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Cyber Essentials Compare

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Plain-English guides for UK small businesses: Cyber Essentials, and the everyday threats it protects you from.

Cyber Essentials

COSTSWhat does Cyber Essentials cost in 2026?Fees by business size, Plus, and the costs nobody mentions.FUNDINGHow to get 75% off your first certificateWho qualifies for the First Step Fund, and what to do next.CYBER ESSENTIALS PLUSCyber Essentials Plus explainedWhat the audit checks, the three-month rule and what it costs.2026 CHANGESWhat changed in April 2026 (the Danzell question set)Stricter rules on MFA, updates and cloud. Read this before you renew.INSURANCECyber insurance, and the free cover with Cyber EssentialsThe £25,000 of cover eligible businesses get, and what insurers expect.COMPARISONCyber Essentials vs ISO 27001What each covers, what it costs, and which one your customers want.

Staying safe

STAYING SAFEPhishing emails: how to spot them and what to doThe most common attack on UK businesses, and how to report it.STAYING SAFERansomware: how to protect your businessHow attacks start, why offline backups matter, and what to do if you are hit.STAYING SAFEMulti-factor login (MFA), explainedThe single biggest step to protect your accounts, and where to turn it on.STAYING SAFEPasswords and password managersThree random words, no reuse, and the NCSC advice that actually works.CYBER NEWS EXPLAINEDWhat is a zero-day vulnerability?Heard it on the news? What it means and what a small business should do.

Cyber Essentials for your sector

GOVERNMENT SUPPLIERSDo you need Cyber Essentials for government contracts?When public sector contracts require it, and what PPN 014 says.SOLE TRADERSCyber Essentials for sole traders and freelancersWhat is in scope for a one-person business, and when it is worth it.CHARITIESCyber Essentials for charitiesTrustee duties, volunteer devices and free help for small charities.ACCOUNTANTSCyber Essentials for accountants and bookkeepersHMRC agent accounts, invoice fraud and what ICAEW recommends.LAW FIRMSCyber Essentials for solicitors and law firmsThe Legal Aid Agency requirement, and stopping conveyancing fraud.CONSTRUCTIONCyber Essentials for construction firms and tradesWhy main contractors ask subcontractors for a certificate.HEALTHCARECyber Essentials for NHS and healthcare suppliersCyber Essentials, Plus and the DSPT, explained in plain English.DEFENCECyber Essentials for defence (MOD) suppliersDEFCON 658, DCC and the end-of-2026 baseline, decoded.EDUCATIONCyber security for schools and academy trustsDfE standards and the conditions for RPA cyber cover.IT PROVIDERSCyber Essentials for IT support providers (MSPs)Why customers ask for Plus, and what the new Bill means.

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