Compliance Standards Library
Cyber Essentials
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme focused on baseline cybersecurity controls. It’s commonly used to demonstrate foundational security practices, and some organizations pursue Cyber Essentials Plus for additional assurance.
Who is Cyber Essentials for?
- UK-based organizations (or vendors selling into the UK public sector) needing baseline certification
- Teams seeking a pragmatic minimum standard for core security hygiene
Typical timeline
Readiness often starts with aligning baseline controls (configuration, access control, patching, malware protection) and collecting evidence. Timelines vary based on current maturity.
What SecureSlate can help automate
- Policy and evidence management to keep security documentation current
- Access reviews and asset inventories to support least privilege and device control
- Ongoing monitoring signals where available to reduce manual checks
Does Cyber Essentials require a formal audit?
Cyber Essentials is typically validated via a certification process based on self-assessment. Cyber Essentials Plus includes additional independent testing as part of certification.