Cyber essentials quote: what UK business owners need to know
If you run a business with 10–200 staff in the UK, you’ve probably been asked for a “cyber essentials quote” by an insurer, a procurement team or a client. It sounds simple, but the price on the paper can hide a few decisions that affect your budget, timeline and, most importantly, how protected your business actually is.
Why a cyber essentials quote matters (and why it isn’t just a checkbox)
Cyber Essentials is a basic, government‑backed baseline. For many buyers it’s the minimum evidence they expect before you can win a contract or reduce an insurance premium. But for a small or mid-sized business the real benefits are practical: fewer interruptions, less time spent fixing avoidable issues, and better credibility with customers and supply chain partners.
What affects the cost of a cyber essentials quote
There isn’t a single price. A quote depends on a few business realities:
- Number of users and devices — more desktops, laptops, mobiles and servers means more scope to test and secure.
- Cloud usage — if you run a lot of services in Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or other cloud platforms, the assessor will want to review your configuration.
- Existing controls — businesses with up‑to‑date patching, multi‑factor authentication (MFA) and clear password policies need less remedial work.
- Complexity — remote workers, branch offices, legacy systems or bespoke software can take extra time and therefore cost more.
- Scope — whether you want Cyber Essentials (self‑assessment) or Cyber Essentials Plus (independent testing) dramatically changes the price and the assurances you get.
What to expect in a typical quote
A clear quote should itemise:
- Assessment type (Self‑Assessment or Plus)
- Work to prepare your environment (e.g. patching, MFA rollout)
- Testing and validation
- Documentation and policy templates
- Timeframe and deliverables
- Any follow‑up or remediation costs
Quotes that bury remediation or “per‑device” charges in small print are the ones that cause grumbles a few months in. Ask for a clear scope and a fixed price where possible.
Self‑assessment vs Cyber Essentials Plus: understand the difference
Self‑assessment is a questionnaire you complete and submit; it’s the cheaper option and can be enough for many tenders. Cyber Essentials Plus adds hands‑on testing by an accredited assessor — it’s more expensive but gives buyers and insurers stronger assurance. Think of Plus as paying for a professional second opinion rather than just a signed checklist.
How long should a cyber essentials quote take to deliver?
From first contact to a formal price estimate is often 2–10 working days, depending on how organised your IT information is. The whole project can be wrapped up in a few weeks for a straightforward, mostly cloud‑based business. If you’ve got legacy servers or a tangle of on‑premise kit, factor in extra time to make the required changes.
What to prepare before asking for a quote
Make the process cheaper and faster by gathering the basics first. Typical items include:
- An inventory of users and devices (even a spreadsheet helps)
- Cloud platforms and admin contacts
- Current backup arrangements
- Patch and update policy
- Any existing security documentation (password policy, acceptable use, incident response)
Your IT team or supplier will thank you for not starting from scratch; the assessor will be able to give a realistic cyber essentials quote instead of a cautious, padded estimate.
How to compare quotes without getting distracted by price alone
Price matters, but the cheapest quote can cost the most in disruption. When comparing, look for:
- Clear scope — the exact systems and sites covered
- Fixed deliverables — what you will get and when
- Assessor accreditation — especially for Cyber Essentials Plus
- Post‑assessment support — will someone help you remediate practical issues?
For many businesses the best value is a quote that splits assessment and remediation. That way you can budget and track improvements over time without a surprise bill.
If you need a straightforward, tailored estimate for your situation, you can get a cyber essentials quote that explains what’s included and how long it will take — no jargon, just a clear plan you can show to procurement or your insurer.
Red flags to watch for in a cyber essentials quote
Watch out for vague timelines, open‑ended “per‑device” pricing without ranges, or assessors who can’t explain the difference between self‑assessment and Plus. An assessor who asks no questions about your everyday operations — staff patterns, remote working or common software — is probably not doing a proper job.
Business benefits beyond compliance
Getting Cyber Essentials isn’t only about ticking a box. When implemented properly it reduces obvious attack vectors, speeds up recovery after an incident, and reassures partners and insurers. For a business in the UK, that can translate into fewer interruptions, lower risk of a costly breach, and a smoother procurement process when tendering for new work.
Practical tips from the field
In working with firms across cities from Birmingham to Edinburgh, a few practical patterns show up: prioritise patching and MFA first, document what you change, and involve the person who does day‑to‑day IT. Little things done consistently save time when the assessor arrives.
FAQ
How much does a cyber essentials quote typically cost?
There’s no single figure because costs depend on size, complexity and whether you choose self‑assessment or Plus. Expect a modest fee for a straightforward self‑assessment and a higher price for Plus testing and any remediation. Ask for an itemised quote.
How long does the certification process take?
For many small to medium businesses it can be a few weeks from start to finish if there are no major issues. Complex environments will take longer — plan for extra time rather than rushing.
Will Cyber Essentials protect us from all cyber threats?
No. It covers common, preventable threats and is intended as a baseline. It reduces risk substantially for many everyday attacks, but it should be part of a wider approach that includes good backups, monitoring and staff training.
Can I do this myself or should I use a consultant?
Self‑assessment is designed for businesses to complete themselves, but many choose an experienced assessor to save time and ensure the work is done correctly. If your IT setup is tidy, you may be fine doing it in‑house; if not, an expert can help avoid mistakes that cost more later.
Is Cyber Essentials recognised by UK customers and insurers?
Yes — it’s a recognised baseline across UK government procurement and many private sector buyers and insurers accept it as a demonstration of basic cyber hygiene.
Ready to reduce disruption, reassure buyers and move procurement boxes off your to‑do list? Get a clear, timed plan and costed quote so you know how much time and money to set aside — and sleep a little easier knowing you’ve raised your baseline.
