Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus

No matter the size or sector, cyber security is crucial to every business. With threats growing more complex and compliance rules getting stricter, you must take cyber risks seriously.

With the UK now experiencing an average of four nationally significant cyber attacks every week, according to the National Cyber Security Centre, there’s never been a more critical time to strengthen your defences.

That’s where the government-backed Cyber Essentials scheme comes in, a framework designed to help organisations protect against the most common cyber threats and demonstrate their commitment to security.

But what’s the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus? And why should you trust Quorum to guide you through the process?

What Is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is the entry-level certification designed to help organisations protect themselves from the most common cyber threats.

It focuses on five key technical controls:

Security Update Management

To achieve Cyber Essentials, you complete a self-assessment questionnaire. This is reviewed by a certification body, and if you meet the standard, you’re certified for a year.

Who is it for?

Cyber Essentials is ideal for organisations starting their cyber security journey or for meeting basic compliance for contracts and tenders. It’s affordable, straightforward, and a great way to show clients you take security seriously. It helps you get the basics in place.

What Is Cyber Essentials Plus?

Cyber Essentials Plus takes things further. It covers the same five controls, but instead of relying on your self-assessment, it requires an independent technical audit. A qualified assessor will test your systems, scan for vulnerabilities, and simulate real-world attacks to ensure your controls are working as claimed.

What’s involved?

Who is it for?

Cyber Essentials Plus is for organisations that want a higher level of assurance, often required for government contracts or to reassure clients with sensitive data. It’s more rigorous, but also more trusted. It also gives you better peace of mind that you have rigorous controls in place.

Key Differences at a Glance

Why Choose Quorum?

Quorum is a certified Assessor for Cyber Essentials and an accredited Advisor for the Cyber Essentials standard in general, whether you’re aiming for Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus.  
 
Being an accredited Cyber Advisor means we’re qualified to go into your business, assess against the Cyber Essentials standard, and help fix any issues so you become compliant.

As a result, we can guide you through the entire Cyber Essentials certification process and offer expert advisory support.