This scheme aims to provide vulnerable organisations with help to implement baseline security controls to prevent the most common types of cyber attack.
Due to unprecedented high demand the Funded Cyber Essentials Programme is currently closed to new applications or expressions of interest from the Charity and Legal Aid Sectors
The programme will offer practical support from an Advisor to achieve Cyber Essentials Plus at no cost to the organisation. Please note, this does not include the cost of any additional software or hardware identified by the Advisor that is required to achieve Cyber Essential Plus.
Qualifying organisations will receive around 20 hours of remote support with an Advisor. This time will be spent identifying and implementing improvements that are right for the size and needs of the organisation and supporting them in implementing the 5 Cyber Essentials technical controls. This will be followed by a hands-on technical verification that the controls have been put in place.
If it is not possible for the organisation to achieve Cyber Essentials Plus, the Advisor will help organisations implement as many of the technical controls as possible and give the organisation a clear list of the additional actions they need to undertake to become compliant. The scheme is designed to lead an organisation through the technical controls required to achieve Cyber Essentials certification, followed by the audit for Cyber Essentials Plus. No previous cyber security certification or experience is necessary.
The Cyber Essentials Readiness Tool is a free online tool – the process of working through the questions will tell you about your current level of cyber security and how you need to improve in order to certify to Cyber Essentials. On completion you will be directed towards appropriate guidance and be presented with a tailored action plan and detailed guidance for your next steps towards certification. It is recommend that you work through the Readiness Tool as part of the Funded Cyber Essentials Programme, although this is not a requirement for participation.
Please note, applications are limited, so eligible organisations who are interested in applying are advised to do so at the earliest opportunity.