With major Cyber Essentials changes coming in 2026 and the introduction of the Cyber Resilience Bill, businesses need to act now. Download our free guide to understand what’s changing, why Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus matter, and how to stay compliant and resilient.
They set out a practical, recognisable standard for good cyber hygiene, something that’s increasingly expected across both public and private sectors.
Whether you’re a growing business or a larger organisation with complex systems, these certifications offer a straightforward way to demonstrate that you take security seriously. They’re also a powerful way to build trust with customers, partners, and regulators by showing that your business is committed to protecting its data and staying resilient in a fast-moving threat landscape.
To help organisations choose the right level of protection, here is a breakdown of how Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus differ.
| Feature / Aspect | Cyber Essentials | Cyber Essentials Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Assessment | Self-assessment | Independent audit by certified assessor |
| Purpose | Confirms key technical controls to reduce common cyber risks | Adds assurance through external validation |
| Technical Requirements | Firewalls and internet gateways Secure configuration Access control Malware protection Patch management |
Same technical requirements as Cyber Essentials |
| Additional Checks | N/A | Vulnerability scans Endpoint checks Real-world testing of controls |
| Ideal For | Businesses starting to build cybersecurity practices Meeting basic compliance |
Organisations handling sensitive data Operating in regulated sectors Client or supplier due diligence Preparing for ISO 27001 Building stakeholder confidence |
| Value Proposition | Basic compliance and risk reduction | Greater assurance and confidence for internal or external stakeholders |
Our team can guide you through the Cyber Essentials journey from start to certification. Whether you’re unsure where to begin or looking to upgrade to Cyber Essentials Plus, we’ll help you understand what’s required and make the process smooth and stress-free.
Everything Tech has been instrumental in supporting our business strategy. They consistently meet our IT needs, with a dedicated support team that feels like part of Sigma Group, not just an external partner. Our Account Manager, Zale, leads with a proactive, collaborative style that adds real value to our account and IT roadmap. The team, notably Sam, Matt, Andy, and Mark, are exceptional professionals who escalate issues quickly, ensuring fast resolution, which is exactly what we need in such a fast-moving environment. As Group Compliance Director, having a trusted MSP partner is crucial, and Everything Tech has been exactly that since I rejoined Sigma nearly three years ago.
Stephen Woolf
Group Compliance Director, SigmaGroup
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