A simpler way to Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed framework for securing IT systems. Vanta helps UK businesses meet Cyber Essentials and Plus requirements faster by automating the work with built-in controls, monitoring, and guidance.
The trust management platform powering security for over [customer_count] customers
Time-saving automation
Vanta automates Cyber Essentials work with [integrations_count] integrations, 1,300+ automated tests, and pre-built controls, reducing manual effort and helping teams get compliant faster.
Know exactly what to implement
Vanta turns Cyber Essentials requirements into prescriptive controls and checks, guiding teams through setup, validation, and remediation without guesswork or external consultants.
Real-time compliance
Vanta watches your environment in real time and reports back every hour, so you stay on top of Cyber Essentials every day, not just at audit time.
Work once, scale across many
Reuse work across NIST 800-171, HIPAA, USDP, and more. See how much of each framework you’ve already covered so you can plan what’s next and move faster.
NIST 800-171
Protect controlled unclassified information (CUI) when working with the U.S. government or its contractors.
HIPAA
Secure protected health information (PHI) to meet U.S. regulatory requirements for healthcare providers and vendors.
USDP
Centralize compliance with 19+ state privacy laws and stay ready as new regulations emerge across the U.S.
Additional features
Centralized control management
Track Cyber Essentials controls, owners, and real-time status in one place, keeping teams aligned and audit-ready.
AI-powered compliance
Work smarter with automatic control mapping, proactive SLA remediation, policy importing and summaries, and an interactive policy chatbot.
Policy management
Use Vanta AI to draft and update policies faster, then launch and track employee acceptance with built-in, auditor-approved templates.
Asset management
Automatically track devices, users, and systems in one place, so you always know what’s in scope and what needs protecting.
Access reviews
Run fast, reliable access reviews across systems. Keep user permissions in check and prove only the right people have access.
Trust Center
Make it easy for prospects to see your Cyber Essentials status and get the answers they need, without slowing down the deal.
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Vanta has significantly impacted our business by enabling us to successfully achieve ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials+ certifications, leveraging the evidence gathered on the platform. It has streamlined processes, saving at least 48 man-hours by centralizing and organizing information.”
Learn more about Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials UK Checklist
Our Cyber Essentials checklist outlines how to comply with the Cyber Essentials requirements and secure your organisation’s IT infrastructure.
Cyber Essentials certification cost and related expenses: A detailed breakdown
Get a complete breakdown of the Cyber Essentials certification cost.
Cyber Essentials vs. Cyber Essentials Plus: Key differences
Discover all the nuances of Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications. Learn how to achieve certification faster with the right platform.
FAQ
Accredited certification bodies issue the certificate. For Cyber Essentials, they review your self-assessment. For Cyber Essentials Plus, they perform technical verification. Vanta helps you prepare for the assessment, automates evidence collection, and connects you with certification partners, but does not issue the certificate.
Most teams complete certification in a few weeks. With Vanta, many spend 40–80 hours preparing, depending on whether they pursue CE or CE Plus. Your actual timeline will vary based on scope, existing controls, and remediation needs.
Additional costs may include:
- Certification body fees (for CE or CE Plus)
- Optional consulting support
- Remediation and vulnerability scanning
- Retesting fees (if needed)
Vanta partners may bundle some of these services. Final costs vary by certifier, company size, and scope.
Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment with external validation. Cyber Essentials Plus includes independent technical verification—such as internal/external scans and device checks—performed by an accredited certification body.
You must complete CE before moving on to CE Plus.
No, it’s not mandatory for most businesses. But it’s often required to bid on UK government contracts and increasingly expected during enterprise procurement.
