2025 edition
A guide to cybersecurity certifications in the UK
From Cyber Essentials to ISO 27001 and beyond.
Contents
Introduction
Cybersecurity certifications
for a safer business
Since the Cyber Essentials scheme launched in 2014, companies have used it and similar cybersecurity certifications to shore up their defences, comply with industry regulations, and demonstrate their trustworthiness. These conscientious companies became part of a searchable register of certified businesses and organisations.
The journey to cybersecurity compliance isn’t as simple as filling out
an application.
The route can be as simple as the basics of Cyber Essentials to the more in-depth, independent auditing of Cyber Essentials Plus. Some organisations even choose to tackle the rigours of ISO 27001 compliance.
In this guide, we explore and outline the eight most common UK cybersecurity certifications, how to choose the right one, and how to get certified.
WHY CYBERSECURITY CERTIFICATIONS?
Comparing UK cybersecurity
certifications
Avoid regulatory fines
Organisations that comply with cybersecurity standards and certifications
are less likely to breach regulations or have security gaps that hackers
can exploit.
Build reputation and win trust
Certain sectors and countries require businesses to have certifications to do
business. With the right certification or standard, you can win more business
and explore new markets.
Win more contracts and open new markets
By gaining a certification or adhering to cybersecurity standards, you’ll
demonstrate your commitment to customers, stakeholders, and partners.
Strengthen protection
Cybersecurity certifications and standards help you adhere to best practice
guidelines. This ensures you have the right people, processes, and
technology in place to keep your business safe and secure.
Gain a competitive advantage
Cybersecurity compliance will differentiate you from similar, non-compliant
competitors. Potential customers, particularly security-conscious ones,
will choose a compliant business over those that don’t show the same
commitment to protection.
AT A GLANCE COMPARISON
A comparison of cybersecurity
certifications UK
About CyberSmart
CyberSmart is the UK’s leading cybersecurity platform for SMEs who mean business when it comes to cyber defence. CyberSmart’s complete security solution for SMEs enables you to grow your business whilst protecting your most valuable assets. Over 5,000 customers and partners in the UK and around the world trust CyberSmart to give them Complete Cyber Confidence.
IN-DEPTH DEFINITIONS
The 8 best cybersecurity
certifications explained
Number 1
Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials is a UK cybersecurity certification outlining the procedures a company should follow to secure its data.
Cyber Essentials is highly recommended for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) because it protects against 98.5% of the most
common cyber threats.
As a government-backed certification, it aims to improve the cybersecurity standards of UK businesses. Companies must submit evidence across five security controls to qualify, and there’s no requirement for prior assessment or other accreditation. Businesses that apply for Cyber Essentials typically use third-party software to record, review, and validate their evidence before submission.
Key features
Boundary firewalls
Secure configuration
Access control
Malware protection
Patch management
Perfect for
An introduction to good cyber hygiene for SMEs. Not only does it provide a strong security foundation, but it’s also a requirement for businesses to bid for government contracts. It’s a good gateway into more advanced certifications in the future, too.
Number 2
Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials Plus is a government-backed certification that assures controls have been put in place correctly and have been tested by accredited auditors. Companies must submit evidence across the same five security controls as Cyber Essentials, which assessors then validate.
You need a Cyber Essentials certification to qualify for a Cyber Essentials Plus certificate. Businesses that apply for Cyber Essentials Plus must use third-party software or services to review and validate evidence before submission.
Key features
Boundary firewalls
Secure configuration
Access control
Malware protection
Patch management
Perfect for
Cyber Essentials Plus is perfect for organisations that need a more in-depth audit of their security measures and would benefit from the advice and experience of expert auditors.
CyberSmart is the UK’s leading Cyber Essentials provider.
We offer certification within as little as 24 hours, unlimited submissions and support, and advice on Cyber Essentials.
Our proprietary platform tells you what evidence you need to provide, and our UK-based support teams are always on hand during business hours to answer any questions. In addition to our intuitive platform
and unlimited support, organisations we certify will receive free cyber insurance worth £15,000. Start your certification journey today.
.
Tips for choosing third-party software or services for Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
- Ask how many submission attempts they allow or whether they can guarantee you’ll pass first time. Cyber Essentials is relatively inexpensive compared to other certifications, but the costs will quickly increase ifyou p ay for each failed submission.
- Find out if support and guidance cost extra. Some providers include support or advice as an additional cost to Cyber Essentials submission.
- Check if they’re accredited and legally allowed to provide Cyber Essentials certification. IASME, the sole governing body for this certification, has the complete list of suppliers.
- Ask how long the certification process will take if you use third-party software or service. Fast certification is critical in meeting these goals if you have a looming deadline, an existing certification about to expire, or need it for a contract.
- Find out if they’re UK-based, with clear documentation and high levels of English comprehension. While a certification body doesn’t need to be UK-based, clear and comprehensive communication will ensure your certification process goes smoothly.
Number 3
ISO 27001
ISO 27001, formally known as ISO/IEC 27001:2022, is an information security standard created by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). It provides a framework and guidelines for establishing, implementing, and managing an information security management system (ISMS). An ISMS sets the policies, procedures, and other controls involved in managing people, processes, and technology. They audit this information against a chosen set of 114 security controls across core business areas. Companies
can either achieve ISO 27001 compliance, in which controls are implemented but not independently validated, or obtain certification through an audit by an accredited body.
Key features
114 security controls, including:
Information security policies
Organisation of information
security
Human resource security
Asset management
Access control
Cryptography
Physical and environmental
security
Operations security
Communications security
System acquisition,
development, and
maintenance
Supplier relationships
Information security incident
management
Information security aspects
of business continuity
management
Compliance
ISO 27001 is perfect for
Businesses that want to formalise and improve their processes for information security, and privacy. CyberSmart’s proprietary platform is proven to speed up the ISO 27001 certification process. It consolidates and aggregates information about device, user, policy, and training security in one place, dramatically speeding up and reducing the friction of ISO 27001 certification. We also work with hundreds of partners who specialise in ISO 27001 certification, and we’re happy to give recommendations to suit your business.
Number 4
ISO 27017
ISO 27017 is an information security standard created by the ISO, which provides a framework and guidelines for organisations using (or considering) cloud services. It audits cloud policies, procedures, and other controls involved in managing people, processes, and technology against a set of security controls across core business areas. Companies can either achieve ISO 27017 compliance, where controls are implemented but not independently validated, or get certified through an audit by an accredited body.
Key features
137 controls from ISO 27017 and
seven new controls, including:
Shared roles and
responsibilities within a cloud computing environment
Monitoring of cloud services
Removal of cloud service
customer assets
Administrator’s operational
security
Alignment of security
management for virtual and physical networks
Information security incident
management
ISO 27017 is perfect for
Companies that use cloud services, and want to improve cloud security across their business. CyberSmart’s proprietary platform is proven to speed up the ISO 27017 certification process.
Number 5
ISO 27018
ISO 27018 is a privacy security standard created by ISO, which provides a framework and guidelines for organisations to protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in a cloud setting. Cloud policies, procedures, and other controls involved in managing people, processes, and technology are audited against security controls across core business areas. Companies can either achieve ISO 27018 compliance, where controls are implemented but not independently validated, or obtain certification through an audit by an accredited body.
Key Features
114 security controls ISO 27007 plus:
Additional guidelines
Enhancements
Security controls
ISO 27018 is perfect for
Companies that use cloud services to store PII in the cloud. If you need assistance getting qualified, CyberSmart’s proprietary platform is proven to speed up the ISO 27018 certification process.
"CyberSmart really helped us on our journey to achieving Cyber Essentials certification. "
The device compliance is a real help, and their support team was always on hand to offer advice relating to both the product and Cyber Essentials. Once we submitted the completed application we were certified within a few hours – having this all in one place was useful.
IT Manager