What is the meaning of Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-endorsed certification scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber threats. It provides a clear framework for implementing essential cyber security measures, focusing on five key controls: firewalls, secure configuration, use access control, malware protection and patch management. By adhering to these controls, organisations can reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks and demonstrate their commitment to cyber security to clients and stakeholders. Cyber Essentials enhances an organisation’s security posture, helps meet regulatory requirements, and builds trust by providing assurance that basic security measures are consistently applied.

What are the five controls of Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials outlines five key security controls that organisations must implement to guard against common cyber threats: Firewalls – Protects internet connections by creating a barrier between your network and external threats. Secure configuration – Ensures devices and software are set up securely to reduce vulnerabilities. User access control – Restricts access to data and systems to authorised users only, minimising potential breaches. Malware protection – Defends against malicious software using antivirus programs and anti-malware tools. Patch management – Keeps software and systems updated with the latest security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities.

How much does Cyber Essentials cost?

The Cyber Essentials scheme is not free. Organisations must pay a fee to undergo the certification process, which includes assessment and verification by an accredited certification body. The fee will vary depending on the size of an organisation.

Is Cyber Essentials worth it?

Cyber Essentials is worthy investment for many organisations. It provides a cost-effective way to enhance cyber security by focusing on essential protection against common threats. Achieving this certification demonstrates a commitment to security, which can boost customer confidence and meet regulatory requirements. Additionally, it helps streamline security practices, making it easier for organisations to manage risks. The certification can also open up business opportunities, as some government contracts require it. Overall, Cyber Essentials offers valuable benefits in strengthening an organisation’s security policies and reputation.

Is it difficult to implement Cyber Security?

Cyber security can be challenging due to factors like rapidly evolving threats, varying organisational needs and potentially limited resources. However, implementing a structured approach can make it easier. By focusing on these areas, organisations can simplify cybersecurity management and better protect their assets.

Is Cyber Essentials a legal requirement?

Cyber Essentials is not a legal requirement. However, some government contracts mandate it for suppliers and it helps organisations demonstrate their commitment to cyber security best practices.

What industries need Cyber Essentials?

While Cyber Essentials is beneficial for all industries, certain sectors particularly benefit from its implementation due to their handling of sensitive data and regulatory requirements: Finance – Protects sensitive financial data and meets regulatory standards. Healthcare – Safeguards patient information and complies with data protection laws. Government and defence – Required for certain contracts to ensure security standards. Education – Protects student and staff data from cyber threats. Retail and eCommerce – Secures customer data and payment information. Any industry aiming to enhance cyber security measures and build trust with clients can benefit from Cyber Essentials certification.

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Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus

The UK government-backed cyber security standard and assurance scheme

The Cyber Essentials scheme, set by the UK Government, defines a series of technical controls that help organisations strengthen their IT infrastructure and defend against common cyber threats. The scheme is designed to prevent the most frequent internet-based attacks and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to help protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data on all internet-facing devices. Achieving certification provides peace of mind that your defences can withstand the vast majority of common cyber attacks.

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If you would like to learn about the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Schemes, the benefits they could bring to your business, you’re in the right place. If you would like to find out more about becoming certified and the costs associated with these schemes, visit our Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus Certification webpage.

43%

Of UK businesses reported having experienced a cyber security breach or attack in the past 12 months*

85%

Phishing was the most common type of breach, reported by around 85% of organisations that experienced an incident*

12%

The percentage of UK businesses reported awareness of the Cyber Essentials scheme*

*Source: gov.uk

What Are The Cyber Essential Schemes?

Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus are UK Government-backed cyber security standards 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 standards established by the UK Government scheme, although to different extents.

Cyber Essentials is an affordable, entry-level way to demonstrate that you take cyber security seriously. Cyber Essentials Plus builds on this foundation, providing additional reassurance to clients through independent technical testing.

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 Certification

Expert Assessed Scheme

Cyber Essentials Plus builds on the Cyber Essentials certification. It helps businesses implement effective, more complex cyber security measures to better safeguard sensitive data and improve customer trust and retention.

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

Cyber Essentials Plus Certification

Our Cyber Essentials Schemes are offered through Ascentor

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Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus

Feature	Cyber Essentials	Cyber Essentials Plus
Verification	Self-assessment	Independent audit
Assurance	Foundational	Advanced
Typical Duration	1–3 days	3–5 days
Suitable For	SMEs, entry level	Sensitive or regulated data
Cost	From £320 + VAT	Quoted individually
Renewal	Annual	Annual
Entitled to £25k Cyber Liability Insurance Upon Completion	Eligible	Eligible

Want to learn more about the certification process? See our Cyber Essentials Certification page.

Five Controls of Cyber Essentials

Cyber Essentials defines five technical controls proven to block around 80% of common cyber attacks:

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

This is the foundation that Cyber Essentials is built on.

Which Organisations Need Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is useful for any organisation looking to improve its cyber security, regardless of size or industry.

Having Cyber Essentials certification can be particularly beneficial for any organisation looking to protect sensitive data, demonstrate cyber security commitment and enhance their reputation, from small, enterprising service providers to large-scale institutions.

Importantly, Cyber Essentials involves the entire organisation, not just the IT department, emphasising proactive risk management and leadership involvement in making cyber security a strategic priority.

Businesses that require a higher level of cyber security assurance can benefit from a Cyber Essentials Plus certification. Speak with our team to find out more.

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Certification Benefits

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

Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials Plus

Cyber Essentials Benefits

Certification gives you peace of mind that your defences will protect against the vast majority of common cyber attacks
Stand out from competitors, retain and win more business
Increased credibility and reputation, customers feel more confident in sharing information with you
Raised awareness of threat with staff reduces risk levels
Improved business continuity management
Tender for contracts with the MOD, NHS, and central government work
Reduce your insurance premiums by reducing your resilience to cyber threats
Drive business efficiencies throughout your organisation which helps improve productivity

Cyber Essentials Plus Benefits

Certification gives you peace of mind that your defences will protect against the vast majority of common cyber attacks
Stand out from competitors, retain and win more business
Increased credibility and reputation, customers feel more confident in sharing information with you
Raised awareness of threat with staff reduces risk levels
Improved business continuity management
Tender for contracts with the MOD, NHS, and central government work
Reduce your insurance premiums by reducing your resilience to cyber threats
Drive business efficiencies throughout your organisation which helps improve productivity

Why Cyber Essentials Matters For Your Business

It meets government and crucial supply-chain requirements (often a prerequisite for public-sector bids)
It instantly builds trust and credibility with clients and partners
It can significantly reduce the likelihood of common, costly cyber incidents
It is valid for 12 months, providing ongoing, recognised assurance (renewable annually)

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Related Resources

Cyber Essentials Certification FAQs

What’s the difference between Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001?

Who runs the Cyber Essentials Scheme?

What to expect if you decide to pursue certification?

What are the 5C’s of Cyber Security?

How long does Cyber Essentials take?

When was Cyber Essentials launched?