Welcome to Amtivo in Ireland – formerly Certification Europe, EQA and BQAI

Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus

A recognised cyber security certification and assurance scheme

The Cyber Essentials scheme defines a series of technical controls that help organisations strengthen their IT infrastructure and defend against common cyber threats. For Irish organisations, Cyber Essentials certification can be particularly beneficial when working with UK-based clients, partners, or public sector bodies, where certification is often a contractual requirement. Holding certification can help streamline cross-border procurement processes and demonstrate recognised cyber assurance within UK supply chains.

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The scheme is designed to reduce exposure to frequent internet-based attacks and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to help protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data across internet-facing devices.

Achieving certification demonstrates that your organisation has implemented the required technical controls to support cyber security, and the “Plus” version of Cyber Essentials certification shows that these technical controls have been independently verified.

If you would like to learn about the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus schemes, the benefits they can bring to your organisation, and how certification works in Ireland, you’re in the right place.

Cybersecurity in Numbers

90%

Of Irish businesses have experienced financial loss or commercial disruption due to a cyber attack in the past five years.*

37%

Cyber extortion was the most common type of attack affecting Irish businesses, followed by phishing (31%).*

57%

Of Irish businesses do not regularly update software, and 51% do not run regular automated data backups, highlighting significant vulnerability.*

*Source: *Irish Tech News 

What Are the Cyber Essential Schemes?

Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus are UK Government-backed cyber security certification schemes that define a baseline level of protection against common cyber threats.

They focus on preventing the most common internet-based attacks by ensuring organisations implement appropriate technical controls to help protect systems, networks, and data.

There are two levels of Cyber Essentials.

  • Cyber Essentials – the entry-level scheme; and
  • Cyber Essentials Plus – the advanced level.

Both demonstrate a commitment to managing cyber security effectively and adhering to the requirements established under the scheme, although to different extents.

In Ireland, Amtivo delivers Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification through our sister company, Ascentor, which is an authorised IASME certification body.

why choose amtivo

Cyber Essentials is the affordable, entry-level option for showing you take cyber security seriously. Cyber Essentials Plus is the next step up, giving clients extra confidence through independent testing.

Cyber-Essentials

Self Assessed Scheme

Cyber Essentials is a UK scheme for cyber security. It helps organisations improve their cyber framework and deliver more secure services to customers. It also allows them to consistently meet regulatory requirements. 

Cyber Essentials Could Be Right For You If… 

You want a base-level security certification to demonstrate that you have key controls in place. 

Cyber-Essentials-Plus

Expert Assessed Scheme

Cyber Essentials Plus builds on the Cyber Essentials certification with independent technical verification of security controls. It helps orgnaisations implement stronger cyber security measures to better protect sensitive data and build greater customer trust.

Cyber Essentials Plus Could Be Right For You If… 

You are required to have a more in-depth audit of the key controls you have in place 

Your employees work from remote locations, or third parties have access to your premises or IT. 

How Much Does Cyber Essentials Cost?

Cyber Essentials is the affordable, entry-level option for showing you take cyber security seriously. Cyber Essentials Plus is the next step up, giving clients extra confidence through independent testing.

The cost of Cyber Essentials depends on the number of employees in a business. Prices from €370+VAT.

The cost for Cyber Essentials Plus is provided by quotation and is dependent on how long the assessment will take. To find out more about the cost of Cyber Essentials Plus for your business, contact our team to request a quote.

What is the cost of ISO 27001?

Five Controls of the Cyber Essentials Scheme

The Cyber Essentials scheme defines five technical controls designed to block the majority of common cyber attacks:

  • Firewalls and secure internet connections: Blocking unauthorised access
  • Secure configuration: Protecting devices and software from misuse
  • Access control: Limiting who can access systems and data
  • Malware protection: Detecting and preventing malicious software
  • Patch management: Keeping devices and applications updated

These controls form the foundation of Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification requirements.

Which Organisations Need Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials certification in Ireland is suitable for organisations of all sizes and sectors looking to strengthen their cyber security controls and demonstrate compliance with the Cyber Essentials scheme.

It can be particularly beneficial for organisations that:

  • Handle customer or commercially sensitive data
  • Work within regulated or security-conscious supply chains
  • Need to demonstrate cyber security controls during procurement
  • Operate remote or hybrid working environments

For some UK public-sector contracts, Cyber Essentials certification is mandatory. This can be relevant to Irish organisations operating cross-border.

Organisations requiring higher assurance levels may benefit from Cyber Essentials Plus certification.

cyber security risk assessment checklist - passwords

Certification Benefits

Your organisation could enjoy many of the benefits Cyber Essentials / Plus certifications can bring.

Cyber Essentials Benefits

  • Demonstrates recognised cyber security controls are in place
  • Supports supply-chain and procurement requirements
  • Builds trust and credibility with customers and partners
  • Improves awareness of cyber security responsibilities
  • Contributes to improved business resilience

Cyber Essentials Plus Benefits

  • Provides independent technical verification of implemented controls
  • Offers enhanced assurance for customers and stakeholders
  • Strengthens confidence in cyber security measures
  • Supports organisations with higher assurance requirements

Why Cyber Essentials Matters For Your Organisation

As cyber security expectations continue to evolve across the UK, Ireland and the wider EU, organisations are increasingly expected to demonstrate practical implementation of technical safeguards, not just policy commitments.

  • It supports government and supply-chain requirements
  • It builds trust and credibility with clients and partners
  • It reduces exposure to common, preventable cyber incidents
  • Certification is valid for 12 months and renewable annually

How Much Does Cyber Essentials Cost?

Packages start from €370 + VAT.

Cyber Essentials Plus includes a technical audit and is quoted individually based on scope and systems.

To find out more on the cost of Cyber Essentials Plus for your business, contact our team to request a quote.

cost of cyber essentials
Cyber Essentials Logo

Cyber Essentials Certification Process

This is the basic level of certification for Cyber Essentials. We operates this certification through our sister company, Certification Europe, who will support you through the certification process. Certification is achieved by a verified, self-assessed online questionnaire, covering information on your firewalls, malware protection, patch management, secure configuration of your devices and access control.

Process

  • Purchase Cyber Essentials Basic Certification by contacting the Ascentor Team.
  • The team will be in touch to provide you with your credentials to access your questionnaire.
  • You fill in the online questionnaire. Ascentor’s assessor will then review your answers and advise of any required changes before submission for certification.
  • You submit your online questionnaire for certification once you and the assessor are happy.
  • If successful, you will receive your certificate.
Cyber Essentials Plus Logo

Cyber Essentials Plus Certification Process

Do you already have Cyber Essentials and would like to secure Cyber Essentials Plus certification?

Cyber Essentials Plus requires a remote technical assessment of your system which includes a review of how you are meeting the 5 categories of Cyber Essentials.

Process

  • Contact the Ascentor Team.
  • The team will confirm that your current Cyber Essentials Basic Certificate has been issued within the last 3 months.
  • The team will assess the number of days testing, and assessment will require and issue a quotation.
  • The team will arrange a convenient time for the remote assessment to take place.
  • If all criteria are met during the assessment, you will receive your Cyber Essentials Plus Certificate and report.

* If you need support in addressing any issues identified throughout the certification process, please contact us.

Our Cyber Essentials Schemes are offered through Ascentor

ascentor logo

Learn more about Ascentor

Cyber Essentials Certification FAQs

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