Cybercrime is at an all-time high, with nearly 40% of UK businesses suffering cyberattacks each year. The risk isn’t theoretical businesses don’t just need cybersecurity; they need a certification that proves they’re protected.
Without Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+), your business could be left vulnerable to a cyberattack - losing contracts, customer trust, and revenue overnight. CE+ is no longer just an option, for many businesses, it’s a requirement to remain competitive, win contracts, and prove they can handle sensitive data securely.
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification scheme designed to help businesses defend against common cyber threats. It comes in two levels:
• Cyber Essentials (CE): A self-assessment certification that helps businesses implement basic security controls. This is a good starting point but relies on organisations accurately assessing and applying security measures themselves.
• Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+): A higher-level certification that includes an independent technical audit to verify that security measures are properly implemented. It’s not just claimed, it’s tested in real-world conditions.
More and more businesses don’t have a choice anymore; Cyber Essentials Plus is becoming a mandatory benchmark for working with government and enterprise organisations. Without it, your business risks being locked out of valuable contracts and losing credibility in highly regulated industries. Many procurement teams now require CE+ as a prerequisite before engaging with suppliers, particularly in sectors handling sensitive customer data, financial transactions, or government information.
Additionally, cyber insurance providers are tightening their requirements. Many insurers now offer discounted premiums or better coverage for businesses that have achieved Cyber Essentials Plus certification, recognising that certified businesses present a lower risk of cyber incidents.
This means that Cyber Essentials Plus not only enhances security but also delivers financial benefits in the long run.
Some businesses hesitate due to the potential costs of Cyber Essentials Plus, but the real financial risk is failing to protect against a cyberattack. A breach can cost businesses thousands (or millions) in lost revenue, fines and reputational damage. Considering how much a potential ransomware attack could cost, it’s vital to protect yourself.
Here’s a cost comparison:
| Scenario | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Cyber Essentials Plus Certification | £1,500 – £4,000 |
| Average cost of a UK data breach | £25,000 – £100,000+ |
| Downtime from a cyberattack | £10,000+ per day |
Sources: Various
The numbers speak for themselves, Cyber Essentials Plus is an investment, not an expense.
Navigating the Cyber Essentials Plus certification process can be challenging, especially for businesses without in-house cybersecurity expertise and to keep up to date with the planned changes coming to Cyber Essentials accreditations next month. Since CE+ requires independent technical testing, businesses that don’t meet the security standards may fail their initial assessment.
Working with experts like Melius CyberSafe can help you identify and fix potential issues before the audit, ensuring a smoother path to first-time accreditation.
We can help simplify the process by:
• Conducting an initial gap analysis to assess your current security posture.
• Providing step-by-step guidance to ensure all security controls are properly implemented and up-to-date.
• Running pre-assessment checks to prepare you for the independent audit.
• Offering continuous security monitoring through our CyberSafe tool, keeping your systems protected year-round and making annual Cyber Essentials Plus re-certification easier.
Act now to certify your business before the next cyberattack strikes.
