Cyber Essentials cost: what UK business owners should budget for

If you run a small or medium-sized business in the UK (10–200 staff), “Cyber Essentials cost” is one of those search terms you type when you realise cyber security isn’t optional any more. Fair play — it’s sensible to know what it will take in cash and time before you commit.

What Cyber Essentials covers — and why that matters for cost

Cyber Essentials is a basic certification that demonstrates you’ve got core defences in place: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection and patch management. It’s not a silver bullet, but it’s often the first step people take because it’s proportionate and recognised across the UK public and private sectors.

Cost isn’t just the fee to get a certificate. For most businesses the real budget items are staff time, any remedial work to meet the controls, and whether you hire external help to speed things along. The more devices, servers and remote users you have, the more time and effort it will take — and that’s what drives cost.

Two flavours: basic self-assessment and Cyber Essentials Plus

There are two main routes. The straightforward path is the self-assessment: you answer a questionnaire about your security controls and an accredited body checks it. That works for many firms that already have decent IT practices. Cyber Essentials Plus adds an independent technical verification — someone will test that your stated controls actually exist. It’s more rigorous and therefore requires more budget and coordination.

Where the money actually goes

1. Certification fee and assessor costs

There’s a fee for processing the application. If you use an external assessor or consultancy to prepare the submission or run the Plus tests, you’ll pay hourly or a fixed project fee. Some firms bundle simple advice with the application; others just process paperwork. Expect different pricing models — it’s not one-size-fits-all.

2. Remediation and upgrades

If your network, devices or policies don’t meet the controls, you’ll need fixes. That might be straightforward: enabling automatic updates, configuring firewalls, or removing admin rights. Or it could be bigger: replacing unsupported kit, upgrading servers, or reconfiguring remote access. Costs here depend entirely on the gap between where you are and where you need to be.

3. Staff time and training

Someone needs to own the process — usually an operations or IT lead. There’s admin (filling in forms), testing, and staff briefings so people follow safe practices. Training doesn’t have to be fancy; short, practical sessions are often enough. Still, multiply staff hours by the number of people involved and it becomes a real cost to the business.

4. Ongoing maintenance

Certification is a snapshot. To keep the benefit you must maintain those controls: patching, monitoring and periodic reviews. That ongoing effort usually slots into existing IT budgets, but it’s important to factor it in, not treat certification as a one-off purchase.

How your business size (10–200 staff) affects cost

For a business of 10–200 staff the biggest drivers are device count, remote working complexity and whether you have an in-house IT resource.

– Small end (around 10–30 staff): Fewer devices and simpler networks make self-assessment more realistic. If your IT is well managed you may only need minimal external input and a bit of staff time.

– Mid-sized (30–100 staff): More users and possible multiple sites increase complexity. You might find it efficient to use a consultant to coordinate evidence and do technical checks.

– Larger end (100–200 staff): Multiple sites, servers and mixed device estates will push you towards Cyber Essentials Plus if you need assurance across the business. Expect more project management and testing time.

Practical budgeting advice without getting lost in numbers

Rather than fixating on a precise figure, think in terms of buckets and outcomes:

• Certificate processing: administrative fee and assessor charge if you use one.
• Fixes and upgrades: time and hardware/software costs to meet controls.
• External help: if you lack in-house capability, factor in a consultant to prepare and test.
• Ongoing effort: simple routines for patching, monitoring and reviews.

In my experience working with firms from a family-run manufacturer in the Midlands to professional services teams in London, budgeting for a small project team and a modest pot for remedial work usually covers it. If your estate is tidy already, the main cost is staff time rather than new kit.

Also bear in mind there are practical ways to reduce cost: tackling quick wins first (password policies, automatic updates), batching device upgrades, and using a single point of contact to co-ordinate evidence. These steps save time during the assessment and cut consultant fees.

It’s also worth thinking strategically: Cyber Essentials is a defensive baseline, so consider how it sits beside your wider controls. If you’re building a longer-term cyber plan, align this work with that programme to avoid duplicated effort and cost. That’s where a short conversation with someone who understands UK business realities pays off — it removes guesswork and keeps the focus on outcomes.

wider cyber security strategy

Choosing self-assessment or paying for help

Do it yourself if you have an IT lead who understands configuration, patching and basic security policies. Use external help if you don’t have the time, or if bringing in an objective pair of eyes will avoid missed items that cause delays. Paying for a consultant can speed the process and often saves money overall because they reduce the risk of failing the audit and having to repeat work.

Common pitfalls that increase cost

• Leaving remediation to the last minute — it adds rushed costs.
• Poor inventory of devices — surprises cost money.
• Choosing the wrong scope — make sure the asset list matches reality.
• Underestimating staff time — governance and evidence collection take longer than you think.

Decision checklist for busy owners

If you have two minutes, ask these questions before you start:

1. Who will lead the project internally?
2. Do you have an accurate device inventory?
3. Are your patching and backup routines documented and followed?
4. Do you want the extra assurance of Cyber Essentials Plus?

Answers to these questions will tell you whether to budget mainly for staff time, remedial work, or external help.

FAQ

How much does Cyber Essentials cost for a typical small business?

There’s no fixed price that covers every business. Costs vary depending on scope and whether you choose self-assessment or Plus. Many small firms find the main expenditures are staff time and a modest set of fixes rather than large capital outlay.

Is Cyber Essentials worth the money?

Yes, if your aim is to reduce common cyber risks, win tenders that require certification, or reassure customers and insurers. It’s a practical, proportionate step rather than a costly prestige exercise.

How long does the certification process take?

That depends on how ready you are. If controls are in place it can be a matter of weeks. If you need remediation and co-ordination across multiple sites it can take longer. Planning and an honest inventory speed things up.

Will Cyber Essentials stop all cyber attacks?

No. It reduces the chance of common, opportunistic attacks by ensuring basic hygiene. It’s a baseline — useful and sensible, but not a substitute for layered security if you face more targeted threats.

Getting Cyber Essentials needn’t be expensive or disruptive. Budget for the practical items (time, a few fixes, and maintenance), choose the right route for your organisation, and focus on outcomes: less downtime, lower risk, and stronger credibility with customers and insurers. If you approach it sensibly you’ll buy time, money saved in the long run, and calm that comes from knowing your basics are covered.