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Cyber Essentials vs ISO 27001
Choosing the right information security standard is a critical step in securing your business, and the right choice depends entirely on the needs of your business and your customers.
In this blog post, we take a look at the internationally-recognised ISO 27001 standard, formally known as ISO/IEC 27001, and compare it with the UK government’s Cyber Essentials scheme. We discuss the differences between the two options, and how to identify which one is right for you: Cyber Essentials vs ISO 27001 or maybe both!
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Cyber Essentials vs ISO 27001 at a glance
- ISO 27001 is an internationally-recognised standard (ISO/IEC 27001) assessed with an external auditor, protecting all information and physical assets in your ISMS.
- Cyber Essentials is a UK-only government scheme with two levels: self-assessed Cyber Essentials and independently verified Cyber Essentials Plus.
- Cyber Essentials’ five basic controls aim to stop around 80% of common cyberattacks — a baseline for security.
- Which you need depends on your operations and target markets; some government contracts require Cyber Essentials. It can help to compare frameworks before you decide.
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Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
This is a UK only standard and there are two levels of Cyber Essentials certification: Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. The difference between these options is that Cyber Essentials is a self-assessed certification, while Cyber Essentials Plus requires technical verification from an independent third party.
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The five Cyber Essentials controls
- The five controls are firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection and security update management.
- Together they protect your devices, services, data and internet connection and aim to reduce around 80% of common cyberattacks.
- Certification suits organisations of any size, from small businesses to enterprises, and some government contracts require it.
- Controls must be maintained and updated to keep your protection sustained.
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Controls
There are five controls that businesses must implement to successfully achieve Cyber Essentials certification, designed to protect devices, services, data and internet connection:
- Firewalls
- Secure configuration
- User access control
- Malware protection
- Security update management
The Cyber Essentials scheme is designed to help organisations of any size, from small businesses to enterprise organisations, protect themselves against cyber threats. In addition, some government contracts require Cyber Essentials certification.
In the Cyber Essentials method, the goal is that the five basic controls will reduce the risk of 80% of common cyberattacks being successful against your business. However, it’s important to maintain and update controls as and when necessary to ensure your business protection is sustained.
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Choosing the right standard for your business
- Cyber Essentials is a baseline for cybersecurity, setting the foundations as long as controls are regularly reviewed.
- ISO 27001 requires a higher level of commitment and working alongside an external auditor to protect all identified information and physical assets.
- Weigh your operations and target markets — map the effort with free compliance tools or explore the ISO 27001 hub before committing.
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Cyber Essentials vs ISO 27001 – which is right for you?
| Aspect | Cyber Essentials | ISO 27001 |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | UK-only government scheme | Internationally-recognised standard (ISO/IEC 27001) |
| Levels / verification | Self-assessed (Cyber Essentials) or independently verified (Cyber Essentials Plus) | Assessed by working alongside an external auditor |
| Coverage | Five basic controls aiming to reduce around 80% of common cyberattacks; a baseline for security | Protects all informational and physical assets identified as part of your ISMS |
| Commitment | Foundation for security once controls are regularly reviewed | Higher level of commitment across a full information security management system |
If you’re weighing up which information security standard is right for your business, consider the information security requirements of your overall operations and your target markets. Cyber Essentials is often considered a baseline for cybersecurity. As mentioned, implementation of Cyber Essentials can help to protect your organisation against around 80% of cyberattacks, setting up the foundations for security as long as your controls are regularly reviewed.
ISO 27001 requires a higher level of commitment as well as working alongside an external auditor. In line with this, the ISO 27001 framework will enable you to protect all informational and physical assets you identify as part of your information security management system. Prevention is at the core of information security, but reducing the impact of risks occurring is also crucial.
To learn more about ISO 27001 certification and how Hicomply’s software can automate and improve the process for your business, read more in our useful links section – or get in touch to speak to a member of the team. We work with an extensive partner network that can help you achieve either standard.
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What Hicomply recommends
In our experience the two aren’t mutually exclusive — many teams start with Cyber Essentials as a baseline, then build toward ISO 27001 as their ISMS matures, reusing the same controls and evidence rather than starting over. We’d focus on continuous, audit-ready compliance so either certification is maintained year-round instead of rebuilt at renewal. Take a platform tour to see how automating evidence keeps both standards within reach.
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Useful links
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