Cyber Essentials for small and medium-sized businesses
As you grow, so do your devices, accounts and cloud tools, and the number of customers asking about your security. We help SMEs get certified efficiently and stay certified year after year.
At a glance
- A senior assessor who learns your setup
- Support for growing device fleets and hybrid teams
- Annual renewals made straightforward
Why SMEs certify
Contracts and tenders
Many public sector and larger-company contracts list Cyber Essentials as a minimum requirement for suppliers.
Consistency as you grow
Certification gives you a clear baseline for onboarding new starters, devices and software.
Lower everyday risk
The five technical controls are designed to protect against the most common internet-based attacks.
Where SMEs commonly trip up
These are the issues we see most often when marking assessments, so you can deal with them before you submit.
- Unsupported operating systems. An older laptop or server running software that no longer receives updates is a common failure. Update it, replace it or remove it from scope.
- Patching within 14 days. High and critical security updates must be applied within 14 days of release, across operating systems, applications and firmware.
- Joiners and leavers. Make sure accounts are created through an approved process and removed or disabled promptly when people leave.
- MFA across every cloud service. From Microsoft 365 to your CRM and HR system, MFA must be on for every user wherever it’s available.
Two ways to get certified
The Supported Service is the safer choice for most SMEs, especially first-time applicants or anyone working to a contract deadline. Teams with strong in-house IT can choose Marking Only.
For confident, well-prepared teams
Ideal if you have in-house expertise and have already checked your setup against the requirements.
- Your own secure assessment portal
- Independent marking with a feedback report
- Two working days to fix any non-compliances, then a complimentary re-mark
- Cyber Essentials report and certificate included
Cyber liability insurance is subject to IASME’s terms. Certifying more than one organisation? Define each additional organisation within your assessment and you’ll automatically be asked whether you’d like a duplicate certificate.
Buy Marking OnlyA senior assessor with you all the way
The right choice for most organisations, and for anyone working to a deadline.
- Your own assigned senior assessor
- Readiness check and gap analysis before anything is submitted
- Feedback within 24 working hours, with same-day assessments available subject to T&C’s
- Unlimited remote support for every question
- As many attempts as you need within the six-month assessment window
- Cyber Essentials report and certificate included
For our Supported Service: 100% of applicants who have followed our advice and who have submitted within the required deadlines have passed. Cyber liability insurance is subject to IASME’s terms. Certifying more than one organisation? Define each additional organisation within your assessment and you’ll automatically be asked whether you’d like a duplicate certificate.
Buy SupportedPrices are “from” prices, exclude VAT and depend on organisation size; your exact price is shown in our shop. Free cyber liability insurance is available to eligible organisations (IASME terms apply).
Guidance for SMEs
Practical articles from our assessors in the Resource Hub.
“Second year of using Get Cyber Certified for our Cyber Essentials accreditation, Mark again has been fantastic, great information and communication and fast turn around times!”
Alex · Google reviewCommon questions
How is the price worked out?
Prices are set by organisation size. Your exact price is shown in our shop when you select your number of employees.
We have more than one company. Can we certify together?
If your companies share the same IT, define each additional organisation within your assessment and you’ll automatically be asked whether you’d like a duplicate certificate. We’ll help you confirm the scope on a call.
More answers in our full FAQs.
Talk to us about your renewal or first certificate
We’ll help you plan the work around your team and your deadlines.