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Cyber Essentials Readiness

Purpose

Cyber Essentials Light is designed as a readiness assessment for startups and SMEs. It isn’t an official certification but provides a clear, low-cost way to evaluate your current security posture before starting the certification process. It reduces uncertainty, highlights immediate risks, and gives you confidence that your business is prepared for Cyber Essentials.

What’s Included

  • Comprehensive gap analysis against the five Cyber Essentials controls

  • Risk-prioritised findings with clear explanations

  • Tailored remediation plan with both quick wins and strategic fixes

  • Stakeholder-friendly report summarising strengths, weaknesses, and next steps

  • Dedicated consultancy session to walk through results and answer questions

Benefits

  • Avoid wasted time and cost by identifying issues early

  • Gain a clear roadmap to Cyber Essentials success

  • Build reassurance for customers, partners, and investors

  • Strengthen your defences even before formal certification

  • Increase team awareness and readiness for compliance requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Cyber Essentials Light is an internal readiness assessment offered by consultancies like Phenomlab. It’s designed to help you understand where you stand and prepare for the official Cyber Essentials certification.

It’s a low-cost, low-pressure way to identify gaps in your security. Many smaller businesses find Light helpful to build confidence and address issues before paying for official certification.

Most Cyber Essentials Light assessments can be completed in a few days, depending on the size and complexity of your IT setup.

No, but you will get a clear action plan and recommendations to prepare for official certification.

Not at all. You can go straight to Cyber Essentials if you feel ready. Light is simply a preparation step for those who want extra guidance.

Cyber Essentials Comparison

Feature / LevelCyber Essentials Light (Readiness)Cyber Essentials (Official)Cyber Essentials Plus (Audited)
PurposeInformal gap analysis to prepare for certificationGovernment-backed self-assessment certificationFull certification with independent audit
Official CertificationNoYesYes
Assessment MethodConsultancy-led review & recommendationsSelf-assessment questionnaireIndependent technical audit + testing
Cost LevelLow (entry-level)Moderate (affordable for SMEs)Higher (audit costs included)
What You GetAction plan; gap analysis; readiness reportCyber Essentials certificate valid for 12 monthsCyber Essentials Plus certificate valid for 12 months
External ValidationNoNoYes
Supply Chain / Contract ReadinessBasic reassuranceRequired by many UK contractsRequired by government & high-trust contracts
Best ForStartups & SMEs exploring certificationSMEs needing formal certificationSMEs scaling; handling sensitive data; or working in regulated supply chains
Progression PathPrepares you for Cyber EssentialsCan be upgraded to PlusHighest assurance level

Cyber Essentials Comparison

Cyber Essentials Light (Readiness)

  • Purpose: Informal gap analysis to prepare for certification
  • Official Certification: No
  • Assessment Method: Consultancy-led review & recommendations
  • Cost Level: Low (entry-level)
  • What You Get: Action plan; gap analysis; readiness report
  • External Validation: No
  • Supply Chain / Contract Readiness: Basic reassurance
  • Best For: Startups & SMEs exploring certification
  • Progression Path: Prepares you for Cyber Essentials

Cyber Essentials (Official)

  • Purpose: Government-backed self-assessment certification
  • Official Certification: Yes
  • Assessment Method: Self-assessment questionnaire
  • Cost Level: Moderate (affordable for SMEs)
  • What You Get: Cyber Essentials certificate valid for 12 months
  • External Validation: No
  • Supply Chain / Contract Readiness: Required by many UK contracts
  • Best For: SMEs needing formal certification
  • Progression Path: Can be upgraded to Plus

Cyber Essentials Plus (Audited)

  • Purpose: Full certification with independent audit
  • Official Certification: Yes
  • Assessment Method: Independent technical audit + testing
  • Cost Level: Higher (audit costs included)
  • What You Get: Cyber Essentials Plus certificate valid for 12 months
  • External Validation: Yes
  • Supply Chain / Contract Readiness: Required by government & high-trust contracts
  • Best For: SMEs scaling; handling sensitive data; or working in regulated supply chains
  • Progression Path: Highest assurance level
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