Cyber Essentials Plus Certification
Cyber Essentials Plus builds on standard Cyber Essentials by adding independent technical verification of your organisation's security controls. YDC operates as an experienced Certification Body – our assessors test your systems, prove compliance, and confirm defensive readiness.
- Independent hands-on technical verification
- Vulnerability assessment across devices
- Direct assessor guidance through remediation
Technical Verification
Scan and assessment of firewalls and external ingress tests.
Hands-on sample checking across workstations, servers, and mobile endpoints.
Rigorous testing against web payloads, malicious attachments, and patching levels.
What is Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) is the audited tier of the UK Government-backed Cyber Essentials scheme. While retaining the same five technical control pillars as the standard certification, CE+ requires an independent, hands-on technical verification conducted by a qualified certification body.
Boundary firewalls, secure settings, access control, malware defence, and patch management.
Independent assessor verifies that controls are operational on live devices and networks.
Satisfies strict procurement criteria across enterprise tenders and regulated buyers.
Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus
Both certifications examine the same defensive baseline, but they differ fundamentally in how compliance is proven and reviewed.
| Evaluation area | Cyber Essentials (Standard) | Cyber Essentials Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment format | Verified self-assessment questionnaire | Hands-on technical audit and vulnerability scan |
| Assessor role | Reviews and marks written answers | Directly scans systems and tests end-user controls |
| Endpoint sampling | Self-declared policy adherence | Tested sample of user machines, browsers, and software |
| Vulnerability testing | Not required technically on-site | External and internal vulnerability scans completed |
| Commercial trust level | Baseline entry-level assurance | Required for public sector frameworks and enterprise supply chains |
Who Needs CE+?
Organisations typically pursue Cyber Essentials Plus when required by procurement regulations or to prove operational credibility to risk-sensitive buyers.
Required for suppliers handling sensitive and personal government data or bidding on specific public frameworks.
Frequently mandated by banks, insurers, and institutional clients conducting formal third-party risk assessments.
Standard prerequisite for NHS supply tenders, MOD contracts, and associated sub-contractors.
Shortens commercial vendor reviews by proving verified technical controls rather than self-reported claims.
Independent Technical Verification
The technical audit validates that configurations are active in practice, combining vulnerability scans with live testing across a representative sample of machines.
External vulnerability scan
Tests internet-facing firewalls, public IP addresses, and digital services against unpatched common vulnerabilities.
Workstation and device testing
Evaluates standard sample endpoints for operating system patches, application updates, and execution controls.
Account and access checks
Verifies multi-factor authentication, administrative separation, and default credential removal across core services.
YDC's Support
YDC guides your organisation through each stage of preparation, eliminating technical surprises before independent auditors inspect your systems.
Scoping and readiness gap check
We review your device fleet, cloud infrastructure, and software inventory against the required CE+ technical controls.
Technical remediation support
Our team helps your engineers fix failed patch windows, disable vulnerable legacy protocols, and set device policies.
Pre-audit verification run
We simulate assessor scans internally so your infrastructure meets technical criteria before the appointed assessor begins.
Assessor liaison to completion
We assist throughout the official audit, coordinating test devices, addressing queries, and resolving scan observations.
Request a Cyber Essentials Plus quote
Tell us about your organisation and infrastructure. We will assess your scope and return a formal quote with no hidden extras.
Stay ready after certification
Certification is only part of the journey. YDC Protects gives your team one clear workspace to manage policies, risks, suppliers, training, assets, and audit evidence year-round.