust in their digital infrastructure. This government-backed scheme helps businesses protect themselves and their customers against common cyber threats.
It focuses on five key areas: Malware protection, boundary firewall, patch management, user access control, and secure configuration.
To meet these high standards, our client needed a clear strategy to get their systems up-to-scratch, without disrupting service. The goal wasn’t just to meet certification requirements, but to create a robust, scalable security framework that would support future growth.
The solution
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification
We guided our client through a structured Cyber Essentials certification process, making sure their journey was smooth and stress-free. This included:
- Scoping call: A detailed consultation covering key aspects of the hotel’s operations and cybersecurity framework, addressing around 30 essential questions to define the certification scope.
- Pre-certification GAP survey: A thorough assessment comparing the hotel’s security setup to certification standards, focusing on the five core Cyber Essentials controls.
- Gaps survey report: A structured report outlining these gaps, giving immediate solutions for “quick wins” where feasible. It also defined any areas that needed further investment, procedural adjustments, or training.
- Corrective actions: An agreed roadmap for remediation, specifying corrective measures and implementation timelines to ensure compliance.
- Submission & certification: We submitted the certification on behalf of the hotel, managing any follow-up requests and ensuring a smooth approval process.
While we could implement some improvements quickly, others required bigger changes in procedures and infrastructure.
The result
Stronger protection for the hotel – and peace of mind for guests
Through our collaboration, the hotel successfully achieved Cyber Essentials certification. This gives them peace of mind that their guest data and operations are protected against cyber threats, and shows guests they’re committed to cyber security best-practices.
The process gave them clear insights into their entire infrastructure, delivered long-term resilience, and ensured compliance with industry standards.
We’re confident they’ll continue to see major benefits from Cyber Essentials certification. Organisations with Cyber Essentials controls in place report 92% fewer insurance claims, demonstrating its effectiveness in mitigating cyber risks. And 89% of certified organisations would recommend Cyber Essentials to others, which shows its value in strengthening security and building trust.
‘Cybersecurity is a critical priority in hospitality, and achieving Cyber Essentials certification was a key milestone for Hampton by Hilton Waterloo. Micron guided us through every step of the process, ensuring a seamless experience while strengthening our security posture. Micron’s structured approach – from initial assessments to implementing corrective actions – provided clarity and confidence throughout.’
Thomas Panickamuriyil
General Manager
