How long does it take to achieve Cyber Essentials certification?

Achieving the Cyber Essentials certification typically takes a few weeks, depending on the state of your current IT systems. The process involves completing a self-assessment questionnaire, addressing any identified security gaps and submitting your application for review. Cyber Essentials Plus takes longer as it requires an independent assessment, which can be conducted remotely or on-site. Preparation time, rescans and any necessary remediation can extend the timeline, although the assessment itself typically takes 1-2 days to complete.

Why should I choose Cyber Essentials Plus over the standard?

Unlike the standard certification, which is based on self-assessment, Cyber Essentials Plus involves an independent, unbiased technical assessment of your systems. This gives stakeholders greater assurance and validation that you’re complying with the Cyber Essentials Scheme. It also increases your eligibility for government tenders and contracts that require a higher level of cyber security, giving your business a competitive edge in securing these opportunities.

Do I need Cyber Essentials if I already have ISO 27001?

Yes, it’s worth having both. ISO 27001 provides a broad and internationally recognised framework for managing information security, while Cyber Essentials focuses on essential cyber security measures. Some clients specifically ask for Cyber Essentials certification, so having both helps your business meet key security requirements and stand out.

How often do I need to renew my Cyber Essentials certification?

Cyber Essentials certifications must be renewed every 12 months to ensure your organisation continues to meet the required security standards. While this involves completing the certification process again, the second and subsequent years are typically much more straightforward than the initial certification.

Compliance Services | Certifications that protect your business.

We believe compliance isn’t just necessary from a legal perspective. It’s about protecting your business and proving to your customers that you’re serious about security

Cyber attacks are on the rise, with UK businesses experiencing over 7.7 million cyber crimes in the past year alone. That’s nearly half of all businesses facing threats that could compromise their data, reputation and operations. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

The Cyber Essentials scheme is the Government’s answer to a safer internet space for organisations of any size. It’s recognised as the minimum standard of cyber security, focusing on five fundamental technical controls that organisations should implement. The National Cyber Security Centre reports that 92% fewer insurance claims are made by organisations with the Cyber Essentials controls in place.

We follow a proven, step-by-step process to help you achieve Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification quickly and effectively. We’ll assess your existing IT setup, address any gaps or vulnerabilities and ensure you meet and maintain the high standard of security required.

With our expertise, you can protect what matters most and reassure your customers and partners that their data is safe in your hands.

Source: UK Gov

No-fuss compliance packages to help your business achieve Cyber Essentials certification with ease

We’ve created three compliance packages to guide your business through the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications. Pricing starts from £1,000 per annum, with costs depending on how prepared your IT systems are for certification. The time and work involved in addressing vulnerabilities and meeting the standards will vary based on your current setup.

Take a look at the packages below to find the right level of protection for your business.

Basic

Cyber Essentials Certification

Our Basic Package provides a straightforward and supportive route to achieving the Cyber Essentials certification.

We’ll work closely with your team to complete the required self-assessment questionnaire, preparing and reviewing all necessary documentation to make sure everything is in place. As part of the process, we’ll conduct technical prework to identify vulnerabilities, perform a security review and carry out any remedial work needed to meet the required standard.

Achieving Cyber Essentials opens doors for your business. The certification enables you to bid for contracts in both the public and private sectors, particularly those involving sensitive data or IT services. It’s also becoming a recognised standard in industry certifications and could help reduce your cyber insurance premiums.

From £1,000 per annum

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Standard

Cyber Essentials Plus Certification

Our Standard Package takes your Cyber Essentials certification to the advanced-level Cyber Essentials Plus. This certification includes a detailed onsite or remote technical audit to verify that your systems meet all required standards.

We work with third-party cyber security experts to perform internal and external vulnerability scans to verify that your responses in your self-assessment are correct. A sample of end-user devices, internet gateways and servers will be tested. Our technical team will then carry out remediation work, addressing any recommendations to prepare your systems for the final audit.

With Cyber Essentials Plus, your business gains greater security assurance and enhanced credibility when competing for tenders and government contracts. This certification must be completed within three months of achieving the introductory Cyber Essentials award.

From £5,000 per annum

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Premium

Cyber Essentials Plus Certification & Penetration Testing

Our Premium Package combines Cyber Essentials Plus certification with penetration testing for the highest level of security assurance. Through ethical hacking techniques that simulate real-world cyber attacks, we identify and resolve vulnerabilities in your systems before they can be exploited.

This package is ideal for businesses handling sensitive data or operating in highly regulated industries. It ensures compliance with advanced standards like PCI DSS and offers valuable insights into your security framework, complete with detailed action plans to strengthen your defences.

The certification itself proves to stakeholders and governing bodies that your business takes IT security seriously and is fully committed to protecting its data and infrastructure.

From £10,000 per annum

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IT Compliance FAQs

Achieving the Cyber Essentials certification typically takes a few weeks, depending on the state of your current IT systems. The process involves completing a self-assessment questionnaire, addressing any identified security gaps and submitting your application for review.

Cyber Essentials Plus takes longer as it requires an independent assessment, which can be conducted remotely or on-site. Preparation time, rescans and any necessary remediation can extend the timeline, although the assessment itself typically takes 1-2 days to complete.
Unlike the standard certification, which is based on self-assessment, Cyber Essentials Plus involves an independent, unbiased technical assessment of your systems. This gives stakeholders greater assurance and validation that you’re complying with the Cyber Essentials Scheme.

It also increases your eligibility for government tenders and contracts that require a higher level of cyber security, giving your business a competitive edge in securing these opportunities.

Book a free consultation today

We provide free no-obligation consultations to all businesses that may wish to utilise our services. This allows us to better understand your business, your aims and any challenges you may face, before making recommendations.

Call Us
01752 606553

Email Us
hello@acronyms.co.uk