Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus are evolving. From 27 April 2026, the UK government-backed certification scheme will introduce updated requirements designed to reflect modern cloud platforms, hybrid working and emerging cyber threats.
If your organisation is planning certification or renewal, understanding the Cyber Essentials 2026 changes now will help you avoid disruption and stay compliant.
As a managed service provider delivering both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, we support businesses at every stage of the certification process.
What Is Changing in Cyber Essentials 2026?
The April 2026 update strengthens the technical controls within Cyber Essentials to better address today’s risk landscape.
Key changes include:
- Cloud Services Must Be Included in Scope – Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and other cloud platforms that store or process business data must now be assessed as part of the certification process.
- Mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication – Multi-Factor Authentication must be enabled wherever it is supported, strengthening protection against account compromise.
- Stricter Scope Requirements – Any internet-connected device or system that accesses business data is in scope unless clearly justified and documented.
- Passwordless Authentication Accepted – Modern authentication methods such as passkeys and security keys are formally recognised within the scheme.
- Greater Focus on Cyber Resilience – Backups, recovery processes and incident response planning are emphasised as essential security foundations.
Cyber Essentials Before or After April 2026?
Businesses planning certification have two options ahead of the deadline.
- Certify Before April 2026 – If you achieve certification before the update takes effect, you remain compliant under the current standard for up to 12 months. This transitional period allows time to prepare for the new requirements without immediate pressure.
- Certify After April 2026 – Any certification started after April 2026 must meet the updated standard from day one. While this ensures immediate alignment, it leaves less time to prepare.
Should You Prepare for the New Cyber Essentials Standard Now?
Although the transitional window offers flexibility, preparing early is the strongest long-term approach.
Getting ahead of the 2026 Cyber Essentials requirements:
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Aligns your organisation with the future standard
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Reduces last-minute compliance risk
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Demonstrates proactive cyber security to customers and regulators
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Strengthens protection against phishing, ransomware and account compromise
How We Support Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
We deliver end-to-end support for both levels of certification, including:
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Gap analysis against the 2026 Cyber Essentials requirements
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Implementation of firewalls, secure configuration and access controls
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Multi-Factor Authentication deployment
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Preparation for Cyber Essentials Plus technical testing
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Ongoing compliance support as standards evolve
Whether you are working towards Cyber Essentials for the first time or upgrading to Cyber Essentials Plus, we help make the process clear and manageable.
Plan Now for a Smooth Cyber Essentials 2026 Transition
You can use the transitional period or move early to meet the updated standard. Our advice is simple: prepare now, align with the 2026 requirements and future-proof your certification.
Contact our team at [email protected] or download our free guide to begin planning your Cyber Essentials 2026 certification.
