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Cyber Essentials Certification Cost: Your Complete Price Guide

by Harman Singh on July 10, 2024

Cybersecurity is no longer optional but essential for UK businesses of all sizes. Cyber Essentials, a government-backed scheme run by the IASME consortium, offers a robust framework to protect your organisation from the growing threat of cyber attacks. But what exactly is the cost of Cyber Essentials certification, and how can you budget for this crucial investment?

Improving your organisation’s cyber security level is vital to reassure customers about your commitment to cybersecurity.

This Cyber Essentials guidance will break down the Cyber Essentials certification cost, helping you make informed decisions about your cybersecurity spending. The threat to UK businesses from cybercrime is significant and escalating. The consequences of inadequate cybersecurity can be catastrophic, from phishing scams and ransomware attacks to data breaches and system outages. While the cost of Cyber Essentials may seem primarily relevant to public sector requirements, it’s equally valuable for SMBs and mid-market companies looking to secure their supply chains.

Remember, the cost of inaction can far outweigh the Cyber Essentials price. Certification costs vary depending on several factors, which we’ll explore below.

Cyber Essentials Scheme: What You Need to Know

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme that sets out cyber security controls to protect organisations from common cyber threats. It shows your customers, partners, and stakeholders that you take cybersecurity seriously. It also provides a clear picture of the organisation’s cyber security level and an overview of the maturity of technical security controls.

Becoming Cyber Essentials certified starts with using a Readiness Tool to prepare for the certification. This involves following a series of questions to lead through the main parts of the Cyber Essentials requirements and taking necessary actions to prepare for the certification. There are two levels of certification:

Cyber Essentials: This entry-level certification consists of a self-assessment questionnaire and remote technical verification by an accredited certification body. As part of the self-assessment, you must complete the Cyber Essentials questionnaire, which involves answering the Cyber Essentials questions on the questionnaire portal.
Cyber Essentials Plus: This more comprehensive certification builds upon the basic level, including an independent third-party (sometimes on-site) audit and more extensive testing of your systems by a qualified assessor.

Read the detailed difference between the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification article. Beyond the immediate cost savings of not getting cyber attacked, Cyber Essentials certification gives you:

Better Reputation and Trust: Certification shows you take cybersecurity seriously and gives confidence to your customers and partners.
Competitive Advantage: Cyber Essentials is becoming a requirement for winning contracts in many industries, especially in the UK government supply chain.
Cyber Liability Insurance: Several cyber insurance providers offer discounts on Cyber Essentials Plus certification or require basic certification (Cyber Essentials) as a condition of cover. IASME, through its partners, offers up to £25000 in cyber insurance coverage for small businesses.
Cyber Hygiene: Getting certified helps you identify and fix vulnerabilities in your systems and improve cyber hygiene.

Factors Influencing Cyber Essentials Certification Cost

The cost of Cyber Essentials certification varies depending on your organisation:

Organisation Size and Complexity: Larger organisations with more complex IT estates will have higher assessment and implementation costs.
Existing IT Infrastructure: If you already have good security, the cost of getting certified will be lower than starting from scratch.
Internal Expertise: If you have in-house cybersecurity expertise, you may be able to complete some of the certification processes in-house and reduce the need for external consultants.
Certification Body: Accredited certification bodies like Cyphere offer different pricing and service levels. Compare quotes and services to fit your needs and budget best.
Expertise: If you are looking for a cyber essentials certificate, you can get it from anywhere by comparing the quotes. Suppose you are after a Cyber Essentials certification and cyber security needs. In that case, it makes sense to consider a relationship with a view of a potential security partner you can count on for future needs.

Unveiling the Costs: Cyber Essentials vs. Cyber Essentials Plus

Here are the typical cost ranges for each level of Cyber Essentials certification. Cyphere operates a transparent pricing structure without hidden costs, and no support charges are levied on any certifications unless explicitly agreed. The cost breakdown across two levels of certification is:

Cyber Essentials Cost Breakdown:

Basic Cyber Essentials certification typically ranges from £400 to £700. This fee covers the assessment, certification body fees, and access to support resources. However, it’s essential to factor in potential additional costs:

Software and Hardware Upgrades: To meet the Cyber Essentials requirements, you may need to invest in new security software, hardware, or updates.
Staff Training: Educating your employees on cybersecurity best practices is crucial for maintaining compliance.
Internal Resource Allocation: Consider the time and effort your internal IT team requires to implement and maintain the necessary security controls.

Cyber Essentials Plus Cost Breakdown:

Cyber Essentials Plus certification costs £1,399-£3,000, depending on the size and complexity of your organisation. Organisations that have passed Cyber Essentials can progress to Cyber Essentials Plus, which involves a more detailed audit. The higher cost is due to the increased assets and complexity of the certification process, which includes a technical audit:

Remote (sometimes On-site) Audit: As part of Cyber Essentials Assessments, a qualified assessor will connect remotely or visit your premises to check your systems and security controls. This includes checks against five technical controls, including malware protection, access controls, vulnerability scans and secure configuration across Operating Systems.
Authenticated Vulnerability Scanning: Automated tools will scan your network and systems for known vulnerabilities.

Cost-Saving Strategies for Cyber Essentials Certification

While Cyber Essentials does cost, there are ways to save:

Government Schemes and Incentives:

Cyber Essentials Readiness Grant: The UK government offers grants of up to £2,500 to help businesses in specific sectors implement the technical requirements for Cyber Essentials.
Regional Funding Programmes: Check with your local enterprise partnership or growth hub for any regional funding schemes that may support cybersecurity improvements and certification.

Get a Readiness Check Before Cyber Essentials Assessment

Conduct a Self-Assessment: Before engaging a certification body to carry out a Cyber Essentials assessment for certification, utilise the free resources and self-assessment tools available on the Cyber Essentials website to identify areas where your organisation needs to improve.
Implement Basic Security Controls: Implement basic security controls, such as strong passwords, firewalls, and up-to-date software. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the time and cost of the formal assessment process.

Choose the Right Certification Body

Shop Around for Quotes: Don’t hesitate to request quotes from multiple accredited certification bodies. Cyber Essentials pricing can vary, so comparing services and finding the best value for your money is essential.

Get in touch for a quote from Cyphere.

Consider Your Specific Needs: Some certification bodies specialise in working with specific sectors or organisations of different sizes. Choosing a provider with relevant experience can streamline the process and potentially reduce costs.

Return on Investment (ROI) on Cyber Essentials

Don’t just view Cyber Essentials as an expense. See it as an investment in your organisation’s resilience and reputation:

Better Cybersecurity

Certification provides a structured framework for implementing and maintaining essential security controls, reducing your vulnerability to common cyber threats.

More Business Opportunities

Cyber Essentials certification is increasingly required for businesses bidding for government contracts and tenders. It also enhances your credibility and trustworthiness for potential clients and partners.

Reduced Financial Losses from Cyber Attacks

Cyber Essentials certification can save your organisation significant financial losses associated with data recovery, system downtime, legal fees, and reputational damage by minimising the likelihood and impact of cyberattacks.

Take that First Step Towards Affordable Cybersecurity

Investing in Cyber Essentials certification is a strategic decision that offers tangible returns for UK businesses. While the Cyber Essentials cost and Cyber Essentials Plus cost may vary depending on individual circumstances, understanding the key factors influencing pricing and exploring available cost-saving strategies empowers you to make informed decisions about your cybersecurity budget. Don’t wait for a cyber incident to force your hand. Take the first step towards affordable cybersecurity by requesting a personalised Cyber Essentials quote today. Our team of experts can guide you through the certification process, answer your questions about Cyber Essentials pricing, and help you implement the most cost-effective solutions to protect your business from the evolving threat landscape.

FAQ’s

How much does it cost to get Cyber Essentials certification?

Basic Cyber Essentials typically costs between £400 and £700, while Cyber Essentials Plus certification generally starts at £1,399 plus VAT.

Is Cyber Essentials free?

Cyber Essentials is not free; it requires a fee for assessment and certification. If you want to save on the cost of Cyber Essentials certification, Cyphere provides multiple options, provided your organisation undergoes penetration tests, security audits, or one of our offerings.

How easy is it to get Cyber Essentials certification?

Obtaining Cyber Essentials certification is relatively straightforward, but it does require implementing specific security controls and passing an assessment.

Is achieving Cyber Essentials worth it?

Cyber Essentials is worth the investment as it provides valuable protection against common cyber threats and can open up new business opportunities.

How much does a cyber security system cost?

Cybersecurity system costs vary widely depending on company size and needs, but Cyber Essentials offers a cost-effective starting point for essential protection.

Is Cyber Essentials worth having?

Cyber Essentials is worth having as it offers essential protection and can include cyber insurance for eligible organisations.

Is Cyber Essentials annual?

Cyber Essentials is an annually renewable certification that requires yearly reassessment to maintain compliance.

What does Cyber Essentials Plus include?

Cyber Essentials Plus assessment includes all the requirements of basic Cyber Essentials, plus an on-site visit and hands-on system testing from the certification body.

How much is Cyber Security Plus?

Cyber Essentials Plus typically costs £1,399 plus VAT for the certification process, not including any necessary security improvements.

How are Cyber Essentials assessments verified?

A board member from the organisation must sign a declaration that all submitted answers are accurate. Upon passing the evaluation, you will be issued a valid certificate for cyber essentials.