CYBER CERTIFICATION

Cyber Essentials Certification Plus

What is Cyber Essentials Plus?

Cyber Essentials Plus is the advanced level of the information assurance scheme owned by the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). It includes all the protections of Cyber Essentials with the added assurance of an independent, hands-on technical audit.

How does it work?

Cyber Essentials Plus begins where Cyber Essentials ends, with the same five technical controls but validated by a qualified third party. It includes a comprehensive on-site or remote audit, internal and vulnerability scans, and configuration checks to verify your systems are effectively secured.

The process provides a more rigorous and trusted certification, ensuring your cyber defences are properly implemented, ideal for businesses that handle sensitive data, deliver critical services, or want to inspire greater confidence in their supply chain.

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Certification Options

  • Must have a valid Cyber Essentials certificate (issued within the past 90 days).
  • The Audit must be completed by an accredited Certification Body.
  • Ideal for businesses requiring stronger assurance and public confidence.
  • Suitable for businesses of all sizes across all sectors.

Why use StarSwift?

We take the stress out of Cyber Essentials Plus. From initial readiness reviews to audit coordination and remediation support, we support it all. Our experienced consultants work with you to close security gaps, quickly and cost-effectively.

Take your cybersecurity assurance to the next level with Cyber Essentials Plus.

This advanced certification is not just a checkbox; it is evidence that your organisation has implemented cybersecurity best practices and that those controls have been independently verified.

Independent audit assurance

Certification is based on real-world testing of your systems by cybersecurity professionals.

Greater supply chain trust

Proves your cybersecurity isn’t just theoretical, it has been tested and verified.

Meets regulatory and contractual requirements

Ideal for demonstrating due diligence in highly regulated sectors or to win high-value contracts.

Increased resilience against real-world threats

Identifies and helps mitigate misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and operational weaknesses.

End-to-end support from StarSwift

From preparation to certification, our team ensures you are fully supported every step of the way.

Get A Quote

Get a Cyber Essentials Plus Certification Quote

Get in touch today to find out more about the Cyber Essentials Plus Certification, and how the we can help your organisation.

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Have Any Questions?

Find the most frequently asked questions and find your answer

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

Cyber Essentials Plus includes a technical audit of your systems, whereas Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment.

Do I need to complete Cyber Essentials first?

Yes. You must have a valid Cyber Essentials certificate (within the last 90 days) before applying for Cyber Essentials Plus. You can apply for both certifications at the start of the process which, in our opinion, generally works better.

What does the audit include?

It includes end user and mobile device security assessments, internal and external vulnerability assessments, simulated attacks, and configuration reviews.

How long does the Plus certification take?

Most organisations complete the process within 5–10 business days depending on readiness.

Will StarSwift help with audit prep?

Yes. We provide full pre-audit support to help identify and address potential issues beforehand.

Is Cyber Essentials Plus mandatory?

It’s required for some MOD and government contracts and strongly recommended for high-risk environments.

How long is the certification valid?

12 months from the date of certification.

What happens if we don’t pass the audit?

You will receive a remediation plan and a short window to fix identified issues before reassessment.

Can the audit be performed remotely?

Yes. Most audits can be completed remotely with appropriate technical access and controls.

What’s the cost difference between Essentials and Plus?

Cyber Essentials Plus is more expensive due to the technical testing involved but offers much stronger assurance. Contact us for more information.

What our customers say

Musketeer Solutions

Business Director Peterborough, Management Consultancy East Anglia

We are incredibly pleased with the outstanding service provided by Rob Lancaster of StarSwift in supporting us through the Cyber Essentials certification process and delivering ongoing IT security services.  Rob has worked with us for several years and established an excellent understanding of our business and requirements.

Hallinans

Namita, Managing Director

We were fortunate to be invited to work with Rob and he made the process seamless, straightforward and without the jargon and complication that often comes which computers and technology. Rob’s knowledge is first rate as is his swift communication and competitive pricing. Options were always provided to us along with reasoning and recommendation. Cannot recommend Rob and StarSwift highly enough. 

Lone Star Analysis

Kat Simmonds, CoS

Well organised, Rob is very clear in his explanations and communicates well throughout the assessment.

Growth Studio Group

Andy Bennett, Director

Rob was extremely helpful and responsive to questions we had with our Cyber Essentials Certification. It made the whole process seamless. 

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