For recruitment agencies, accountancy firms, legal practices and other professional services businesses, cybersecurity is no longer something that can sit entirely with the IT team. Client information, Microsoft 365 accounts, laptops and cloud applications all need consistent protection.

Cyber EssentialsThat is where can provide a practical starting point. The scheme focuses on five core controls: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection and security update management.

How Much Does Cyber Essentials Cost?

Cyber Essentials costThe depends partly on organisation size. Current IASME pricing starts at £320 + VAT for organisations with 0 to 9 employees, £440 + VAT for 10 to 49 employees, £500 + VAT for 50 to 249 employees and £600 + VAT for 250+ employees.

Cyber Essentials certification costHowever, the is only one part of the budget. Businesses may also need technical support to identify and resolve issues before completing the assessment.

For example, a recruitment company using Microsoft 365 may discover that former employees still have active accounts, devices are missing security updates, or administrator access is broader than necessary. Addressing those gaps is where practical IT expertise becomes valuable.

What Is the Cost of Cyber Essentials Plus?

Cyber Essentials Plus uses the same five technical controls but adds independent technical testing. The assessment can include representative user devices, internet gateways and internet-facing servers, providing greater assurance that security controls work in practice.

Cyber Essentials Plus certification costUnlike basic Cyber Essentials, there is no single fixed . The price depends on the size and complexity of the organisation's network.

For a professional services firm, this distinction matters. Passing a questionnaire demonstrates that controls are documented and implemented. Plus testing provides an additional check that those controls actually withstand technical verification.

Where Microsoft 365 and Azure Fit

Certification should not be treated as a once-a-year paperwork exercise. Microsoft 365 and Azure environments need ongoing management around identity, access, devices, configuration and updates.

A managed IT partner can help businesses build these practices into everyday operations rather than rushing to fix issues immediately before certification.

Blue Saffron works with medium-sized businesses across recruitment and professional services, combining managed IT, Microsoft cloud and cybersecurity expertise.

FAQ

How much does Cyber Essentials cost?

Current official assessment pricing starts at £320 + VAT and increases according to organisation size.

Is Cyber Essentials Plus more expensive?

Generally, yes. Cyber Essentials Plus includes independent technical testing, and pricing varies according to network size and complexity.

Is Cyber Essentials renewed every year?

Yes. Certification is valid for one year, so organisations need to reassess their security position annually.

Does Cyber Essentials replace managed cybersecurity?

No. Certification establishes a defined security baseline. Ongoing monitoring, Microsoft 365/Azure management, patching, access reviews and security improvements remain important parts of a wider cybersecurity strategy.

Cyber Essentials Cost: What Businesses Need to Know Before Certification

Blue Saffron delivers managed IT services, cybersecurity, cloud solutions and expert support to help businesses boost productivity, strengthen security.