Cyber Essentials: A must-have for government contracts

If your business wants to supply products or services to the UK public sector, whether that’s the NHS, a local authority, or central government, Cyber Essentials certification is no longer a "nice to have." It’s often a legal requirement.

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification designed to help organisations protect themselves from common cyber threats. It outlines five fundamental security controls that, when properly implemented, can greatly reduce the risk of a cyber breach:

• Firewall and Network Security – Shields your systems from unauthorised access and external threats.

• Secure System Configuration – Ensures devices are set up securely, with unnecessary functions turned off.

• Access Management – Limits user access to sensitive information and restricts admin privileges.

• Protection Against Malware – Defends systems from harmful software such as viruses and ransomware.

• Patch Management – Ensures software and systems are regularly updated to fix known security issues.

  
  

Adopting the Cyber Essentials framework helps businesses improve their cybersecurity posture and demonstrate a commitment to protecting data.

Why government contracts require it

The UK government introduced Cyber Essentials as a mandatory requirement for certain types of contracts as part of its effort to secure the public sector supply chain.

Under Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 09/14, and the updated guidance in PPN 01/24, any contract that involves the handling of sensitive or personal data, or provides technical products or services, will likely require certification.

You will commonly see Cyber Essentials required in contracts involving:

•   IT systems or support

•   Cloud platforms or software-as-a-service

•   Data processing or storage

•   Access to government networks or infrastructure

If the contract specifies Cyber Essentials, your business must hold a valid certificate before award. Without it, your bid will not be considered.

In some cases, especially those involving higher risk, you may be required to hold Cyber Essentials Plus.

What this means for your business

Whether you’re a software provider or a cleaning company with access to on-site systems, if you’re bidding for public sector work, you’ll need to demonstrate good cyber hygiene.

By being certified, you:

• Prove compliance with government procurement rules

• Access a wider range of tenders you’d otherwise be excluded from

• Build trust with public sector clients who must meet security obligations

• Reduce your own cyber risk, helping protect your business from threats

Even if you're not required to have it now, certification gives you a competitive edge for future bids

If you’re working with, or planning to work with, the public sector, Cyber Essentials isn’t optional. It’s a key part of proving your business is secure, responsible, and ready to meet government standards.

It’s not just about ticking a box, it’s about protecting your organisation and unlocking new opportunities.