Cybersecurity is a growing menace to businesses of all sizes. With cyber attacks constantly changing, businesses must take proactive measures to protect their online assets. The question is not if a cyber attack will happen, but when?

For many, the cost of cybersecurity compliance, including Cyber Essentials Plus, might seem like an unnecessary expense. But when you compare it to the financial, reputational, and operational fallout of a cyber breach, the investment suddenly looks like a bargain.

This post breaks down the cost of Cyber Essentials Plus certification vs. the true cost of a cyber attack, using real-life UK examples to highlight the risks and rewards.

What is Cyber Essentials Plus & How Does It Differ from Cyber Essentials?

Key Benefits of Cyber Essentials Plus

Understanding the Cyber Essentials Plus Audit Process

The Real Cost of a Cyber Breach

Final Thoughts about Cyber Essentials Plus

FAQ’s About Cyber Essentials Plus

Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus are both UK government-backed cybersecurity certifications, but they differ in their approach and level of scrutiny.

Cyber Essentials (Basic Certification)

A self-assessment certification, in which companies fill in an online survey to demonstrate compliance to basic security controls. It addresses five important security areas: firewalls and internet gateways, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management. Cyber Essentials is affordable and within the reach of small companies, providing basic protection against common cyber threats but without independent verification.

Cyber Essentials Plus (Advanced Certification)

Cyber Essentials Plus requires a hands-on technical assessment by a certified assessor to ensure that security controls are properly implemented. It involves vulnerability scans, phishing simulations, patch management reviews, and device security testing. This certification offers stronger protection by validating an organisation’s security posture beyond self-assessment and is preferred for government contracts and organisations handling sensitive data.

If your business needs strong security assurance, Cyber Essentials Plus is the better choice.

Enhanced Cybersecurity Protection

Cyber Essentials Plus ensures proactive defence mechanisms are in place to reduce exposure to phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks. Vulnerability scanning at certification detects security vulnerabilities ahead of time, before attackers exploit them, thus enhancing network security through best practices of firewall management, access control, and endpoint protection.

Increased Trust & Credibility

Businesses that achieve Cyber Essentials Plus certification demonstrate a commitment to robust security standards, building confidence among clients, partners, and stakeholders. The majority of clients, particularly those dealing with finance and health, would prefer to work with certified organisations due to data security concerns. Certification also enhances reputation, making organisations stand out in competitive markets.

Competitive Advantage

Many UK government contracts require Cyber Essentials Plus, making it essential for businesses looking to work with public sector clients. Organisations handling sensitive customer data are more likely to win business when they demonstrate compliance with industry security standards. Certification also gives businesses an edge over competitors who lack independent validation of their security controls.

Lower Cyber Insurance Premiums

Insurers often reward businesses with certification by reducing cybersecurity insurance costs. Certification lowers perceived risk, leading to more favourable insurance terms. In the event of a security breach, insurers may prioritise compensation for certified businesses as they have demonstrated proactive risk management.

Protection Against Financial Loss

Cybersecurity incidents can be costly, and Cyber Essentials Plus helps businesses avoid regulatory fines associated with GDPR non-compliance and data breaches. It also provides protection against ransomware threats, where attackers demand payments to restore access to critical systems, and prevents costly operational disruptions by reducing the risk of cyber incidents.

Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus certification involves a technical audit to ensure security controls are correctly implemented. The process typically includes:

1. Pre-Assessment (Optional but Recommended)

Businesses may undergo a pre-assessment to identify gaps before the formal audit. IT teams can make necessary adjustments to meet Cyber Essentials Plus standards, and security consultants may provide best practice recommendations to avoid failure.

2. Internal & External Security Testing

A certified assessor conducts vulnerability scans to test firewall and anti-malware effectiveness. Phishing simulations may be carried out to check user awareness. Patch management is reviewed to ensure timely updates, and endpoint security testing is conducted to assess device protection mechanisms.

3. On-Site or Remote Audit

The assessment includes reviewing access controls, secure configurations, and response plans. The assessor verifies that policies and procedures are correctly implemented. Testing is conducted on a sample of business devices to validate compliance.

4. Certification Issuance

If the audit is successful, businesses receive their Cyber Essentials Plus certificate, valid for 12 months. If any issues are found, a remediation period may be given for fixes before re-evaluation. Some businesses choose ongoing cybersecurity support to maintain compliance year-round.

For further details, visit the Cyber Essentials Online guide.

Cyber attacks are no longer isolated incidents affecting only large corporations; they impact businesses of all sizes. According to the UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey, the average cost of a cyber attack for a UK business is £15,300. However, for larger organisations, the financial, operational, and reputational damage can be far greater, often exceeding hundreds of thousands or even millions of pounds. The consequences of a cyber breach often outweigh the cost of preventive measures like Cyber Essentials Plus. Below are real-world examples of UK businesses that suffered significant consequences due to cyber incidents.

Financial Consequences

• British Airways Data Breach (2018): Hackers stole 400,000 customer records, leading to a £20 million fine from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and a serious dent in customer trust.
• NHS WannaCry Attack (2017): The ransomware attack affected 80 NHS Trusts and 595 GP practices, leading to thousands of cancelled operations and appointments. The total cost to the UK government was estimated at £92 million.
• Travelex Ransomware Attack (2020): The foreign exchange company was forced offline for weeks, ultimately paying a £2.3 million ransom, while also suffering major revenue losses and reputational damage.

Operational Disruption

• Hackney Council Cyber Attack (2020): A ransomware attack resulted in months of disruption to essential public services, demonstrating how local authorities are also at risk.
• Kaseya Ransomware Attack (2021): Affecting thousands of businesses globally, this attack highlighted the vulnerability of third-party service providers and supply chain dependencies.

Reputational Damage

A cyber breach doesn’t just hit a company financially; it can severely damage brand reputation and customer trust. A study by CIFAS found that 58% of UK consumers would stop using a business after a data breach (CIFAS).

Cyber Essentials Plus offers a structured approach to improving cybersecurity, helping businesses protect against common cyber threats while demonstrating security commitment to customers and partners. The certification is not just about compliance—it can also enhance credibility, support contract bids, and reduce cyber insurance premiums.

For some businesses though, the cost and effort required to achieve Cyber Essentials Plus may seem like a hurdle. However, when compared to the financial and reputational damage of a cyber breach, it becomes clear that proactive security measures are a necessary investment rather than an optional expense.

If you’re considering certification but are unsure where to start, seeking expert guidance can help streamline the process. Whether you need help understanding the requirements, preparing for the audit, or improving your existing security measures, Blue Saffron can offer the support which makes achieving certification much more manageable.

1. What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?

Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment certification, whereas Cyber Essentials Plus requires an independent audit with hands-on technical verification. The Plus version provides a higher level of assurance.

2. How long does it take to get Cyber Essentials Plus certification?

The process typically takes a few weeks, depending on your organisation’s security readiness. If remediation is needed, it may take longer.

3. How much does Cyber Essentials Plus cost?

Certification costs start at around £1,400 for small businesses but can be higher for larger or more complex organisations.

4. Is Cyber Essentials Plus mandatory?

While not legally required, many UK government contracts and private sector clients require Cyber Essentials Plus certification as a prerequisite.

5. What happens if my business fails the Cyber Essentials Plus audit?

If you fail, you will typically receive a remediation plan to address weaknesses. Once fixed, you can retake the assessment within a set timeframe.

6. Does Cyber Essentials Plus reduce cyber insurance costs?

Yes, many insurers offer lower premiums for businesses certified under Cyber Essentials Plus as it demonstrates strong cybersecurity practices.

7. Can small businesses benefit from Cyber Essentials Plus?

Absolutely. SMEs are frequent targets of cyberattacks, and Cyber Essentials Plus helps protect against common threats while improving business credibility.