Guidance

Cyber Essentials scheme: overview

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed, industry-supported scheme to help organisations protect themselves against common online threats.

• From: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Feryal Clark MP
• Published: 7 April 2014
• Last updated: 23 October 2024 — See all updates

Documents

Cyber Essentials website

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberessentials/overview

Details

Cyber Essentials is a set of standard technical controls organisations should have in place to protect themselves against the most common online security threats.

Cyber Essentials is suitable for all organisations, of any size, in any sector.

The scheme helps protect against almost all cyber threats. 92% fewer insurance claims are made by businesses and organisations with the Cyber Essentials controls in place.

As well as helping to guard your organisation against cyber attacks, Cyber Essentials demonstrates your commitment to cyber security to your customers and suppliers.

Holding an up to date Cyber Essentials certificate enables your business to bid for government contracts where handling of sensitive or personal data is involved.

Find out more and apply for your Cyber Essentials certificate here.

The scheme was launched with backing from industry including the Federation of Small Businesses, the CBI and a number of insurance organisations which are offering incentives for businesses.

Since then, over 190,000 Cyber Essentials certificates have been awarded to businesses, charities, schools, universities and local authorities, including 43,480 issued in the past 12 months.

Cyber Advisor scheme

The Cyber Advisor scheme is now available for small and medium sized organisations. It offers reliable and cost effective cyber security advice and practical support. The scheme will help your organisation implement Cyber Essentials and protect you against most commonly experienced cyber attacks.

For more information, visit the Cyber Advisor website.

10 year anniversary of Cyber Essentials

On 23 October 2024 the government, National Cyber Security Centre and industry partners marked the 10 year anniversary of the Cyber Essentials scheme.

• Read the Minister’s speech at the Cyber Essentials 10 year event
• Read the Banks’ joint statement on the importance of Cyber Essentials
• Read the Cyber Essentials impact evaluation research

Further guidance

Free cyber security guidance, training and support is available from the government:

• Cyber security guidance for businesses
• Cyber security training for businesses
• Cyber security guidance for charities
• Create your free cyber action plan

Don’t delay - take action to protect your business now.

Published 7 April 2014
Last updated 23 October 2024 + show all updates

1. 23 October 2024

   Added new information on the effectiveness of the scheme. Added details on the 10 year anniversary event. Included information on the Cyber Advisor scheme. Updated the number of certificates awarded. Updated page for clarity and understanding.

2. 3 March 2023

   Added updated link to Cyber Essentials website. Updated details about the scheme. Included links to new free cyber security guidance and training.

3. 16 January 2018

   Out of date Cyber Essentials documents and information have been removed from this page. A new Cyber Essentials website containing full information on the scheme is now available at the link stated on the page above.

4. 3 February 2015

   The 'Cyber Essentials Scheme: Assurance Framework' (BIS/15/72) has been updated.

5. 5 June 2014

   Cyber Essentials Summary, Requirements and Assurance Framework published.

6. 7 April 2014

   First published.