Cyber Essentials Penetration Testing Providers
Cyber Essentials / Cyber Essentials Plus · UK
Cyber Essentials is the UK government-backed cybersecurity certification scheme that helps organisations protect against the most common cyber threats. The scheme has two levels: Cyber Essentials (self-assessment) and Cyber Essentials Plus (verified by an external assessor). Cyber Essentials Plus includes vulnerability scanning and basic penetration testing to verify that the five technical controls (firewalls, secure configuration, access controls, malware protection, and patch management) are properly implemented.
While Cyber Essentials certification covers fundamental security hygiene, many organisations use it as a stepping stone to more comprehensive security testing programmes. Cyber Essentials certification is mandatory for UK government contracts involving the handling of sensitive or personal information.
The scheme is administered by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and certified through accredited Certification Bodies. Penetration testing beyond the Cyber Essentials Plus assessment is recommended for organisations that want a deeper understanding of their security posture and exposure to more sophisticated threats.
NCC Group
Global cybersecurity consultancy with CREST, CHECK, and CBEST accreditation, renowned for deep technical research and comprehensive penetration testing services.
SECFORCE
Canary Wharf-based adversary simulation and CBEST-aligned penetration testing consultancy, delivering CREST-accredited offensive security to UK financial services and other organisations with the most demanding requirements.
Nettitude
CREST, CHECK, and CBEST accredited UK consultancy within Lloyd's Register, delivering premium penetration testing for government and critical infrastructure.
Pen Test Partners
The UK's largest independent security testing firm, renowned for IoT/OT research, CBEST red teaming, and CHECK/CREST-accredited penetration testing across all sectors.
PwC Cyber Security
Global Big Four professional services firm delivering CREST, CHECK, and CBEST-accredited penetration testing and red teaming services from London, serving the UK's largest enterprises and regulated organisations.
Dionach
Global enterprise cybersecurity consultancy founded in 1999 in Oxford, holding rare CREST STAR-FS accreditation and delivering penetration testing, red and purple teaming, and PCI QSA services across five international offices.
MDSec
Elite UK offensive security consultancy specialising in CBEST/STAR/TIBER red teaming, advanced adversary simulation, and CREST-accredited penetration testing for FTSE 100 clients.
Secarma
Manchester-based independent cybersecurity consultancy with over 20 years of experience delivering CREST and CHECK-accredited penetration testing, red teaming, and compliance certification services.
Cyberis
CREST and CHECK-accredited UK penetration testing consultancy with CBEST approval, specialising in infrastructure, application, and simulated attack assessments across the public and private sectors.
Aristi
CHECK and CREST-accredited Birmingham-based cyber security consultancy with over 15 years of experience delivering penetration testing, red teaming, and OT security assessments for government and private sector clients.
Bridewell
Fast-growing CREST and CHECK-accredited UK cybersecurity consultancy with deep expertise in critical national infrastructure sectors.
Cyber Essentials FAQs
What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?+
Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment questionnaire. Cyber Essentials Plus adds external verification including vulnerability scanning and testing of a sample of systems by a qualified assessor.
Is Cyber Essentials required for UK government contracts?+
Yes, Cyber Essentials certification is required for UK government contracts that involve handling sensitive or personal information, and many government organisations require it from all suppliers.
Is Cyber Essentials enough security testing?+
Cyber Essentials Plus provides basic verification of security controls. Organisations with higher risk profiles should also conduct regular penetration testing covering web applications, internal networks, and other attack surfaces.