Understanding Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification scheme created by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to help organisations protect themselves against the most common types of cyberattacks.

It focuses on practical, achievable steps that any business—large or small—can take to strengthen its defences against everyday threats like phishing, malware, and unauthorised access.

Instead of overwhelming organisations with complex compliance requirements, Cyber Essentials provides a clear framework of five core technical controls that, when implemented effectively, can block around 80% of common cyber threats.

Rather than overwhelming businesses with complex compliance demands, the scheme provides a clear framework of five core controls that must be implemented and maintained.

The Five Technical Controls at the Heart of Cyber Essentials

To achieve certification, your organisation must show that it has the following essential security measures in place:

1. Firewalls & Internet Gateways – Control and monitor access to your network to prevent unauthorised connections.

2. Secure Configuration – Ensure systems and software are properly set up, with unnecessary accounts and functions removed.

3. User Access Control – Limit user permissions to reduce insider risks and restrict access to sensitive information.

4. Malware Protection – Use recognised anti-malware and threat detection tools to identify and stop malicious software.

5. Patch Management – Keep devices and applications up to date to prevent attackers exploiting known vulnerabilities.

Implementing these simple yet powerful controls can significantly reduce the risk of common attacks, such as ransomware infections or data breaches.

What is The Cyber Essentials Accreditation?

Once these security measures are in place, your organisation can apply for Cyber Essentials accreditation through an approved certification body.
The process involves completing an online self-assessment questionnaire, which is then independently reviewed by an accredited assessor (such as those approved by the IASME Consortium).

Achieving certification confirms that your business:

• Follows recognised cyber security best practices

• Is committed to protecting customer and company data

• Meets a baseline level of protection recognised by the UK government

Cyber Essentials certification is valid for 12 months and is required for many UK government contracts, particularly in defence, healthcare, education, and other sectors handling sensitive information.

What is Cyber Essentials Plus?

Cyber Essentials Plus is the next level of assurance, offering a deeper and independently verified review of your cyber defences.
While Cyber Essentials is based on self-assessment, Cyber Essentials Plus includes a technical audit conducted by an independent assessor.

The audit tests whether the five core controls are not only in place—but are working effectively in real-world scenarios.
Typical checks include:

• Vulnerability scanning

• Device and configuration testing

• User access reviews

• Live system testing

This higher level of certification is ideal for organisations that handle sensitive data, work within regulated industries, or simply want to provide greater reassurance to clients and partners that their systems are robust and well maintained.

What's The Difference Between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials plus?

Both certifications are valid for 12 months and complement each other. Many businesses begin with Cyber Essentials to establish a solid security baseline and later progress to Cyber Essentials Plus for enhanced assurance.

Benefits of Cyber Essentials Accreditation

Achieving either level of certification offers measurable business and security benefits:

✅ Enhanced Protection: Reduces the risk of cyber incidents by addressing common vulnerabilities.

✅ Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet data protection and information governance standards.

✅ Government Tender Eligibility: Required for many UK public sector contracts.

✅ Supply Chain Confidence: Demonstrates to partners and customers that you take cyber security seriously.

✅ Cyber Insurance Advantage: Many certified UK businesses qualify for free or reduced-rate cyber insurance.

✅ Reputation and Trust: Signals professionalism, reliability, and proactive risk management.

Why Both Accreditations Matter

Both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus play an essential role in building resilience, trust, and compliance within your business.
By becoming certified, you’re not just protecting against digital threats — you’re strengthening your organisation’s reputation, winning stakeholder confidence, and aligning with UK government standards for cyber safety.

Whether you start with the basic level or move directly to Cyber Essentials Plus, certification is a tangible step toward a more secure, compliant, and trusted business environment.

Get Support from The HBP Group

At The HBP Group, we guide businesses through every stage of the Cyber Essentials certification process — from implementing the five core controls to preparing for assessments and audits.
Our cyber security experts make compliance simple, ensuring your systems are secure, your processes aligned with NCSC standards, and your certification journey stress-free.

For more information on Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications visit our dedicated page here.

For more information on our wider managed Cyber Security Service, visit our page here.