Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed cybersecurity certification that helps organisations protect against the most common cyber attacks. It demonstrates that your business has implemented five essential technical security controls recommended by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), reducing cyber risk and improving your overall security posture.

Cyber Essentials is a self-assessed certification that confirms your organisation meets the required security standards. Cyber Essentials Plus includes an independent technical assessment, where certified assessors verify that your security controls have been correctly implemented and are working effectively. Cyber Essentials Plus provides a higher level of assurance for customers, suppliers and stakeholders.

Cyber Essentials is suitable for organisations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises. It is often required when bidding for UK government contracts, working with public sector organisations or meeting supply chain security requirements. Many businesses also achieve certification to demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity and build customer trust.

The Cyber Essentials scheme focuses on five key security controls:

• Firewalls
• Secure configuration
• User access control
• Malware protection
• Security update management

Together, these controls help protect organisations against the majority of common cyber attacks.

Cyber Essentials certification is valid for 12 months. Organisations should renew their certification annually to demonstrate continued compliance and ensure their security controls remain effective as cyber threats evolve.

Yes. Eligible UK organisations that achieve Cyber Essentials certification can benefit from free Cyber Liability Insurance included as part of the certification package. The insurance is subject to eligibility criteria and provides additional financial protection against certain cyber incidents.

For many organisations, Cyber Essentials Plus provides greater assurance than the standard certification because it includes independent technical testing. It is particularly valuable for businesses handling sensitive information, working within regulated industries or supplying customers who require independently verified cybersecurity controls.

The timescale depends on your existing cybersecurity maturity. Organisations with the required security controls already in place may achieve certification within a matter of days, while others may first need to address gaps before completing the assessment. ABS helps streamline the process with guidance, remediation support and certification preparation.

Yes. ABS provides end-to-end Cyber Essentials support, from assessing your current environment and implementing the required security controls to preparing your organisation for certification and Cyber Essentials Plus testing. Our consultants work with you throughout the process to make certification as straightforward as possible.