Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus — What’s the Difference?
Understand the difference between Cyber Essentials (CE) and Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+), what each assessment involves, and which is right for your organisation.
11/17/20251 min read
Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus — What’s the Difference?
Cyber Essentials (CE) and Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) are two levels of the same UK government-backed certification. Both help organisations strengthen their basic security controls — but the assessment methods are very different.
Here’s a clear breakdown to help SMEs decide the right approach.
What Cyber Essentials (CE) Involves
Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment reviewed by a qualified assessor.
It focuses on five technical control areas:
Firewalls & boundary protection
Secure configuration
User access control
Malware protection
Patch management
Key points:
You answer a structured questionnaire.
Evidence may be requested.
It confirms your organisation meets baseline security requirements.
Valid for 12 months.
CE is suitable for SMEs building foundational security or beginning their compliance journey.
What Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) Involves
Cyber Essentials Plus is a technical audit — independent, hands-on testing against the same controls.
It includes:
Vulnerability scanning
Malware checks
Multi-factor authentication testing
Firewall and configuration verification
Sample device testing (laptops, desktops, mobiles)
External and internal security checks
Key differences:
It validates, not just declares, compliance.
Tests are performed by a qualified assessor.
Offers stronger assurance to customers and partners.
CE+ must be completed within 90 days of achieving CE.
Which one should your business choose?
Start with CE if:
You need a baseline framework
You’re starting to formalise security
You’re new to compliance
Go for CE+ if:
Clients or contracts require it
You want external verification
You want assurance that controls actually work
You have regular audits or supply chain requirements
Final Thoughts
Both CE and CE+ are valuable parts of a security strategy. CE sets the foundation; CE+ validates it.
If you’re unsure which route aligns with your risks, customers, or timelines, CNI Security Solutions can help you choose the right path — without overcomplicating the process.
