Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification that helps businesses protect themselves against common cyber threats. It provides a simple yet effective security framework to safeguard sensitive data, prevent cyberattacks, and demonstrate a commitment to cybersecurity
Reduces the risk of cyberattacks such as phishing, malware, ransomware, and hacking.
Ensures key security controls are in place, including firewall protection, secure configurations, and access controls.
Demonstrates to customers, partners, and stakeholders that your business takes cybersecurity seriously.
Enhances credibility and competitiveness, especially when dealing with government contracts and supply chains.
Helps meet legal and regulatory requirements, including the Data Protection Act, GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
Aligns with industry standards, making it easier to achieve further certifications like ISO 27001, or IASME Cyber Assurance standards.
Cyber Essentials certification is mandatory for organisations handling UK government contracts involving sensitive data or personal information.
Opens up new business opportunities in the public sector.
Some insurers offer discounted cyber insurance premiums for businesses with Cyber Essentials certification.
Demonstrates proactive risk management, reducing financial exposure from cyber incidents.
Provides a clear, affordable framework for improving security, making it ideal for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
Helps businesses avoid costly data breaches and downtime caused by cyberattacks.
Cyber Essentials – A self-assessment certification covering essential security controls.
Cyber Essentials Plus – Includes an independent security assessment for higher assurance.
Protect your business, enhance credibility, and comply with UK regulations with Cyber Essentials certification. Contact us for expert guidance and certification support.
Juno Information Security is a government approved certification body for Cyber Essentials
The price is the same. The cost for Cyber Essentials certification is set by the UK government.
You’ll be assessed by a randomly assigned assessor, with no feedback provided until after scoring, and only on failed or unclear answers.
Pay the same price, but get expert support from day one.
Unlimited help completing your questionnaire, early feedback, and access to the NCSC-certified Cyber Advisor service.
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Cyber Essentials follows a structured process that helps organisations implement fundamental cybersecurity measures. The certification is based on a self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ), which organisations must complete to demonstrate their compliance with essential security controls. Below is a detailed breakdown of the process.
Once you have paid your fee for the Cyber Essentials certification process you will be provided with your own portal and login, where you will answer a series of structured questions that assess your cybersecurity practices across key areas. The questionnaire covers:
The self-assessment also focuses on the five fundamental security controls required for certification:
Ensuring that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive systems.
Implementing password policies, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and least privilege principles.
Ensuring devices and software are configured securely to reduce vulnerabilities.
Removing unnecessary applications and default passwords to minimise risks.
Keeping operating systems, software, and applications up to date with security patches.
Ensuring that critical updates are installed promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implementing firewalls to protect network boundaries and block unauthorised access.
Configuring routers securely to prevent cyber threats from reaching internal systems.
Ensuring anti-virus and anti-malware software is installed and updated.
Preventing unauthorised applications from running on business devices.
Once the questionnaire is completed, the responses must be signed off by a senior executive, board member, or equivalent person with responsibility for cyber security; such as the business owner for small or micro companies, or sole traders. This ensures that cybersecurity is a top-level priority and that leadership is accountable for implementing security measures.
After submission, the self-assessment is reviewed by an independent Cyber Essentials Assessor. The Assessor evaluates whether the organisation meets the required security standards. If successful, the organisation is awarded Cyber Essentials certification.
If an organisation does not meet the required standards, the Cyber Essentials assessor will provide feedback on areas that need improvement. Businesses typically have a limited window to address deficiencies and resubmit their application for approval.
