Cyber essentials self assessment: quick check tool

Is your organisation ready?

Take our free cyber essential self assessment to assess your current security readiness and find out how we can help you prepare for your Cyber Essentials certification.

Answer a few quick questions

It takes less than 5 minutes - no jargon, just simple yes/no answers about your current security setup.

Instant personalised report

See exactly where you’re meeting Cyber Essentials and where you have gaps. Download your report straight away.

Get Cyber Essentials certified

We’ll guide you through everything you need to achieve official Cyber Essentials certification, start to finish.

Cyber Essentials Basic

Our entry level plan

From £450 per year

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Baseline cybersecurity certification

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Protection against common cyber threats

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Compliance with government security standards

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Essential security controls implementation

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Affordable and quick certification process

In addition
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£25k free cyber insurance*

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Includes £320 IASME certification fee

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Free security policy templates

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Unlimited testing

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Unlimited support

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Fast Track option available

Choose your amount of users

Micro

1-9 users

£450+VAT

Per year

Small

10 – 49 users

£650+VAT

Per year

Let’s tailor your package

For larger organisations, we’ll build a plan that fits perfectly. No wasted spend, no generic pricing.

Pick what suits you best:

Let’s tailor your package

For larger organisations, we’ll build a plan that fits perfectly. No wasted spend, no generic pricing.

Pick what suits you best:

Cyber Essentials Duo

Our most popular plan

From £1,800 per year

12 months vulnerability scanning
included at no extra cost
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Includes all Cyber Essentials features

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Advanced security audits and testing

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Internal vulnerability assessments

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Enhanced protection and compliance

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Annual security health check

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Suitable for businesses with higher security needs

In addition
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£25k free cyber insurance*

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Includes £320 IASME certification fee

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Free security policy templates

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Unlimited testing

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Unlimited support

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Fast Track option available

Choose your amount of users

Micro

1-9 users

£1,800+VAT

Per year

Small

10 – 49 users

£2,250+VAT

Per year

Let’s tailor your package

For larger organisations, we’ll build a plan that fits perfectly. No wasted spend, no generic pricing.

Pick what suits you best:

Let’s tailor your package

For larger organisations, we’ll build a plan that fits perfectly. No wasted spend, no generic pricing.

Pick what suits you best:

Cyber Essentials Plus

Advanced features and reporting

From £1,350 per year

12 months vulnerability scanning
included at no extra cost
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Includes Cyber Essentials certification

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In-depth security assessment

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External vulnerability testing

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Detailed compliance reporting

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Increased protection against cyber threats

In addition
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Free security policy templates

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Unlimited testing

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Unlimited support

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Fast Track option available

Choose your amount of users

Micro

1-9 users

£1,350+VAT

Per year

Small

10 – 49 users

£1,600+VAT

Per year

Let’s tailor your package

For larger organisations, we’ll build a plan that fits perfectly. No wasted spend, no generic pricing.

Pick what suits you best:

Let’s tailor your package

For larger organisations, we’ll build a plan that fits perfectly. No wasted spend, no generic pricing.

Pick what suits you best:

*optional, for UK-based entities with revenue under £20 million, certifying their whole organisation

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CERTIFY WITH PURPOSE

Why certify with Cyber Essentials

Cyber Essentials certification in all forms addresses five fundamental controls to help prevent cyber attacks:

Reduce cyber security risks

Cyber Essentials is a simple and effective way to protect your sensitive data from the most prevalent cyber threats, in a way that doesn’t get in the way of business.

Increase confidence

Show your clients and partners you are serious about cyber security and that your organisation can be trusted to handle their data.

Demonstrate you take security seriously

Cyber Essentials certification shows your staff, clients and stakeholders that you’re serious about protecting their data. Furthermore, certification is a requirement when bidding for many contracts – especially for public bodies, such as the NHS and the Government – putting you top of the list for any opportunity.

Get a clear picture of your security posture

Until you know exactly what devices are accessing your data and how they are configured, you can’t be sure that you’re in control of your data. Cyber Essentials gives you clear insight of where you stand – and what to act on.

BUILT FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Get more from Cyber Essentials with Forensic Control

Whether you are a micro business or large enterprise, Cyber Essentials is a proactive solution for protecting your digital assets, devices and data against cyber attacks. We don’t just license your government-backed certification, we work with you to get you ready for certification so you can feel confident that your security is up to date.

We now offer 12 months of vulnerability testing at no extra cost when you purchase any Cyber Essentials package, ensuring you, your team and your digital assets are protected and up to date 24/7/365.
Firewall configuration and network security
Secure configuration settings for devices, systems and software
Manage app and operating system updates to protect against known vulnerabilities
User access control measures to protect sensitive data
Protect devices against malicious software – “malware”

"Our mission is to help protect organisations against cyber threats. We ensure that you leave less to chance."

Jonathan Krause
Founder and Managing Director
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Insights

93%

93% of certified organisations are confident that they are protected against common internet-based cyber attacks.

Free Cyber Essentials Quick Check Tool
Cyber Essentials Certification

 Frequently asked questions

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. It focuses on 5 foundational technical controls, acting as the "digital equivalent" of a front door lock. It is the minimum security standard recommended by the NCSC for all businesses and is often a mandatory requirement for bidding on government contracts.

What are the five Cyber Essentials controls?

The scheme focuses on five key technical areas that, when implemented correctly, can prevent the vast majority of basic cyber attacks:

1. Firewalls: Securing your internet connection by using a boundary firewall to block unauthorised access.

2. Secure Configuration: Ensuring devices and software are set up securely (e.g., changing default passwords and removing unnecessary software).

3. User Access Control: Limiting access to your data and services to only those who need it, and using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

4. Malware Protection: Using anti-virus or application allow-listing to defend against malicious software.

5. Security Update Management: Keeping all software and hardware up to date with the latest security patches (usually within 14 days of release).

What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?

While both levels of certification focus on the same five technical controls, the difference lies in how your security is verified.

•  Cyber Essentials (Basic): This is a verified self-assessment. Your organisation completes a comprehensive questionnaire about your IT systems, which is then reviewed by our experts. It is an excellent starting point to demonstrate a baseline commitment to cybersecurity.

•  Cyber Essentials Plus (Advanced): This provides a much higher level of assurance. It includes everything in the basic certification but adds a rigorous, independent technical audit. An accredited assessor (like the team at Forensic Control) performs hands-on vulnerability scans and system tests to verify that your controls are working in practice, not just on paper.

How long does Cyber Essentials certification last?

Certification is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually to remain compliant.

How much does Cyber Essentials cost?

The cost depends on the size of your organisation and the certification level (Basic or Plus). Pricing is banded to ensure it remains affordable for all. View our pricing here

How long does it take to get Cyber Essentials certified?

With the right preparation and support, many organisations can achieve certification in a few days, depending on their current security posture.

FORENSIC CONTROL

Trusted by You

LATEST UPDATES

Cyber Essentials News

Stay informed with the latest developments in Cyber Essentials. From regulatory changes to emerging best practices, our news articles help you stay compliant, secure, and ahead of the curve.

Ready to take control of your cyber security?

Safeguard your business with our expert cyber security solutions. Whether you require digital forensics, penetration testing or proactive security assessments, our team is ready to assist. Contact us today to discuss your security needs and take the first step towards a more secure future.

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