Cyber Essentials Comparison: Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus Explained

If you want to protect your business from cyber threats and meet government requirements, you’ve probably heard about Cyber Essentials. But what about Cyber Essentials Plus? Which one should you choose? This guide will help you understand the key differences and benefits of each. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do to get certified and boost your cyber security.

Understanding Cyber Essentials: A Quick Overview

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber attacks. It focuses on five key controls:

• Secure your internet connection

• Secure your devices and software

• Control access to your data and services

• Protect against viruses and malware

• Keep your software and devices up to date

  
  

The certification process involves a self-assessment questionnaire. You answer questions about your security measures, and an external certifying body reviews your answers. If you meet the requirements, you get certified.

This certification is ideal if you want to show clients and partners that you take cyber security seriously. It’s also a requirement for many government contracts.

Cyber Essentials checklist on laptop screen

Cyber Essentials Comparison: What You Need to Know

When comparing Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, the main difference lies in the level of assurance and testing involved.

• Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment. You declare your security controls and policies.

• Cyber Essentials Plus includes the same self-assessment but adds an independent technical audit. Experts test your systems to verify your security.

  
  

Cyber Essentials Plus gives you a higher level of confidence. It proves your defences work in practice, not just on paper.

Here’s why this matters:

• Cyber Essentials is quicker and cheaper to get.

• Cyber Essentials Plus takes longer and costs more but offers stronger proof of security.

• Some clients or contracts may require Cyber Essentials Plus for higher assurance.

  
  

Both certifications cover the same five technical controls, but the Plus version tests them in real-world conditions.

Technical audit for Cyber Essentials Plus certification

What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and Plus?

The key difference is the verification method.

• With Cyber Essentials, you complete a questionnaire about your security measures. The certifier reviews your answers but does not test your systems.

• With Cyber Essentials Plus, a qualified assessor performs hands-on tests. They scan your network, check your devices, and try to find vulnerabilities.

  
  

This means Cyber Essentials Plus provides independent validation of your security. It’s harder to cheat or overlook weaknesses.

For example, Cyber Essentials Plus testing includes:

• External vulnerability scans

• Internal network scans

• User access reviews

• Malware protection checks

  
  

If you want to be confident your defences are effective, Cyber Essentials Plus is the way to go.

Why Choose Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus?

Choosing between the two depends on your business needs and budget.

Choose Cyber Essentials if:

• You want a quick, affordable certification.

• You’re a small business or sole trader.

• You need to meet basic government contract requirements.

• You want to improve your cyber security awareness.

  
  

Choose Cyber Essentials Plus if:

• You want stronger assurance for clients and partners.

• You handle sensitive or valuable data.

• You’re in a regulated industry like finance or legal.

• You want to reduce cyber risk with verified controls.

  
  

Both certifications help you reduce the risk of cyber attacks. But Cyber Essentials Plus gives you an extra layer of trust.

How to Get Certified: Practical Steps

Getting certified is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple roadmap:

1. Assess your current security - Review your systems against the five Cyber Essentials controls.

2. Fix any gaps - Update software, improve passwords, configure firewalls.

3. Choose a certification body - Find an accredited provider like Get Cyber Certified.

4. Complete the self-assessment - Answer the questionnaire honestly.

5. For Plus, schedule the technical audit - Arrange for the assessor to test your systems.

6. Receive your certificate - Display it proudly to show your commitment.

   
   

Remember, certification is not a one-time event. Keep your security up to date and renew annually.

Boost Your Business with Cyber Essentials Certification

Getting certified can open doors. Many UK government contracts require Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus. It also reassures customers and partners that you take cyber security seriously.

If you’re an IT support provider or Managed Service Provider, offering certification services can add value for your clients.

Don’t wait for a cyber attack to happen. Take control now and protect your business.

For a detailed comparison and expert help, check out this cyber essentials vs cyber essentials plus guide.

Start your journey today and stay one step ahead of cyber threats!

Ready to get certified?

Contact Get Cyber Certified for expert guidance and fast, reliable certification services tailored to your needs.