Certification
Cyber Essentials
The UK Government-backed baseline certification that demonstrates your organisation has essential cyber security controls in place.
Required for government contracts, increasingly expected by insurers, and the foundation for all further cyber assurance.
IASME Accredited Certification Body · UK Government-Backed Scheme
What It Certifies
What Cyber Essentials certifies.
Cyber Essentials is built around five technical control themes that form the foundation of good cyber hygiene. These controls address the most common attack vectors and, when properly implemented, protect against the majority of commodity cyber threats. The scheme does not assess advanced persistent threats or nation-state attacks — it establishes a baseline that every organisation should meet.
Certification requires demonstrating that these controls are implemented across all in-scope systems, users, and cloud services. The assessment is conducted through a self-assessment questionnaire, with responses verified by an accredited Certification Body.
Firewalls
Boundary protection through properly configured firewalls or equivalent network devices.
Secure Configuration
Computers and devices configured to reduce vulnerabilities and provide only required services.
Access Control
User accounts and access privileges controlled and managed appropriately.
Malware Protection
Protection against viruses, malware, and other malicious software.
Security Updates
Software and devices kept up to date with security patches and updates.
Who Needs It
Who needs Cyber Essentials.
Government and public sector suppliers
May be required for contracts covered by PPN 014 and the MOD supply chain.
Organisations handling sensitive data
Expected by clients, partners, and insurers as a baseline assurance standard.
Companies tendering for NHS contracts
A prerequisite for many NHS framework bids and procurement requirements.
Businesses seeking cyber insurance
Many insurers require or reward Cyber Essentials certification with improved terms.
The Process
What the process involves.
Scoping
Define systems, users, and services within the certification boundary.
Gap Assessment
Compare current controls against CE requirements.
Remediation
Close identified gaps with guided support.
Evidence Review
Review responses and evidence before submission.
Certification
Formal assessment and certificate issuance.
Scoping
Define systems, users, and services within the certification boundary.
Gap Assessment
Compare current controls against CE requirements.
Remediation
Close identified gaps with guided support.
Evidence Review
Review responses and evidence before submission.
Certification
Formal assessment and certificate issuance.
Deliverables
What you receive.
Cyber Essentials certificate
12-month validity
Official certification badge
For tender documents and marketing
£25,000 cyber liability insurance
Eligible organisations
Related Services
Get Started
Start with a conversation.
Our initial consultation is a working call — typically 30 minutes — in which we understand your organisation, your certification objectives, and your current security posture.
Or contact us directly: info@systemizer.co.uk