Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus
Secure your business, win more contracts
Cyber threats are growing in number and sophistication. Achieving Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates your organisation takes cyber security seriously, protects your systems and people, and builds trust with clients, suppliers, and partners.
What are Cyber Essentials?
The Cyber Essentials scheme is the UK Government’s baseline standard for cybersecurity. Designed for organisations of all sizes, it helps protect against the most common cyber threats. The scheme tests essential controls across your network, devices, and software, ensuring your business is secure against common attacks.
- Assure clients that your business and their business are secure against cyber attacks
- Win more contracts by demonstrating robust cybersecurity procedures
- Clearly illustrate your organisation’s security level
- Meet specific government and MoD requirements for contracts
Cyber Essentials vs. Cyber Essentials Plus
Why Choose AiMTech for Cyber Essentials
- We are an NCSC-accredited Cyber Essentials certification body
- End-to-end support, from readiness to certification
- We have experience with the public sector & SMEs, so we understand compliance pressures
- Part of our Managed IT Services, which means ongoing security, not just a one-off
- Fast-track certification– typical turnaround under 10 working days
- Trusted by clients including…
Certification that builds trust, reduces risk, and wins business
Earning your Cyber Essentials certification is more than a tick-box exercise. It signals to clients, partners, and regulators that your business actively manages cybersecurity. The scheme focuses on the five core security controls needed to defend against common cyber threats, including malicious software, phishing, and unauthorised access.
Prove your commitment to security
Certification is often mandatory for UK Government and MoD contracts. It’s a competitive differentiator for tenders, strengthens trust with customers, improves cyber liability insurance terms, and lays the foundation for advanced security frameworks.
Cyber Essentials Plus Checklist
Our Cyber Essentials Plus services ensure your business is secure across the 5 core controls recommended by the National Cyber Security Centre:
Boundary fireways & internet gateways
Secure your internet connection and block unauthorised access
Secure configuration
Remove unnecessary services and change default passwords
User access control
Enforce least privilege and strong authentication
Malware protection
Implement anti-malware software and email filtering
Patch management
Ensure OS and software updates are applied within 14 days
Are you ready to become Cyber Essentials Plus Certified?
- Do your devices, networks, and cloud services follow these controls?
- Can your team respond to common cyber threats?
- Are software and systems regularly updated and patched?
Our Cyber Essentials Certification Process
Getting certified shouldn’t feel like navigating a maze of jargon and red tape. Our process is designed to be transparent and efficient, keeping you informed at every step.
Scope & Planning
We’ll start by defining exactly what’s in scope — your organisation, systems, devices, and cloud services, so we know precisely what’s being assessed.
Self-assessment / Technical Audit
Depending on your chosen level, you’ll either complete a guided self-assessment (Cyber Essentials) or our team will carry out a hands-on technical audit (Cyber Essentials Plus)
Remediation support
If we spot any gaps or vulnerabilities, we’ll help you fix them before submission, no guesswork and no unnecessary stress.
Submission & Review
Your completed assessment or audit is reviewed by our NCSC-accredited certification body to ensure all requirements are met.
Certified Issued
Once approved, you’ll receive your official Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certificate, complete with government-backed assurance.
Ongoing Assurance & 24/7 support
We won’t just disappear once the certification lands. Our team can help you maintain essential controls, stay on top of updates, and prepare for smooth annual re-certification.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment; Plus includes a technical audit to ensure controls are correctly implemented.
How long does certification take?
Most organisations achieve certification within 10 working days, depending on scope and readiness.
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Do I need Cyber Essentials to bid for government contracts?
Yes, it’s often mandatory for public sector and MoD contracts.
Can I fail the Cyber Essentials assessment?
Yes. If your systems don’t meet the essential controls. We offer remediation services to help you succeed.
How much does Cyber Essentials Plus cost?
Costs depend on your organisation’s size and complexity. Contact us for a quote.
Is recertification required? (Yes – annually)
Cyber threats evolve quickly. Even though certification is annual, we recommend reviewing your controls at least quarterly to keep pace with new risks and software updates.
Can you help if we’re not ready yet? (Yes – remediation services)
Absolutely! We provide full support to implement controls, fix vulnerabilities, help with recovery and get you Cyber Essential certified.
Can Cyber Essentials protect my organisation against all cyber threats?
Being Cyber Essentials certified means focusing on defending against the most common cyber attacks, including malicious software attacks, phishing, and unauthorised access. While it’s a strong baseline, organisations should combine it with other cybersecurity measures for comprehensive protection.
Who needs Cyber Essentials Services?
Any UK organisation that wants to secure its systems, protect client data, and demonstrate cyber diligence can benefit. It’s particularly important
Is Cyber Essentials certification mandatory for all UK businesses?
No, it’s not mandatory for every organisation. However, it is required for many government contracts and strongly recommended for any business that handles sensitive data or works within public sector supply chains.
Is there a free version of Cyber Essentials?
You can access free Cyber Essentials resources online to understand the framework and the essential cybersecurity controls it’s built on. However, official recertification isn’t free — it must be completed through an accredited certification body like AiMTech to be valid and recognised by clients, insurers, and government contracts.
What’s involved in cyber essentials services?
Cyber Essentials services cover everything your organisation needs to achieve certification, from initial assessment through to ongoing security support. The process typically includes:
- Readiness review
- Assessment or audit
- Remediation assistance
- Certification and reporting
- Ongoing assurance
In short, Cyber Essentials plus services ensure your systems are properly tested, your team understands the controls, and your business gains trusted certification that demonstrates resilience against common cyber threats.
Our benchmark for your security
