---
title: "Cyber Essentials with IASME: Passkeys, MFA & UK Compliance"
description: David Lawrence and Neil Furminger discuss the latest updates to Cyber Essentials, including the Willow question set, MFA and passwordless access.
image: https://grantmcgregor.co.uk/hubfs/Episode10-Cyber-Essentials-with-IASME-Passkeys-MFA-%26-UK-Compliance-IT-Bridge.jpg
---
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[Home](https://grantmcgregor.co.uk/) / [Podcast](https://grantmcgregor.co.uk/podcast) / Cyber Essentials with IASME: Passkeys, MFA & UK Compliance
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OUR EXPERT PODCAST EPISODE #10 • David Lawrence & Neil Furminger
# Cyber Essentials with IASME: Passkeys, MFA & UK Compliance
## Episode Summary
In this episode of The IT Bridge, David Lawrence from Grant McGregor is joined by Neil, Head of Cyber Essentials at The IASME Consortium, to discuss the latest developments in the scheme.
They cover the new Willow question set, passwordless authentication, MFA adoption and what these changes mean for UK organisations looking to strengthen their cyber defences.
The conversation highlights why patching and regular software updates are essential, how supply chain security and compliance are evolving and why Cyber Essentials remains the foundation of strong cyber hygiene.
GUEST Neil Furminger • Head of Cyber Essentials, IASME
LENGTH 37 mins • Published: October 31, 2025
TAGS #ITStrategy #ITSupportEdinburgh #CyberEssentials
## Guest Bio
Neil Furminger is the Head of Cyber Essentials at The IASME Consortium. With over twenty years' experience across MSPs, IT services and internal IT teams in sectors including banking, legal and critical national infrastructure, he brings deep practical knowledge to how organisations can strengthen their cyber security.
He has been closely involved in the development and evolution of the Cyber Essentials scheme, working with the NCSC on requirements updates, assessor guidance and public outreach.
Neil regularly supports certifying bodies across the UK and is a frequent speaker on improving cyber awareness through simple, effective technical controls.
## More Episodes
## [ EPISODE #13 • Michael Khan & David Lawrence Understanding Microsoft Intune & Conditional Access](https://grantmcgregor.co.uk/podcast/understanding-microsoft-intune-conditional-access)
## [ EPISODE #12 • David Lawrence & Paul Sinclair 25 Years of Grant McGregor: People-First IT Journey](https://grantmcgregor.co.uk/podcast/25-years-of-grant-mcgregor-people-first-it-journey)
## [ EPISODE #11 • Cameron Rendall & Doug Davey IT Strategy Meetings: Planning Ahead](https://grantmcgregor.co.uk/podcast/it-strategy-meetings-planning-ahead)
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