Phenomlab PHENOMLAB Technology. Security. Evolved.

Cyber Essentials Certification

Purpose

Cyber Essentials certification is the official UK government-backed standard that proves your organisation has the five core security controls in place. For startups and SMEs, it’s often the first step into recognised cybersecurity assurance – essential for winning contracts, protecting reputation, and demonstrating professionalism.

What’s Included

  • Readiness review to identify gaps before certification submission

  • Guidance completing the IASME self-assessment questionnaire

  • Remediation support for technical controls such as patching, firewalls, and access management

  • Policy and process review to ensure alignment with requirements

  • Certification journey management from preparation to successful award

Benefits

  • Achieve a government-recognised certification valid for 12 months

  • Enhance credibility and trust with customers, partners, and investors

  • Meet contractual or supply chain requirements for Cyber Essentials

  • Reduce exposure to the most common cyber threats

  • Build a solid foundation for progressing to Cyber Essentials Plus or ISO 27001

Frequently Asked Questions

Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment certification. You complete a questionnaire to confirm your business has the five core controls in place. Cyber Essentials Plus includes an independent audit to verify those controls.

Costs vary depending on your organisation size and whether you use consultancy support. For most SMEs, it’s affordable compared to larger frameworks like ISO 27001.

It’s backed by the UK government and widely recognised across industries. Many contracts (especially government supply chains) require Cyber Essentials as a minimum.

Cyber Essentials certification lasts 12 months. You’ll need to renew annually to stay certified.

Yes, if the required controls are not in place. However, with Phenomlab’s preparation, you’ll know what to fix before submitting your application.

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
Click to access the login or register cheese

Table of Contents

← Contents