From 1 October 2025, all criminal law firms in the UK will be required to hold Cyber Essentials certification. This new mandate is part of a broader push to strengthen cyber security within the legal sector and protect sensitive case data from the growing risk of cyber attacks.
If your firm has not yet started preparing, the time to act is now.
Why this matters
Criminal law firms handle highly sensitive information, client data, case files, court evidence, and communications that, if compromised, could have serious legal, reputational, and even personal consequences.
In recent years, the legal sector has become a prime target for cyber criminals, with ransomware, phishing, and data theft increasing in both frequency and sophistication. The introduction of this requirement recognises that cyber resilience is no longer optional, especially for firms working within the criminal justice system.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). It sets out a basic but essential set of technical controls to protect organisations from common online threats.
- Cyber Essentials – a self-assessment covering five key technical controls.
- Cyber Essentials Plus – an advanced certification that includes an independent technical audit.
What does your firm need to do?
1. Understand the requirements
- Review the five technical control areas: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management.
- Consider whether you need Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus, based on the nature of your work and data.
2. Audit your current systems
- Identify gaps in your cyber defences.
- A pre-assessment by a certified body can help you understand what’s needed to comply.
3. Implement changes
- Work with internal IT teams or external consultants to make the necessary changes in infrastructure, processes, and policies.
4. Get certified
- Once you're confident your systems meet the requirements, apply for certification through a recognised Certification Body.
5. Maintain and review
- Certification is valid for 12 months. Make sure your defences stay up to date and build cyber security into your ongoing risk management practices.
The consequences of non-compliance
- Ineligibility for certain legal aid or government-contracted work.
- Increased scrutiny from regulators.
- Loss of trust from clients and partners.
- Higher cyber insurance premiums, or denial of coverage altogether.
Benefits beyond compliance
- Reduced risk of cyber incidents.
- Improved client confidence.
- Demonstrated commitment to data protection.
- Stronger positioning for tenders and contracts.
Don’t leave it too late
Certification can take time, especially if your systems need significant updates. Starting now ensures you’re not rushing at the last minute or risking non-compliance.
