---
title: NCSC Cyber Essentials | The Missing Link UK
description: Cyber Essentials is a widely recognised, UK Government-accredited scheme that can help protect your business, whatever its size or industry, against the growing threat of cyber-attacks.
---

#### Take a proactive stance against malicious cyber attacks

**Protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of your data wherever your employees, customers and suppliers interact with it.**

[Cyber Essentials](https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberessentials/overview) is a widely recognised, UK Government-accredited scheme that can help protect your business, whatever its size or industry, against the growing threat of cyber-attacks.

Developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the certification defines a set baseline of technical controls that your business should have to mitigate the risk from most online threats.

The scheme addresses five critical controls, and when implemented correctly, they can prevent up to 80% of common cyber-attacks.

** The Cyber Essentials technical controls include: **

- Firewalls
- Secure configuration
- User access control
- Malware protection
- Security update management

Although the scheme is not a ‘silver bullet’ when it comes to cyber security, it does set a minimum standard of what your business should implement.

In addition, Cyber Essentials demonstrates to your key stakeholders that you’re trustworthy and reputable in taking cyber security seriously. This is particularly important if you’re storing, processing or transferring sensitive data. Certified businesses can also benefit from reduced insurance premiums.

The Missing Link can help ensure your business has the controls in place that are required for the certification. Beyond this, we will conduct an advanced review of your security controls, bridging the gap between the Cyber Essentials baseline and a security posture you can be comfortable with.

Our team of experienced experts will provide your business with tailored recommendations to harden your IT environment and significantly reduce your attack surface.

- ### [What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?](https://www.themissinglink.co.uk/ncsc-cyber-essentials#)
  
  
  
  There are two certifications available under the Cyber Essentials scheme, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.
  
  Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment questionnaire completed entirely online, at your own pace. The assessment confirms your businesses IT systems comply with the foundational cyber security controls. Upon completion, successful applicants are issued a certificate and branding package valid for 12 months.
  
  Cyber Essentials Plus provides maximum cyber security assurance and is the highest level of certification offered under the scheme. The assessment involves a hands-on technical verification of your cyber security systems. The certification is valid for 12 months, and your business also will receive a branding package, helpdesk support, and an onsite assessment.
- ### [Will becoming certified reduce our cyber insurance premium?](https://www.themissinglink.co.uk/ncsc-cyber-essentials#)
  
  
  
  Yes, the majority of insurance providers award discounts for those certified against Cyber Essential and Essentials Plus.
  
  Cyber Liability Insurance is offered through the IASME Consortium to businesses that fulfil the following criteria:
  
    - Cyber Essentials or Essentials Plus certified
    - UK-domicilied business
    - Annual turnover under £20m
  
  Not sure if you qualify for cyber insurance? Ask our team!
- ### [Will we be able to deliver work to government clients once we are certified?](https://www.themissinglink.co.uk/ncsc-cyber-essentials#)
  
  
  
  Yes, if your business wants to bid for central government contracts, you will require a Cyber Essentials Certification. The government has made this scheme mandatory for contracts that involve handling personal information and providing certain ICT products and services.
  
  On top of this, certified businesses gain access to the UK Government supply chain and a growing number of commercial contracts.

Since engaging The Missing Link, we’ve worked on some significant projects, including security audits, maturity assessments and penetration testing exercises. The Missing Link is very proactive when it comes to identifying, analysing and alerting us to any threats. Importantly, I get to benefit from the most current advice on best practice across a number of industries. To help us in our security journey, we needed flexibility, attention to detail and a willingness to provide a bespoke solution to meet our needs and they’ve delivered every time on these fronts. Even with quick turnarounds they are always accommodating our needs, and helping us achieve our desired results. By leveraging their expertise, it helps us in our decision-making and I truly see them as an extension of our team. 

Carl Rowley | Cyber Security Manager, ENGIE

## Want to challenge and strengthen your security posture?

Transform your business through ours.

[ CONTACT US ](https://www.themissinglink.co.uk/contact-us?hsLang=en)

[

 How to build a cyber security plan: A guide for SMEs 

](https://www.themissinglink.co.uk/news/how-to-build-a-cyber-security-plan?hsLang=en)

[

 Cyber Essentials Decoded: Firewalls and User Access Control 

](https://www.themissinglink.co.uk/news/cyber-essentials-decoded-firewalls-and-user-access?hsLang=en)

[

 Cyber Essentials Decoded: Malware Protection 

](https://www.themissinglink.co.uk/news/cyber-essentials-decoded-malware-protection?hsLang=en)

[ SEE ALL NEWS ](https://www.themissinglink.co.uk/news?hsLang=en)

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