What is Cyber Essentials?

12/09/25 Wavenet
cyber essentials

Cyber security is no longer an optional investment for UK businesses - it’s a necessity. With the growing number of cyber threats targeting organisations of all sizes, safe-guarding sensitive data and ensuring compliance has never been more important. One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your cyber resilience is by achieving Cyber Essentials certification.

Understanding Cyber Essentials

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed, industry-supported scheme designed to help businesses protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. Launched by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the scheme provides a clear set of security controls that, when implemented, can significantly reduce the risk of cyber-attacks.

At its core, Cyber Essentials helps businesses:

  • Prevent the most common types of cyber-attacks.
  • Protect data and systems from being compromised.
  • Demonstrate commitment to cyber security to customers, suppliers, and partners.

Why Cyber Essentials matters

Cyber crime is one of the fastest-growing threats to UK businesses. The average cost of a cyber breach can be devastating - not just financially, but also in terms of reputation and customer trust. By becoming Cyber Essentials certified, your business gains:

  • Reassurance for clients and partners – Demonstrate that your business takes cyber security seriously.
  • Competitive advantage – Many public sector contracts, and increasingly private sector tenders, require certification.
  • Risk reduction – Minimise vulnerabilities to phishing, malware, ransomware, and other common threats.
  • Compliance alignment – Supports wider compliance with GDPR and other regulatory standards.

Cyber Essentials vs. Cyber Essentials Plus

There are two levels of certification:

Cyber Essentials – A self-assessment questionnaire reviewed by an external certification body. It covers five key security controls: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management.

Cyber Essentials Plus – Builds on Cyber Essentials with an independent assessment and technical verification, including on-site or remote auditing. This provides a stronger assurance and is increasingly required for government and larger business contracts.

How to get certified

The certification process is designed to be accessible and achievable for organisations of all sizes. Working with a trusted partner like us ensures that:

  • Your current cyber security controls are reviewed.
  • Gaps are identified and remediated.
  • The certification process is managed efficiently with expert guidance.

Our team can help you navigate the entire journey - from assessment to certification - ensuring your business is protected and compliant.

Cyber Essentials FAQs

Who needs Cyber Essentials certification?

Any UK business handling sensitive data or working with suppliers/clients who require secure data management should strongly consider certification.

Is Cyber Essentials mandatory?

While not legally mandatory for all businesses, it is required for certain UK government contracts and highly recommended across industries.

How long does Cyber Essentials certification last?

Certification is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually to maintain compliance.

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

Cyber Essentials focuses on protection from common cyber threats through specific technical controls, while ISO 27001 is a broader information security management standard. Many businesses pursue both for comprehensive protection.

How much does Cyber Essentials cost?

Costs vary depending on the level (Basic or Plus) and the size of your organisation. We can provide tailored guidance and a clear path to certification.

What happens if I fail the assessment?

You’ll receive feedback on areas to improve, and with we can support, you can address gaps and re-apply.

Final thoughts

Cyber Essentials is not just a certificate - it’s a statement of your organisation’s commitment to cyber security. In today’s digital world, customers and suppliers need reassurance that you can protect their data and systems. Achieving certification strengthens your defences, builds trust, and opens the door to new opportunities.

Wavenet is an IASME accredited provider and a Certifying Body for the Cyber Essentials programme; this means we can conduct your assessment, report the outcome to the scheme administrators (IASME), and ultimately, issue the certificate if you pass.

Protect your business today. Get Cyber Essentials certified with Wavenet and stay one step ahead of cyber threats.

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