Cyber Essentials Funded Programme
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed initiative to help businesses protect against the most common cyber threats. Originally launched in 2014, over 120,000 certificates have since been awarded to businesses of all sizes across the country.
According to the UK government, obtaining Cyber Essentials certification protects your organisation from approximately 80% of cyber-attacks, demonstrating a strong commitment to cyber security and data protection to customers and stakeholders. This certification enhances your organisation’s reputation, increases the likelihood of securing new business, and enables you to bid for and win UK government contracts. By ensuring that robust cyber security measures are in place, Cyber Essentials provides the peace of mind needed to focus on your core business objectives.
Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials Plus is the next step in your cyber security journey – an advanced government-backed initiative for businesses looking to take extra measures to protect against common cyber threats.
Around a quarter of businesses who take the Cyber Essentials certification go on to achieve Cyber Essentials Plus.
What is the funded Cyber Essentials Programme?
Every business today faces the risk of a cyber attack, but some organisations are particularly vulnerable. This could be because they handle sensitive information about the people they work with or are seen as easier targets by cyber criminals.
To help those most at risk, the NCSC is rolling out a Funded Cyber Essentials Programme. This programme is aimed at supporting vulnerable organisations by helping them implement basic security measures to protect against the most common types of cyber attacks.
How does it work?
The programme offers practical support from an Advisor to help your organisation achieve Cyber Essentials Plus, at no cost to the organisation. However, if the Advisor recommends any extra software or hardware, those costs won’t be covered.
If you qualify, you’ll get around 20 hours of remote support with an Advisor. They’ll spend this time working with you to identify and implement improvements that suit your organisation’s size and needs, guiding you through the five Cyber Essentials technical controls. After that, there will be a hands-on technical check to make sure everything is in place.
If it turns out that achieving Cyber Essentials Plus isn’t possible, the Advisor will help you implement as many of the controls as you can and provide a clear list of what else needs to be done to get compliant. This scheme is designed to walk you through the technical controls required for Cyber Essentials certification, leading up to the Cyber Essentials Plus audit. No previous cybersecurity certification or experience is needed.
Who is eligible for support?
To qualify for this scheme, companies must be a micro or small business (1 to 49 employees) registered in the UK and working on:
- The development of fundamental Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, OR the innovative application of Artificial Intelligence technologies in the following sectors: Public safety and health, Defence and security.
- The development of novel Quantum technologies.
- The design, development or manufacturing of semiconductors / semiconductor IP blocks.
- The development of Engineering Biology or Synthetic Biology.
AND meet the following criteria:
- Has not previously participated in the NCSC Funded Cyber Essentials Programme
- Does not currently hold Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) certification, has not been awarded CE+ certification since January 2023 and is not currently in the process of applying for CE+ certification
How CyberLab Can Help
As an IASME approved assessor, CyberLab is not only authorised to assess against the scheme, but also able to support your organisation to achieve certification.
Not only are we authorised Cyber Essentials assessors, we are also able to provide bespoke consultancy services to assist your team in meeting and maintaining the high standard of security required.
With our expert advice, you’ll pass first time.
Detect. Protect. Support.
Cyber Essentials Funded
If your organisation meets the above criteria and you would like to apply for the Funded Cyber Essentials Programme, fill out the form below to start the process.