Cyber Essentials certification - assessed and awarded directly by NeedSec
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme that demonstrates a baseline of cybersecurity controls against the most common internet-borne threats. NeedSec is licensed by IASME as a Cyber Essentials certification body. We carry out the full assessment across all five control areas and award the certificate directly - your organisation works with one team throughout and there is no separate assessor.
Manual-led testing
Every assessment is led by a qualified security engineer — human judgment, not just automated scanning.
Evidence-backed findings
Each vulnerability includes proof of concept, reproduction steps, and a business-impact risk rating.
Actionable fix guidance
Reports are structured for developers and decision makers so remediation can start immediately.
What the Assessment Covers
All five Cyber Essentials control areas, assessed by NeedSec
NeedSec assesses every Cyber Essentials control area and awards the certificate upon successful completion. We work with your team throughout the process.
Firewalls - boundary firewall configuration, default-deny rules, and internet gateway controls
Secure configuration - default settings, unnecessary software removal, and account hardening
User access control - least-privilege enforcement, admin account usage, and MFA requirements
Malware protection - anti-malware deployment, coverage, and update frequency
Security update management - patch currency across operating systems and applications
Scope definition - in-scope devices, cloud services, and organisational boundaries
Cloud service configuration - IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS control requirements under CE scope
Mobile device controls - managed device policy, MDM coverage, and remote wipe capability
Password policy - password manager usage, MFA availability, and account lockout settings
Home and remote working controls - VPN usage, split tunnelling, and endpoint protection
Questionnaire assessment - accurate and verifiable answers aligned to your technical controls
Assessment outcome - pass/fail status confirmed before certificate is awarded
Deliverables
What you receive after every engagement
Every engagement concludes with a professional report package — written to drive action across your technical and business teams.
Cyber Essentials certificate awarded by NeedSec (IASME-licensed body)
Formal documentation of the engagement outcome for clients, auditors, or the board.
Assessment report covering all five control areas
Professional written report covering all findings, evidence, and remediation guidance.
Findings and pass/fail status per control
Professional format with sufficient detail for both technical teams and business stakeholders.
Scope definition document
Agreed testing boundaries and asset definitions documented for audit and governance.
Cloud and device control assessment notes
Professional format with sufficient detail for both technical teams and business stakeholders.
Questionnaire assessment outcome
Professional format with sufficient detail for both technical teams and business stakeholders.
Required action notes for any failing controls
Professional format with sufficient detail for both technical teams and business stakeholders.
Re-assessment where certification requirements are not initially met
Professional format with sufficient detail for both technical teams and business stakeholders.
Need help scoping this assessment?
Share your target systems, business goals, and timeline. NeedSec will help define the correct scope and testing approach.