In a generation where cyber threats are increasing in both complexity and number, the defence sector remains a prime target for hostile actors. From cultural spying to common cyber attacks like phishing and ransomware, the safety of sensitive defence data is more essential than ever.
As a result, cyber security compliance has evolved as a non-negotiable element in defence contracting, with the Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) certification now playing a key role. This enhanced system not only ensures full malware protection and safe system configurations but also helps supply chain security across defence projects.
In this blog, we’ll examine what is Cyber Essentials and the impact of Cyber Essentials Plus defence contracting, how it helps resilience against common cyber threats, and the important role platforms like DCI (Defence Contracts International) play in assisting suppliers to stay educated and compliant.
Overview Of Cyber Essentials Plus Certification
CE+ is a UK government-backed cyber security model designed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to help communities defend themselves against everyday online threats.
As the more developed tier of the Cyber Essentials scheme, CE+ encloses all the baseline cyber essentials controls, such as closed configuration, access management, and malware protection, but goes a step further by requiring a hands-on technical audit performed by an accredited third party.
This independent confirmation ensures that a business’s cybersecurity efforts are not only in place but actively operating as planned. Supported across enterprises and mandated in many public sector agreements, CE+ is also an industry-supported scheme that shows a company’s adherence to cybersecurity.
We at DCI play a vital role by alerting suppliers to options where CE+ certification is a condition, helping them remain competitive in a highly regulated setting.
Differences Between Cyber Essentials Plus and Cyber Essentials Scheme
While both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) are parts of the UK state’s initiative to enhance baseline cyber security requirements, they vary significantly in terms of review depth, verification method, and assurance level.
Level Of Assessment
Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment method where communities respond to a questionnaire about their cybersecurity procedures, including areas such as secure configuration, firewalls, entrance controls, and patch surveillance. Cyber Essentials Plus has the same self-assessment but includes a technical audit, where certified assessors test the efficacy of security management in real-world systems.
Eligibility for Defence Tenders
While Cyber Essentials may be acceptable for some public sector agreements, many MOD and defence-related assignments require CE+ certification for defence tenders due to the higher security requirements.
Why is Cyber Essentials Certification Gold Standard for MOD Suppliers?
The Cyber Essentials certificate ensures adherence with the cyber security model needed to protect MOD-identifiable information. By fulfilling both basic controls and technical requirements, institutions demonstrate a strong dedication to cyber stability.
Suppliers who achieve Cyber Essentials certification can handle exposed defence data securely, which is often required for bidding on government and MOD contracts. It also creates trust within MOD supply chains by demonstrating adherence to recognised safety standards.
Why Does Cyber Essentials Plus Matter in Defence Contracting?
Compliance with Cyber Security Standards for MOD Suppliers
The certification assures suppliers that they meet obligatory cyber security sector standards for new MOD contracts, which is often a requirement for handling vulnerable or classified data.
Strengthens Cyber Compliance in Defence Supply Chain
It enables constant cyber compliance in the defence supply sector, reducing weak ties and ensuring all participants maintain a strong security stance.
Mitigates Cyber Security Risks
CE+ manages key cyber security risks such as malware, phishing, and data violations through enforced technological controls and configuration reviews.
Reduces the Likelihood of Cyber Security Incidents
With the hands-on audit procedure, cyber essentials certified suppliers can identify and fix exposures early, significantly reducing the odds of cybersecurity incidents.
Verified by an Independent Certification Body
Certification is awarded only after rigorous inspection by an accredited certification body, offering MOD and security contractors added trust in a supplier’s cyber protection.
Benefits of Cyber Essentials Plus Certification for Defence Contractors
Enhanced Competitive Edge
The defence contractors get an enhanced competitive edge by showing strong risk management and keeping with the Ministry of Defence requirements.
The certificate demonstrates that an institution can effectively protect systems against cyber risks through tested, verified rules. It also provides practical support during the contracting process, helping suppliers stand out in a positively regulated and security-conscious market.
Access to More Contracts
Cyber Essentials Plus certification grants security contractors access to a wider range of MOD contracts where improved cybersecurity is mandatory. Many high-value or susceptible tenders require CE+ as part of the prequalification standards.
By meeting this criterion, contractors demonstrate adherence to government-approved safety practices, making them suitable for more business in the defence procurement space.
Reduced Business Risk
The obligatory technical audit identifies exposures before they can be exploited, maintaining overall cyber resilience. This lowers the risk of operational trouble, financial failure, and reputational harm, especially when managing sensitive MOD data.
Prequalification for Defence Frameworks
Prequalification for defence frameworks allows faster and easier entry to the MOD and high-security contracts.
By fulfilling the Defence Cyber Protection Partnership (DCPP) standards, CE Plus demonstrates that strong cyber security measures and compelling risk assessment procedures are in place. This observation not only facilitates procurement barriers but also improves a contractor’s credibility within the security supply chain.
Get Cyber Essentials Certified With DCI
At Defence Contracts International (DCI), we make it effortless for your company to become Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certified, so you’re invariably ready for defence and public sector options. Our structured, expert-led approach is designed to help the whole organisation, from initial estimate to final certification.
Initial Consultation with Cyber Advisors
Our team of expert cyber advisors begins by evaluating your current cybersecurity stance, identifying possible vulnerabilities across methods like internet gateways and user devices.
Tailored Guidance Based on Risk Level
Whether you’re proposing on very low-risk contracts or high-risk security tenders, we offer tailored guidance based on your community’s size, sector, and submission requirements—ideal for small and medium-sized organisations.
Gap Analysis and Compliance Check
We conduct a full gap study of your current infrastructure against Cyber Essentials management, helping you comprehend where modifications are needed to meet credential standards.
Hands-On Support for Remediation
Our hands-on support helps execute needed changes, including areas like secure structures, malware security, and access management, ensuring your systems meet the essential technical standards and align with your annual turnover objective.
End-to-End Certification Management
From documenting to booking the certificate audit, we handle the full process so you can concentrate on your core business. We ensure you’re ready for both the self-assessment and exterior verification required for CE+.
Ongoing Readiness for Suppliers Bidding
Once certified, we keep you aware of upcoming tenders that require Cyber Essentials, allowing suppliers bidding in the security sector to maintain adherence and a competitive edge.
