In a digital environment where threats are more sophisticated and widespread than ever, businesses need more than basic protection. Cyber Essentials Plus is a government-backed certification that provides a higher level of assurance than the standard Cyber Essentials certification. While both versions cover the same core security controls, Cyber Essentials Plus includes an independent technical audit to verify that protections are properly implemented and effective. If your organization is preparing for this advanced level, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the Cyber Essentials Plus certification process with confidence.
Step 1: Achieve Basic Cyber Essentials Certification
Before you can pursue Cyber Essentials Plus, your organization must first obtain the basic Cyber Essentials certification. This involves completing a self-assessment questionnaire that demonstrates compliance with five key cybersecurity controls: firewalls, secure configuration, access control, malware protection, and patch management. The answers are reviewed by a certification body, and once approved, your business becomes eligible to move on to Cyber Essentials Plus.
Step 2: Choose an IASME-Certified Assessor
To begin the Cyber Essentials Plus process, you’ll need to work with an IASME-approved certification body. These assessors are trained to conduct the technical audit required for Cyber Essentials Plus. Choose a provider with experience in your industry and a solid reputation for quality support. The assessor will help define the scope of the audit and walk you through the requirements specific to your systems.
Step 3: Define the Scope of the Assessment
The scope of your Cyber Essentials Plus certification must include all internet-connected systems and devices used by your organization. This includes desktops, laptops, mobile devices, servers, and cloud services. It’s important to be thorough and honest when defining scope, as any system excluded from the assessment but later compromised could impact the validity of your certification. Your assessor will work with you to agree on a practical and comprehensive audit scope.
Step 4: Conduct a Pre-Assessment Check
Before the official audit begins, it’s highly recommended to perform a pre-assessment. This internal check helps you identify potential gaps or weaknesses that may cause your business to fail the Cyber Essentials Plus audit. Common issues include outdated software, misconfigured firewalls, weak passwords, or missing antivirus software. Addressing these problems early gives your organization the best chance of passing Cyber Essentials Plus on the first attempt.
Step 5: Undergo the Technical Audit
The core of Cyber Essentials Plus is the hands-on technical audit conducted by the assessor. This process includes internal vulnerability scans, external port testing, email filtering assessments, and malware simulation tests. The assessor will evaluate whether your cybersecurity measures effectively block common threats. The goal is to prove that your Cyber Essentials Plus controls are not just theoretical—but operational and reliable.
Step 6: Remediate Any Issues
If your organization fails any part of the Cyber Essentials Plus audit, you’ll typically have a short window—usually around 30 days—to resolve the issues and undergo a retest. Remediation steps must be clearly documented and completed in line with the scheme’s requirements. Many organizations work closely with IT teams or cybersecurity consultants to quickly address vulnerabilities and retake the audit successfully.
Step 7: Receive Certification and Promote It
Once you pass the audit, you’ll receive your official Cyber Essentials Plus certificate, valid for 12 months. Displaying the Cyber Essentials Plus badge on your website, marketing materials, and tender submissions demonstrates your commitment to high-level cybersecurity practices. This helps build trust with clients, partners, and regulatory bodies.
Conclusion
Cyber Essentials Plus certification offers UK businesses a rigorous, independently verified way to demonstrate effective cybersecurity. By following a clear process—starting with the basic certification, preparing thoroughly, and working closely with an approved assessor—you can successfully achieve Cyber Essentials Plus and elevate your organization’s reputation and resilience. As cyber threats continue to grow, investing in Cyber Essentials Plus ensures your business stays ahead of attackers while earning the trust of customers and stakeholders alike.
