Cyber Essentials For MSPs And
MSSPs — And Their Clients
Deliver scalable, Cyber Essentials–aligned cybersecurity services with Cynomi’s AI-powered vCISO platform. Automate assessments, streamline compliance, and help clients meet baseline security standards recognized across the UK and internationally.
What is Cyber Essentials and Why
Does It Matter for MSPs and MSSPs?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification scheme that helps organizations protect against common cyber threats. It outlines a baseline set of technical controls that, when implemented, significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks.
For MSPs and MSSPs, Cyber Essentials offers a simplified, repeatable framework to deliver essential cybersecurity hygiene across a broad client base. It supports procurement-readiness, client confidence, and provides an entry point to more advanced risk and compliance services.
What Organizations Does
Cyber Essentials Apply To?
Cyber Essentials is applicable to any organization that uses internet-connected systems, regardless of size or sector. It is especially valuable for:
SMBs and Startups
Legal, Financial, and Professional Services
Public Sector Suppliers and Contractors
Education Providers
Non-Profits and Charities
MSPs and MSSPs offering basic cyber hygiene services
Cyber Essentials Core Components
The scheme outlines five key control areas that organizations must implement to achieve certification:
Firewalls
Secure internet connections by ensuring devices are protected by correctly configured firewalls.
Secure Configuration
Remove unused software, disable unnecessary functions, and configure systems securely.
User Access Control
Ensure users have access only to systems and data they need for their role.
Malware Protection
Use anti-malware tools and application control to protect systems from malicious software.
Security Update Management
Apply security patches promptly to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Why MSPs and MSSPs
Should Align With Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials provides a clear structure for delivering foundational cybersecurity services, enabling providers to onboard clients quickly and deliver measurable outcomes.
Provide standardized assessments and remediation services
Support UK public sector procurement and partner requirements
Upsell into managed detection, incident response, and compliance services
Deliver repeatable, scalable services with minimal resource strain
How MSPs and MSSPs Can Comply with
Cyber Essentials and Help Clients Do the Same
Cynomi guides you step by step through managing cybersecurity and compliance.
Assess & Identify
Launch Cyber Essentials–Aligned Risk Assessments
- Conduct automated assessments against the five technical control areas
- Identify compliance gaps and generate prioritized remediation plans
- Pre-validate readiness for self-assessment or Cyber Essentials Plus audit
Establish and Plan
Build and Document Foundational Security Controls
- Auto-generate configuration policies, access control plans, and patching workflows
- Align security documentation with IASME Cyber Essentials requirements
- Track responsibilities and timelines across IT, security, and leadership teams
Assess & Identify
Support Ongoing Compliance and Service Expansion
- Monitor implementation across multiple clients from one dashboard
- Maintain audit-ready documentation for renewals and Plus-level assessments
- Identify upsell opportunities for advanced controls or regulatory frameworks
Framework FAQs
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme that certifies organizations on the implementation of five basic cybersecurity controls designed to protect against common threats.
It is required for many UK government contracts and strongly recommended for any organization looking to demonstrate a baseline level of cyber hygiene and security assurance.
Cyber Essentials is a self-assessed certification. Cyber Essentials Plus includes independent technical verification through vulnerability scans and tests conducted by an accredited assessor.
Certification is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually.
Cynomi automates Cyber Essentials assessments, generates documentation, tracks remediation progress, and prepares clients for both self-assessment and external audits—all through a single platform.