Guide to Cyber Essentials in 2025
- netcomtech
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 1
The Complete Guide to Cyber Essentials in 2025
Cyber threats are evolving—and so are the standards designed to protect businesses like yours. Whether you're a startup or an established SME, the Cyber Essentials certification remains a cornerstone of basic cyber hygiene in the UK.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Cyber Essentials in 2025.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government‑backed certification scheme that helps organisations protect themselves against common cyber threats. It covers five core controls:
Firewalls
Secure configuration
User access control
Malware protection
Patch management
There are two levels of certification:
Cyber Essentials (basic self‑assessment)
Cyber Essentials Plus (includes a technical audit)
Why Cyber Essentials Matters in 2025
In 2025, businesses face increasing pressure to demonstrate cyber resilience:
Many government contracts require Cyber Essentials
Insurers look for it when assessing cyber risk
Clients and partners expect it as a trust signal
Key Updates in 2025
The NCSC and IASME have introduced minor but important changes to reflect evolving threats, such as:
Enhanced remote working security requirements
Stricter patch management timelines
Updated requirements for MFA (Multi‑Factor Authentication)
Who Needs Cyber Essentials?
You should consider Cyber Essentials if:
You store or process customer data
You bid for government or Ministry of Defence (MOD) contracts
You’re part of a supply chain requiring compliance
You want to reduce cyber insurance premiums
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices (excluding VAT):
Size of Organisation | Typical Cost* |
Micro (0‑9 employees) | ~ £320 |
Small (10‑49) | ~ £440 |
Medium (50‑249) | ~ £500 |
Large (250+) | ~ £600 |
*Costs are approximate and may vary based on support, audit requirements, and the certification body.
How to Get Certified if you're going DIY
Choose a certification body (like Get Cyber Certified)
Assess your readiness
Complete the self‑assessment questionnaire
Submit for review
If you fail then you will be given 2 days to remediate after which your assessment will be marked again one final time and you will be either issued with your certificate or a failure notice.
(Optional): Undergo Cyber Essentials Plus audit
How to Get Certified if you'd like some support or have a deadline and need to pass without fuss
Choose a certification body (like Get Cyber Certified)
Select a supported service
Complete the self‑assessment questionnaire
Submit for review
The assessor will mark your assessment and feed back with a gap analysis / to do list outlining any areas which need adjustment and whats needed in order to pass
You have 6 months from the start of the assessment to make the changes after which point you resubmit your answers and achieve certification.
If for any reason you need to make further changes or adjustment you can cycle around the answer>feedback loop as many times as needed with unlimited support
(Optional): Undergo Cyber Essentials Plus audit
Why Choose Get Cyber Certified?
Fast, friendly guidance from experienced senior assessors
Pre‑assessment support options from £260
Affordable pricing, no hidden fees
Ideal for SMEs and first‑timers
Cyber Essentials in 2025 isn’t just about compliance—it's about confidence.
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