We are at the point where cybersecurity isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a business essential, no matter what sector you are in. That’s why more and more organisations are looking into Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus which are government-backed certifications that help businesses prove they take data security seriously.
But what’s the difference between the two? And which one is right for your business?
The cyber security experts here are Dialageek are here to help break it down and make choosing between the two a simple decision.
What Is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is the UK government’s baseline standard for cyber security. It’s a certification scheme designed to help businesses protect themselves from the most common types of cyber threats. It’s also really useful to show clients, customers and suppliers that you’re doing things properly.
The scheme is backed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and was introduced to help improve the overall security posture of UK businesses. It’s particularly aimed at SMEs who may not have the budget or resources for more complex security frameworks.
At its core, Cyber Essentials focuses on five key technical controls:
- Firewalls and internet gateways – protecting your systems from unauthorised access.
- Secure configuration – ensuring devices and software are set up safely.
- User access control – limiting admin privileges to only those who need them.
- Malware protection – using antivirus or similar software to detect and stop threats.
- Patch management – keeping software up to date with security patches.
These controls help guard against around 80% of common cyber attacks, including phishing and basic malware.
What Is Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials Plus includes all the same requirements as the basic Cyber Essentials certification — but with an important difference that it’s independently verified.
Rather than completing a self-assessment questionnaire (as you would with Cyber Essentials), Cyber Essentials Plus involves a hands-on technical audit by a qualified assessor. They’ll test your systems to make sure the five key controls are properly implemented and working as expected.
In short: Cyber Essentials says “we’ve checked ourselves.” Cyber Essentials Plus says “a professional has checked us.”
The assessment includes:
- Internal vulnerability scans
- External vulnerability testing
- A review of sample devices (laptops, desktops, mobile phones)
- Checks on antivirus, software patching, and user account configuration
- Email and web browser settings testing
It’s a more rigorous process — but also more credible.
So, Which One Do You Need?
That depends on a few key things: your business size, your sector, and what your clients expect of you.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Cyber Essentials | Cyber Essentials Plus | |
| Assessment type | Self-assessment | Independent technical audit |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time to complete | Typically 1–3 days | 5–10 working days (with prep) |
| Level of assurance | Basic | High |
| Tender requirements | Meets most public sector basics | Required for some government contracts |
| Client reassurance | Moderate | Strong – shows robust testing |
If you’re a smaller business looking to tick the minimum box for compliance, Cyber Essentials is a great starting point.
If you want to build deeper trust with clients, tender for certain public sector contracts, or demonstrate a higher level of cyber maturity, go for Cyber Essentials Plus.
Why Bother with Cyber Certification at All?
Having effective cyber security it’s not just about box ticking, it’s about protecting your business from real-world threats.
Cyber Essentials helps reduce your risk and gives you a framework to follow. If something does go wrong, having a recognised certification shows that you took your responsibilities seriously — which matters when it comes to reporting, insurance claims, and damage control to your business’ reputation.
Certification also:
- Improves credibility — especially in supply chains or sectors where data sensitivity is high
- Opens new opportunities — some contracts, especially government or healthcare-related, require it
- Supports GDPR compliance — by demonstrating technical security controls
- Protects against fines — the ICO looks favourably on businesses that can show they followed best practice
How Dial A Geek Can Help
We work with businesses across Bristol and the South West to achieve both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. Whether you’re going for the first level or aiming for full certification with a technical audit, we’ll guide you through the entire process.
That includes:
- A full pre-assessment to spot gaps
- Hands-on remediation support (if needed)
- Help with completing the self-assessment questionnaire
- Liaising with assessors during Cyber Essentials Plus audits
- Friendly, plain-English explanations at every step
We don’t believe in fear-mongering or overcomplicating things. We just make sure you’re covered, compliant, and confident.
Cyber Essentials Certification in Bristol
If you’ve never thought about cyber security before, Cyber Essentials is a smart, achievable first step. If your business handles sensitive data or works with larger clients, Cyber Essentials Plus gives you that extra layer of credibility and assurance.
Either way, we can help you get there — with as much (or as little) technical detail as you need.
Ready to get started with Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus? Or just want to find out more?
Let’s have a chat. Book a free consultation below.