Government offers £2.4m cyber security discount to small firms
Businesses can receive a 75% reduction on Cyber Essentials certification, aiming to bolster defences against online threats.
Incident → evidence → outcomeSmall and micro businesses across the UK can now benefit from a significant discount on a Government-backed cyber security certification. The initiative aims to protect these companies from common online threats by offering a 75% reduction on the Cyber Essentials programme.
The Government has allocated £2.4 million to fund this discount, which is expected to help around 6,000 businesses improve their online defences. Cyber security minister Liz Lloyd stated that SMEs are particularly vulnerable to increasing cyber threats. She added that the Government would support these businesses to become more resilient against malicious actors.
About the Cyber Essentials Programme
Developed by the National Cyber Security Centre, Cyber Essentials is recognised as the minimum security standard recommended by the Government. Its primary purpose is to equip companies of all sizes with the knowledge and tools to prevent the most prevalent internet-based cyber attacks. The programme covers essential security controls designed to protect against a range of threats.
This funding initiative follows a series of high-profile cyber security incidents that have affected various organisations. Recent events include a significant cryptocurrency theft and a data breach impacting customers of a major fashion retailer. Last year, a cyber attack on a prominent car manufacturer disrupted its production lines for several weeks.
How to Access the Discount
With the 75% discount applied, businesses could pay between £80 and £125, plus VAT, for the Cyber Essentials certification. This offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis to companies that have not previously obtained the certification within the last four years. The scheme will remain open until March, or until the allocated funding of £2.4 million is fully utilised.
Questions this report answers
01How much funding is available for the cyber security training discount?
The Government is allocating a total of £2.4 million to subsidise the cost of cyber security training for small and micro businesses. This funding is intended to support approximately 6,000 businesses in obtaining the Cyber Essentials certification.
02What is the Cyber Essentials certification programme?
The Cyber Essentials programme is a Government-backed scheme developed by the National Cyber Security Centre. It is designed to help companies of all sizes implement basic security controls to protect against common internet-based cyber attacks and is considered the minimum recommended security standard.
03How much will businesses pay for the Cyber Essentials certification with the discount?
Eligible small and micro businesses can receive a 75% discount on the Cyber Essentials certification. This means they could pay between £80 and £125, plus VAT, for the certification, significantly reducing the usual cost.
04When is the deadline to apply for the cyber security discount?
The discount is available on a first-come, first-served basis and will remain open until March. However, the funding may be exhausted before this date, so businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
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