Official IASME Certification

Cyber Essentials for Irish Businesses

Get certified in cybersecurity fundamentals. Protect your business, meet compliance requirements, and win customer trust with an official Cyber Essentials certificate.

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What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is an official UK government-backed certification scheme administered by IASME. It certifies that your organisation has implemented the five fundamental security controls that protect against 99% of cyber attacks.

While created in the UK, Cyber Essentials is recognised globally and is increasingly required by Irish businesses as a baseline security standard. It's particularly valued by government contractors, larger enterprises, and insurance providers.

The 5 Controls

  • 1.Secure configuration — Removing unnecessary services and hardening systems
  • 2.Access control — Restricting user permissions and multi-factor authentication
  • 3.Malware protection — Antivirus and anti-malware across all devices
  • 4.Patch management — Keeping software and systems up to date
  • 5.Backup and recovery — Regular backups with tested restoration procedures

Who Needs It?

  • Government contractors and suppliers
  • Businesses bidding for large contracts
  • Companies in regulated sectors
  • Organisations seeking cyber insurance
  • Any business wanting to demonstrate security commitment

How Does It Compare?

AspectCyber EssentialsCyber Essentials PlusCyFUN (Ireland)
Scope5 fundamental controls5 controls + external testing6 functions, 20 practices
Assessment TypeSelf-assessmentSelf + external auditSelf-assessment
Cost (Ireland)€800–€2,000€3,000–€8,000Free / €200–€500
Timeline4–8 weeks8–12 weeks2–4 weeks
Validity3 years3 years1 year (self-assessed)
RecognitionGlobal (UK-backed)Global (UK-backed)Ireland-specific

Note: Costs vary by assessor and organisation size. Contact us for a personalised quote.

Your Certification Timeline

1

Week 1-2

Initial Assessment

We assess your current security posture against the 5 Cyber Essentials controls.

2

Week 3-4

Gap Analysis & Remediation Plan

Identify gaps and create a practical roadmap to close them.

3

Week 5-6

Implementation Support

We guide you through implementing the required controls.

4

Week 7-8

Final Assessment & Certification

Final verification and official IASME certificate issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Cyber Essentials if I'm already GDPR compliant?

GDPR and Cyber Essentials address different requirements. GDPR is about data protection and privacy; Cyber Essentials is about technical security controls. Many businesses pursue both.

How much does Cyber Essentials cost in Ireland?

Typical costs range from €800–€2,000 depending on your organisation size and complexity. We provide a free assessment to give you an accurate quote.

Can I get Cyber Essentials if I'm a micro-business?

Yes. Cyber Essentials is designed for organisations of all sizes, from solo traders to large enterprises. The assessment scales to your complexity.

How long does the certificate last?

Cyber Essentials certificates are valid for 3 years. After that, you'll need to renew through a reassessment.

What if I fail the assessment?

There's no 'pass/fail' in Cyber Essentials. We identify gaps and work with you to close them. Once all controls are in place, you're certified.

Is Cyber Essentials recognised in Ireland?

Yes. While UK-backed, it's increasingly recognised by Irish government agencies, insurers, and large enterprises as a credible security baseline.

Learn More

Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus

Understand the differences and decide which certification is right for your business.

Read the guide

CyFUN vs Cyber Essentials

Compare Ireland's CyFUN framework with the UK Cyber Essentials scheme.

Compare frameworks

Ready to Get Cyber Essentials Certified?

Book a free 20-minute assessment call with our team. We'll evaluate your current security posture and create a personalised roadmap to certification.

No commitment. No hidden fees. Just practical advice tailored to your business.

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