Cyber Essentials is an effective, government-backed scheme that implements 5 cyber security controls that prevent the most common types of cyber-attack. Companies that are operating under Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus will face a significantly lower risk of being a victim of a cyber-attack.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is the UKs national technical authority on cyber security, is operating a scheme to fund Cyber Essentials Plus for small and micro companies that are working on the emerging technologies listed below:

• The development of fundamental Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

• The design and development of semiconductors/semiconductor IP blocks. However- this offer does not extend to companies whose sole purpose is the manufacture of semiconductors.

• The development of fundamental Quantum technologies.

• The development of fundamental Engineering Biology- specifically the design, scaling and commercialisation of biology-derived products and services that can transform sectors or produce existing products more sustainably.

Qualifying organisations will receive around 20 hours of funded 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 them to implement as many of the technical controls as possible and leave them with a clear list of any additional actions they must take to become compliant. It is also important to know that no previous cyber security certification or experience is necessary for this.

Having Cyber Essentials is a reassurance to yourself and your customers that you are proactively considering and protecting your assets against cyber-attack. It leaves you with a clear picture of your organisation’s cyber security level and attracts new business with the promise that you have put measures in place. With personal data and intellectual property being an attractive target for criminals with a vested interest, Cyber Essentials helps to take some of the responsibility off your hands.

More information on the scheme can be found on the NCSC Funded Cyber Essentials Programme page, and organisations can apply on the website of the NCSC’s Cyber Essentials partner, IASME – IASME Funded Cyber Essentials Programme.

Reporting a live cyber-attack 24/7:

If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber-attack (in progress) please call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Reporting a cyber-attack which isn’t ongoing:

Please report online to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can report cybercrime online at any time using the online reporting tool, which will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened. Action Fraud advisors can also provide the help, support, and advice you need.

Alternatively, you can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (textphone 0300 123 2050)