Unfortunately, cyber threats are a daily reality, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). Cyberattacks don’t just impact your business, it can extend down your supply chain too. One of the most effective ways to show your customers, partners, and suppliers that you take cybersecurity seriously is through Cyber Essentials certification.
But with two options — Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus — it can be confusing to know which one your business needs.
Let’s break down what each involves, the key differences, and how to decide which level of certification is right for you.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification designed to help businesses protect themselves from the most common cyber threats.
It focuses on five key security controls:
- Access control – making sure only the right people have access to systems.
- Firewalls and internet gateways – protecting your network perimeter.
- Secure configuration – ensuring devices and systems are set up safely.
- Malware protection – defending against viruses and ransomware.
- Patch management – keeping software up to date.
How it works:
- You complete a self-assessment questionnaire about your cybersecurity practices.
- An external certifying body reviews your answers.
- If you meet the requirements, you’re awarded the Cyber Essentials certificate — valid for 12 months.
Ideal for: Businesses that want a simple, affordable way to demonstrate basic cybersecurity hygiene.
What is Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials Plus includes all the same requirements as the basic certification — but with an independent technical audit to verify everything is actually working as it should.
How it works:
- A qualified assessor carries out hands-on testing of your systems.
- They’ll check things like antivirus effectiveness, user access, and whether security patches are up to date.
- The assessment includes internal and external vulnerability scans.
Ideal for: Businesses that handle sensitive data, work with larger organisations, or need to prove their defences go beyond the basics.
In many industries — including construction, manufacturing, and supply chains — Cyber Essentials Plus is now a requirement for tendering or securing contracts.
The key differences at a glance
|
Feature |
Cyber Essentials |
Cyber Essentials Plus |
|
Assessment Type |
Self-assessment |
Independent technical audit |
|
Verification |
Reviewed by certifying body |
Tested and verified by experts |
|
Depth |
Basic cybersecurity hygiene |
In-depth technical assurance |
|
Cost |
Lower |
Higher (due to testing) |
|
Best For |
SMEs starting their cybersecurity journey |
Businesses needing verified security assurance |
Why certification matters
- Builds trust – Shows customers and partners you take data protection seriously.
- Reduces risk – Helps prevent 80% of common cyberattacks.
- Tender advantage – Many government and enterprise contracts now require certification.
- Improves IT hygiene – Encourages best practices across systems and staff.
- Supports Cyber Insurance – Some insurers offer reduced premiums for certified organisations.
Which one should you choose?
Choose Cyber Essentials if:
- You’re starting your cybersecurity journey.
- You want a quick, affordable way to boost your security posture.
- You need a basic certification to meet supplier expectations.
Choose Cyber Essentials Plus if:
- You handle sensitive data or work in regulated industries.
- You supply larger organisations or government bodies.
- You want independent validation to strengthen customer confidence.
Tip: Many businesses start with Cyber Essentials, then upgrade to Cyber Essentials Plus within the 90 day period to mature their security processes.
How Techcare can help
At Techcare, we help UK businesses prepare for and achieve both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
Our experts guide you through every step — from the initial self-assessment to technical remediation and audit preparation. We’ll make sure your systems not only pass but are genuinely more secure.
Ready to get certified? Contact Techcare to start your Cyber Essentials journey today.
Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus both strengthen your business against cyber threats, but they represent different levels of assurance.
Whether you’re looking to meet compliance requirements, build customer trust, or enhance your security posture, certification is one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take.
