Cyber Essentials Services

At Phenomlab, we understand that for startups and small to medium-sized businesses, building trust and resilience is essential to growth. Cyber threats are no longer confined to large enterprises – SMEs are now among the most frequent targets due to their perceived weaker defences.

The UK government-backed Cyber Essentials scheme provides a simple, affordable way to safeguard your business, demonstrate professionalism, and meet growing contractual and regulatory requirements. Whether you’re taking first steps with a readiness assessment or pursuing full certification, Phenomlab makes the journey clear, practical, and achievable.

Our tailored Cyber Essentials services help you assess, implement, and prove that the fundamental security controls are in place, giving you confidence and credibility as your business grows.

Why Cyber Essentials Matters

Implementing Cyber Essentials provides assurance that your organisation can:

• Defend against the most common online threats

• Build trust with clients, partners, and investors

• Win new business and qualify for contracts that mandate certification

• Demonstrate security awareness and professionalism

• Lay the foundation for advanced frameworks like ISO 27001 or SOC 2

Common Challenges for Startups & SMEs

Many smaller organisations face similar obstacles when it comes to cybersecurity:

• Limited in-house expertise or stretched IT resources

• Uncertainty around where to start with compliance requirements

• Difficulty aligning technical security with business goals

• Fear of certification failure or unexpected remediation costs

• Growing demand from customers and supply chains for demonstrable assurance

Phenomlab bridges these gaps, providing guidance, support, and hands-on expertise to make certification achievable without unnecessary complexity.

Our Cyber Essentials Services

Cyber Essentials Light (Readiness Assessment)

A gap analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, and quick wins before you attempt certification. Ideal for startups and SMEs looking to prepare with confidence.

Cyber Essentials Certification

Support through the official government-backed self-assessment process, including readiness checks, remediation guidance, and policy alignment. Ensures you achieve certification smoothly and with lasting security improvements.

Cyber Essentials Plus

Preparation and support for the independent technical audit that validates your security controls in practice. We help you remediate issues, coordinate with auditors, and achieve the highest level of assurance.

Benefits of Partnering with Phenomlab for Cyber Essentials

• Founder-Led Expertise: Direct access to senior professionals with 30+ years of IT and cybersecurity leadership.

• Tailored Guidance: Practical support designed for SMEs and startups, scaled to your resources and risk profile.

• Confidence in Compliance: Structured readiness reviews and remediation support that reduce the risk of certification failure.

• Beyond the Checklist: We embed improvements that strengthen your resilience, not just your certification application.

• Trusted Partnership: Acting as an extension of your team, we handle complexity while you focus on growth.

• Future-Ready Security: Cyber Essentials is your launchpad to advanced frameworks like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and DORA.