NCSC Funded Cyber Essentials Plus Scheme

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has launched a Funded Cyber Essentials Plus Programme to provide qualifying organisations with help to implement baseline security controls to prevent the most common types of cyber attack.

Please note this page has been updated to reflected the widened criteria for the scheme.

To qualify for this scheme, companies must be a micro or small business (1 to 49 employees) registered in the UK and working on:

  • Artificial Intelligence – The development of fundamental Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, OR the innovative application of Artificial Intelligence technologies in the following sectors: Public safety and health, Defence and security.
  • Quantum – The development of novel Quantum technologies.
  • Semiconductors – The design, development or manufacturing of semiconductors / semiconductor IP blocks.
  • Engineering/Synthetic Biology – The development of Engineering Biology or Synthetic Biology.
  • Advanced Materials – Companies involved in developing advanced materials that have enhanced properties and performance, often incorporating new compositions or structures to improve strength, durability, lightweight, or functionality for specific applications**.
  • Advanced Robotics – companies involved in the development of autonomous robotics that can perform complex tasks and adapt to novel environments using advanced technologies.
  • Fusion Energy – Companies involved in the development of methods and systems designed to harness the energy produced by nuclear fusion***.
  • Satellite and Space Technologies – Companies involved in the development, deployment, and utilisation of satellites and related systems for various applications, including communication, navigation, Earth observation, and scientific research. This may include satellite design, launch systems or ground control operations.
  • Specialist National Security Applications/Solutions – Companies must also be in one of the 17 defined sensitive areas of the economy covered by the Notifiable Acquisition Regulations under the National Security and Investment Act. Each application under this category will be considered on merit & a discretionary basis.

Qualifying organisations will receive around 20 hours of 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 organisations implement as many of the technical controls as possible. The scheme is designed to lead an organisation through the technical controls required to achieve Cyber Essentials certification, followed by the audit for Cyber Essentials Plus. No previous cyber security certification or experience is necessary.

The scheme is run by IASME, the NCSC’s Official Cyber Essentials Delivery Partner. Full details and the application form are available on the IASME website, linked here.

Jill Broom

Jill Broom

Head of Cyber Resilience, techUK

Jill leads the techUK Cyber Security programme, having originally joined techUK in October 2020 as a Programme Manager for the Cyber and Central Government programmes. She is responsible for managing techUK's work across the cyber security ecosystem, bringing industry together with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Jill also provides the industry secretariat for the Cyber Growth Partnership, the industry and government conduit for supporting the growth of the sector. A key focus of her work is to strengthen the public–private partnership across cyber to support further development of UK cyber security and resilience policy.

Before joining techUK, Jill worked as a Senior Caseworker for an MP, advocating for local communities, businesses and individuals, so she is particularly committed to techUK’s vision of harnessing the power of technology to improve people’s lives. Jill is also an experienced editorial professional and has delivered copyediting and writing services for public-body and SME clients as well as publishers.

Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.techuk.org/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-broom-19aa824

Read lessmore

Annie Collings

Annie Collings

Programme Manager, Cyber Security and Central Government, techUK

Annie joined techUK as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023. In this role, she supports the Cyber Security SME Forum, engaging regularly with key government and industry stakeholders to advance the growth and development of SMEs in the cyber sector.

Before joining techUK, Annie was an Account Manager at a specialist healthcare agency, where she provided public affairs support to a wide range of medical technology clients. She also gained experience as an intern in both an MP’s constituency office and with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed. Annie holds a degree in International Relations from Nottingham Trent University.

Email:
[email protected]
Twitter:
anniecollings24
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-collings-270150158/

Read lessmore

Raya Tsolova

Senior Programme Manager, techUK

Raya Tsolova is a Programme Manager at techUK. 

Prior to joining techUK, Raya worked in Business Development for an expert network firm within the institutional investment space. Before this Raya spent a year in industry working for a tech start-up in London as part of their Growth team which included the formation and development of a 'Let's Talk Tech' podcast and involvement in London Tech Week. 

Raya has a degree in Politics and International Relations (Bsc Hons) from the University of Bath where she focused primarily on national security and counter-terrorism policies, centreing research on female-led terrorism and specific approaches to justice there. 

Outside of work, Raya's interests include baking, spin classes and true-crime Netflix shows! 

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
07712630603

Read lessmore

Tracy Modha

Tracy Modha

Team Assistant - Markets, techUK

Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.

Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!

Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
02073312000
Twitter:
@TracyModha,@TracyModha
Website:
www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83,https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83

Read lessmore