Get Cyber Essentials Ready in 7 Weeks
A practical, guided programme for small businesses that want to get Cyber Essentials ready without having to figure it all out alone.
This 7-week group workshop will take you step by step through the Cyber Essentials requirements, helping you understand what you need to do, identify any gaps and prepare your business for the assessment.
You’ll work alongside other small businesses in a supportive group setting, with practical guidance each week to help you make progress between sessions.
Register your interest
- Format: Online, virtual sessions
- Sessions: 60 minutes, weekly
- Between Sessions: Expert Support, Community engagement
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is the minimum standard of cyber security recommended by the UK Government for organisations of all sizes. Developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and delivered in partnership with IASME, it is built on five technical controls designed to prevent the most common internet-based cyber threats: firewalls, secure configuration, security update management, user access control and malware protection.
There are two levels: Cyber Essentials, and Cyber Essentials Plus, which adds more rigorous, independent technical testing. A growing number of organisations also require their suppliers to be certified before they can bid for work.
Now is a good time to get started. The government’s new Cyber Essentials First Step Fund gives eligible UK micro, small and medium-sized businesses 75% off a new certification, so you’d pay between £80 and £125 plus VAT. It’s open to businesses that haven’t been certified in the last four years, but it’s first come, first served and only runs until March 2027 or until the £2.4m funding runs out. Our 7-week programme helps you get ready for the assessment while the discount is still available.
Find out more in the NCSC’s Cyber Essentials overview.
Who it's for and what you'll get
This programme is designed for small businesses, founders and growing teams who want to achieve Cyber Essentials but are unsure where to start, or who have started the process and are getting stuck on some of the requirements. It’s for anyone who needs help understanding what Cyber Essentials actually means for their business, wants practical guidance rather than technical jargon, and would benefit from accountability and support while working towards certification. You do not need to be technical to take part.
Across the 7 weeks, we'll work through the key areas covered by Cyber Essentials, including:
- Understanding your current set-up and where the gaps are
- User accounts and access control
- Devices, laptops and mobiles
- Software updates and patching
- Secure configuration
- Firewalls and internet-facing services
- Malware protection
- Preparing your answers for the Cyber Essentials assessment
- A final readiness review before you submit
You'll leave with a clearer understanding of your cyber security, a practical action plan and a business that is much better prepared to pass the Cyber Essentials assessment.
Please note: the programme is designed to prepare you for the Cyber Essentials assessment. Certification and assessment fees are not included.
Register your interest
Complete the form below to register your interest and receive full programme details, dates and pricing.
By submitting this form, you're registering your interest only. There's no obligation to join the programme.
Book a Discovery Call.
30 minutes, no obligation. We will talk through where you are, what is coming up, and what would actually help at your stage.
Book a discovery call