You’ve probably heard the phrase “Cyber Essentials” come up in conversations with insurers, supply chains, or even customers. But what does it actually involve? What’s the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
At ALTO, we help SME businesses across Scotland and the UK get certified, not just for the badge, but to improve how their business manages risk and protects data.
In this article, we’ll break it down clearly so you can decide which level is right for your organisation.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials (CE) is a UK Government-backed scheme to protect businesses from the most common cyber threats. You self-assess against five key technical controls:
- Firewalls & gateways
- Secure configuration
- Access control
- Malware protection
- Patch management
Best for: smaller businesses just formalising their cybersecurity or responding to customer pressure for basic compliance.
What is Cyber Essentials Plus?
CE+ includes all of CE — but adds an independent audit and testing:
- Vulnerability scans
- Spot checks on devices
- Tests for antivirus, patching, MFA
- Auditor-led evidence collection
- Remediation and re-tests if needed
Best for: regulated industries, supply chain-critical businesses, or those wanting real assurance (not just a checkbox).
Quick Comparison Table
|
Feature |
Cyber Essentials |
Cyber Essentials Plus |
|
Self-assessment |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
|
Independent audit |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
|
Vulnerability scanning |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
|
Evidence/testing required |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
|
Certifier checks devices |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
|
Public sector ready |
⚠️ Sometimes |
✅ Always |
|
Insurance benefits |
✅ Some |
✅ More likely |
|
Supply chain credibility |
⚠️ Basic proof |
✅ Strong signal of trust |
How ALTO Helps
Whether you're going for Cyber Essentials or CE Plus, ALTO supports your journey end-to-end — not just to get you certified, but to help you stay compliant long after the certificate is issued.
Here's how we help:
- Audit and readiness check — we assess where you stand before any surprises
- Remediation with our Technical team — practical fixes aligned to the certification requirements
- Submission or audit coordination — we guide you through the process with IASME or your chosen body
- Project managed from start to finish — clear timelines, fewer surprises
- Ongoing support and alignment — we revisit controls regularly so you're never out of step
We also provide a secure compliance scoring system, giving you a clear view of how compliant you are today, not just at audit time. That means you’re not scrambling the month before renewal; you’re already prepared.
And because CE+ audits only test a sample of your devices and users, it's possible to pass while still having non-compliant machines on your network. That’s why we use tools like RMM and ThreatLocker to monitor and enforce compliance across your entire estate, not just the machines being tested.
While many MSPs wait for you to fail and then react, we’d rather help you pass before the auditor even shows up.
So, Which Should You Choose?
If your business holds sensitive data or your customers rely on your availability, go straight for CE Plus.
If you're starting out, begin with CE — but have a plan to step up within a year.
Book a Discovery Call
No jargon, no pressure — just a helpful chat to understand where you're at.
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