CyFUN vs Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus: Which Framework Does Your Irish Business Need?
title: "CyFUN vs Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus: Which Framework Does Your Irish Business Need?" description: "CyFUN, Cyber Essentials, or Cyber Essentials Plus — which cybersecurity framework is right for your Irish SME? A clear comparison." date: "2026-02-27" category: "Practical Security"
CyFUN vs Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus: Which Framework Does Your Irish Business Need?
As an Irish business owner, you're likely wearing many hats. "Cybersecurity expert" probably isn't one of them, yet the responsibility to protect your company's data, finances, and reputation from online threats falls squarely on your shoulders. With the digital landscape constantly shifting, and new regulations like the NIS2 Directive on the horizon, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. You know you need to do something, but what? This is where cybersecurity frameworks come in. They provide a structured path to improving your security posture, but with several options available, choosing the right one can be confusing. This article will provide a clear, jargon-free comparison of three key frameworks relevant to Irish SMEs: CyFUN, Cyber Essentials, and Cyber Essentials Plus, to help you decide which one is the right fit for your business.
What are Cybersecurity Frameworks and Why Do They Matter for SMEs?
Think of a cybersecurity framework as a blueprint for your business's security. It's a set of guidelines and best practices that help you identify and manage your security risks, implement the right controls, and demonstrate to customers, partners, and regulators that you take security seriously. For a busy SME owner, a good framework cuts through the noise and provides a clear, prioritised action plan. Instead of guessing what to do first, you have a roadmap to follow.
In the Irish context, frameworks are becoming increasingly important. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC Ireland) recommends their use, and with the upcoming transposition of the NIS2 Directive into Irish law, many more businesses will be required to demonstrate a structured approach to risk management. Adopting a framework now is a pragmatic step towards future compliance.
Introducing the Contenders: CyFUN, Cyber Essentials, and Cyber Essentials Plus
Today, we're comparing three of the most relevant frameworks for Irish businesses:
- CyFUN (Cyber Fundamentals Framework): An adaptable, risk-based framework adopted by NCSC Ireland to align with the international NIST Cybersecurity Framework and prepare businesses for NIS2.
- Cyber Essentials: A UK-developed, foundational certification that protects against the most common cyber attacks.
- Cyber Essentials Plus: A more advanced version of Cyber Essentials that includes a technical audit for a higher level of assurance.
Let's break down what each one entails.
CyFUN: The Irish-Adopted, NIS2-Aligned Framework
What it is: CyFUN, short for the Cyber Fundamentals Framework, is a voluntary, risk-based framework that Ireland has co-opted from Belgium. It is based on the highly respected NIST Cybersecurity Framework and is recommended by NCSC Ireland as a preferred method for organisations to meet their obligations under the NIS2 Directive. It provides a structured, tiered approach to cybersecurity, allowing businesses to adopt controls based on their specific risk profile.
Who it's for: While it's particularly relevant for "essential" and "important" entities that will fall under NIS2, CyFUN is designed to be scalable for businesses of all sizes. Its tiered maturity levels (Basic, Important, and Essential) mean that a small business can start with the fundamentals and mature its security posture over time.
Key Controls: CyFUN is aligned with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, which is structured around six core functions: Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. This is a comprehensive approach that goes beyond just technical controls to include governance and risk assessment.
Cost & Effort: The formal certification process for CyFUN in Ireland is still under development, with a national system expected to take 18-24 months to establish. In the meantime, there is no formal certification cost. The effort will depend on your starting point and the maturity level you aim to achieve. The initial step is a self-assessment to determine your current posture and the appropriate target level.
Certification Process: While formal certification is optional and not yet fully established in Ireland, businesses are encouraged to use the framework for internal assessment and improvement. When the certification scheme is launched, it will provide a formal way to demonstrate compliance and build trust with partners and customers.
Cyber Essentials: The UK's Foundational Standard
What it is: Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification scheme that sets out a baseline of five key technical controls to protect against the vast majority of common cyber attacks. It's designed to be an accessible and affordable way for businesses to get started with cybersecurity.
Who it's for: Cyber Essentials is for organisations of all sizes, in any sector. It is particularly popular in the UK, where it is a prerequisite for many government contracts. For Irish businesses, it provides a clear and recognised standard to demonstrate a commitment to security, especially if you have customers or partners in the UK.
Key Controls: The framework focuses on five critical technical controls:
- Firewalls: Ensuring a secure barrier between your internal network and the internet.
- Secure Configuration: Hardening your computers and network devices to reduce vulnerabilities.
- User Access Control: Restricting access to data and services to only those who need it (Least Privilege).
- Malware Protection: Using software to detect and block malicious code.
- Patch Management: Keeping your software and devices up to date to fix security holes.
Cost & Effort: The cost for the basic Cyber Essentials certification is based on organisation size, starting from around €375 + VAT. The process is based on a self-assessment questionnaire. While you can complete it yourself, many businesses choose to work with a Certification Body for guidance.
Certification Process: You complete a self-assessment questionnaire, which is then verified by an external assessor. Once passed, you receive your certificate, which is valid for one year.
Cyber Essentials Plus: The Next Level of Assurance
What it is: Cyber Essentials Plus is the highest level of certification under the Cyber Essentials scheme. It includes all the requirements of the basic certification, but with the crucial addition of a hands-on technical audit and vulnerability scan conducted by an independent third party.
Who it's for: This certification is for businesses that want to demonstrate a higher level of security assurance. This might be because you handle sensitive data, are part of a high-risk supply chain, or simply want to go the extra mile to build customer trust. It provides tangible proof that your security controls are not just in place, but are working effectively.
Key Controls: The five controls are the same as the basic Cyber Essentials, but the key difference is the verification. The technical audit involves external and internal vulnerability scanning and a review of a sample of your workstations to ensure they are configured securely.
Cost & Effort: The cost for Cyber Essentials Plus is significantly higher than the basic certification, as it involves a technical audit. The price will vary depending on the size and complexity of your network, but you can expect it to be in the range of €1,500 - €3,000 or more. The effort is also greater, as you will need to prepare for and facilitate the technical audit.
Certification Process: The first step is to complete the Cyber Essentials self-assessment. Once that is done, you will work with a Certification Body to schedule the technical audit. If you pass the audit, you will be awarded the Cyber Essentials Plus certificate.
Comparison Table: CyFUN vs. Cyber Essentials vs. Cyber Essentials Plus
| Feature | CyFUN | Cyber Essentials | Cyber Essentials Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Risk-based, NIS2 alignment | Foundational technical controls | Verified technical controls |
| Target Audience | Irish SMEs, NIS2 entities | All organisations, especially UK supply chain | Organisations needing higher assurance |
| Key Controls | 6 NIST CSF functions (Gov, Id, Pro, Det, Res, Rec) | 5 technical controls | 5 technical controls + audit |
| Typical Cost | TBD (certification not yet live) | €375+ | €1,500+ |
| Effort Level | Scalable (low to high) | Low to moderate | Moderate to high |
| Certification | Optional, self-assessment now, formal cert later | Annual self-assessment | Annual self-assessment + technical audit |
Which Framework is Right for Your Irish Business?
Choosing the right framework depends on your specific circumstances, including your size, industry, risk appetite, and customer requirements.
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Choose CyFUN if: You are an Irish business looking to align with NCSC Ireland guidance and prepare for the NIS2 Directive. It provides a flexible, risk-based approach that can grow with your business. Starting with a CyFUN self-assessment is a pragmatic first step for any Irish SME.
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Choose Cyber Essentials if: You need a quick, affordable, and recognised certification to demonstrate a baseline level of security. It's an excellent starting point and is particularly valuable if you do business with UK companies. See it as a foundational layer of security.
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Choose Cyber Essentials Plus if: You need to provide a higher level of assurance to your customers or stakeholders. The independent technical audit provides tangible proof that your security controls are effective. It is a significant step up from the basic certification and demonstrates a strong commitment to security.
Ultimately, these frameworks are not mutually exclusive. You might start with Cyber Essentials to cover the basics and then use CyFUN as a broader risk management framework to guide your long-term security strategy. A [vCISO](/glossaryA vCISO can help you navigate these choices and create a security roadmap that is right for your business.
Free Resource: Download The Irish SME Cyber Survival Guide — 10 controls based on NCSC Ireland & ENISA guidance. Plain English, no jargon.
Related Reading
- CyFUN, Cyber Essentials & the Essential 8: A Small Business Guide
- Cyber Essentials for Irish SMEs: The 5 Core Controls
- NIS2 Compliance Checklist for Irish SMEs
Ready to Strengthen Your Security?
If navigating cybersecurity frameworks is a concern for your business, a structured review will give you a clear picture and a prioritised action plan — without requiring a large budget or a full-time IT team.
Book a free 30-minute strategy call with our vCISO team. We work with small and medium businesses across Ireland — no jargon, no scare tactics, just clear actionable advice.
Sources: NCSC Ireland - CyFun, NCSC UK - Cyber Essentials, IASME - Cyber Essentials
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