Cyber Essentials
Achieve UK government-backed Cyber Essentials certification with expert guidance from a licensed IASME certification body.
Challenges we solve
Cyber Essentials certification protects your organisation and opens doors — but navigating the process alone can be daunting.
Vulnerable to common cyber threats
Without basic security controls in place, your organisation is exposed to the most common and preventable cyber attacks that target businesses of every size.
Compliance and contract requirements
Many government contracts and supply chains now require Cyber Essentials certification. Without it, you may be locked out of opportunities and unable to demonstrate due diligence.
Uncertainty about your security posture
You know you need to improve your cyber security, but you are not sure whether your firewalls, patching and access controls meet the required standard.
Navigating the certification process
The self-assessment questionnaire covers over 70 questions across five control themes. Getting expert guidance ensures you pass first time and avoid costly delays.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification scheme that helps organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. The scheme provides requirements and guidelines on a set of basic security controls covering firewalls, secure configuration, access control, malware protection and patch management.
Claranet Cyber Security is a licensed IASME Certification Body, authorised to certify organisations of any size against both Cyber Essentials (verified self-assessment) and Cyber Essentials Plus (hands-on technical audit). Our qualified assessors guide you through every step — from completing the self-assessment questionnaire to achieving certification.
For organisations that need a deeper level of assurance, Cyber Essentials Plus adds a technical audit including external and internal vulnerability scanning, MFA validation, and physical testing of end-user devices and infrastructure against the five key control themes.
Key Benefits
- UK government-backed certification scheme
- Protects against the most common cyber threats
- Required for many government and supply chain contracts
- Expert assessor guidance through the entire process
- Two certification levels: self-assessment and Plus
- Demonstrates your commitment to cyber security
Why Claranet?
The five control themes
Cyber Essentials certification is built around five fundamental security controls that every organisation should implement.
Firewalls
Boundary firewalls and internet gateways configured to protect your network
Secure Configuration
Devices and software configured to reduce vulnerabilities
Access Control
User accounts managed with appropriate access privileges
Malware Protection
Anti-malware defences for browsers, email and applications
Patch Management
Software and devices kept up to date with latest patches
Service Components
Comprehensive certification services delivered by qualified IASME assessors.
Verified self-assessment (CE)
Complete a 70+ question self-assessment questionnaire covering the five control themes. Your Claranet assessor pre-checks responses, provides guidance and formally scores the submission.
Technical audit (CE Plus)
Hands-on technical audit including external and internal vulnerability scanning, MFA validation, admin account separation checks, anti-malware testing and MDM review where applicable.
Assessor-guided process
A dedicated Claranet assessor supports you throughout — from account setup and questionnaire completion through marking, remediation guidance and formal certification.
Remediation support
If non-compliance is found during pre-check or technical audit, you receive a detailed report with guidance on what needs to change. Up to 30 days remediation window is provided.
Remote or on-site delivery
Cyber Essentials Plus technical audits can be delivered remotely or on-site, including physical assessment of end-user devices, servers, mobile phones and cloud services.
Certificate management
Your Claranet assessor manages your certificates through Blockmark, the IASME digital certificate management system, ensuring your certification is properly registered and maintained.
Accreditations & partnerships
Certified expertise you can trust.
Ready to get certified?
Talk to our team about achieving Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification for your organisation.