Cyber Essentials Plus Certification UK | Audit Preparation.

What Our Clients Say

• What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?

  The difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus is the level of verification involved.

  Cyber Essentials is based on a self-assessment questionnaire, where your organisation confirms it has the required security controls in place.

  Cyber Essentials Plus builds on this by adding an independent technical audit. This means your systems are tested in practice to confirm the controls are correctly implemented and working effectively.

  In short:

  • Cyber Essentials = baseline self-assessment

  • Cyber Essentials Plus = higher assurance through hands-on testing

  Many organisations start with Cyber Essentials, then progress to Plus when contracts or customer requirements demand stronger evidence.

• How much does Cyber Essentials Plus certification cost?

  Cyber Essentials Plus cost varies depending on the size and complexity of your organisation, as the certification includes an independent technical audit rather than just a self-assessment.

  In general, Cyber Essentials Plus certification cost is influenced by:

  • Number of users and devices included in scope

  • IT environment complexity (cloud services, remote working, multiple locations)

  • How ready you are for audit (whether remediation is needed first)

  • Timescales and urgency (fast-track support may increase effort)

  At CyPro, we provide clear pricing upfront and help you understand exactly what’s included before the assessment begins. Contact us for a tailored Cyber Essentials Plus quote based on your scope and requirements.

• How long does Cyber Essentials Plus certification take?

  Cyber Essentials Plus certification typically takes around 2–4 weeks, depending on your organisation’s readiness and the complexity of your IT environment.

  The timeline usually includes:

  • an initial scoping and readiness review

  • remediation of any gaps found

  • preparation for the independent technical audit

  • completion of testing and certification issuance

  If your organisation already meets the requirements, the process can be completed more quickly. If improvements are needed (for example patching or configuration changes), it may take longer.

  We help you move through the process efficiently while minimising disruption to your internal teams.

• Is Cyber Essentials Plus mandatory?

  Cyber Essentials Plus is not legally mandatory for every organisation, but it is often required in practice for procurement and supply chain purposes.

  It is commonly needed for:

  • UK government contracts involving sensitive or personal data

  • suppliers working with public sector organisations

  • private sector buyers who require certified cyber security standards

  Even when not strictly required, many organisations choose Cyber Essentials Plus to demonstrate strong baseline security and build trust with customers.

• How long is Cyber Essentials Plus valid?

  Cyber Essentials Plus certification is valid for 12 months from the date it is issued.

  To remain certified, organisations must renew annually. Renewal ensures that the required controls are still in place and that your security posture continues to meet the scheme’s standards.

  Many businesses use annual renewal as a way to maintain good cyber hygiene and stay aligned with customer and contract expectations.

• What are the 5 Cyber Essentials controls?

  Cyber Essentials is based on five core technical controls designed to protect organisations against the most common cyber attacks.

  The five Cyber Essentials controls are:

  • Firewalls and boundary protection – preventing unauthorised access

  • Secure configuration – reducing vulnerabilities from default settings

  • User access control – ensuring only the right people have the right privileges

  • Malware protection – defending against viruses, ransomware, and other threats

  • Patch management – keeping systems updated and secure

  Cyber Essentials Plus verifies these controls through independent testing rather than self-assessment alone.

• Should I get ISO 27001 or Cyber Essentials Plus?

  Many organisations compare ISO 27001 vs Cyber Essentials Plus when deciding which certification to pursue first.

  The key difference is scope:

  • Cyber Essentials Plus focuses on 5 baseline technical controls designed to prevent the most common cyber attacks.

  • ISO 27001 is a full information security management system (ISMS) covering governance, risk management, policies, and ongoing improvement across the organisation.

  For most UK SMEs, Cyber Essentials Plus is the fastest and most practical starting point, especially if you need to meet supply chain or government contract requirements.

  ISO 27001 is more comprehensive and is often the next step for organisations with international customers, regulatory pressures, or mature security programmes.

  Many businesses achieve Cyber Essentials Plus first, then build toward ISO 27001 over time.

• What is the difference between ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials?

  The difference between ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials is that Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed baseline certification, while ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised security management standard.

  Cyber Essentials Plus:

  • focuses on technical cyber hygiene

  • can often be achieved in weeks

  • is commonly required in UK procurement

  ISO 27001:

  • covers organisational governance and risk management

  • typically takes months to implement

  • is recognised globally

  Both are valuable, and they are often complementary rather than competing.

• What are the Cyber Essentials Plus requirements?

  Cyber Essentials Plus requirements are based on the same five technical controls as Cyber Essentials, but they are independently tested during the audit.

  To pass Cyber Essentials Plus, organisations must demonstrate that:

  • devices and systems are securely configured

  • patching is applied within required timeframes

  • malware protections are effective

  • access controls follow least privilege principles

  • boundary firewalls and internet-facing services are properly secured

  Preparation is key, as the audit involves hands-on verification rather than policy review alone.

  CyPro supports you in identifying gaps early and ensuring you’re ready before assessment takes place.

• Can I use the Cyber Essentials Plus logo?

  The Cyber Essentials Plus logo is available only to organisations that have successfully completed Cyber Essentials Plus certification.

  Because the logo represents verified compliance, it must only be used by currently certified organisations and must follow the scheme’s official rules.

  If you’re preparing for renewal or certification and want to understand correct logo usage, CyPro can guide you through the requirements.

• Can I download the Cyber Essentials logo?

  If your organisation is Cyber Essentials certified, you may be eligible to use the official Cyber Essentials logo to demonstrate certified status.

  However, the logo can only be used:

  • while your certification is valid

  • in line with official branding and usage rules

  • without modification or unapproved wording

  If you are unsure which Cyber Essentials logo version applies to your certification, we can point you to the correct guidance and resources after certification.