# Cyber Essentials for UK Public Tenders — Teamscope

URL: https://teamscope.io/cyber-essentials

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme (NCSC, delivered by IASME). It is required for UK central government tender contracts that involve handling personal data or certain ICT services. Certificates last 12 months.

## What the government requires
1. Advanced Firewall Setup
2. Secure Computer and Cloud Setup
3. Security Updates (critical fixes within 14 days)
4. Computer and Data Access Control (incl. multi-factor authentication)
5. Computer Virus Protection
6. Annual Checkup (renew every 12 months)

## Package
Fully managed Cyber Essentials prep package, from £10,000, for SMBs bidding for or winning UK public contracts.
Book a free intro: https://calendly.com/bogatell/intro

## FAQ
- **What is it?** A UK government-backed certification showing five basic cyber controls are in place.
- **Launched:** June 2014; mandatory for relevant central government contracts from 1 October 2014.
- **Who needs it:** Suppliers bidding for UK central government tenders involving personal/sensitive data or certain ICT services; often requested by councils, NHS, MoD and large companies.
- **Enforcement:** Through procurement — no valid certificate can mean exclusion from the tender or loss of contract.
- **When checked:** At tender submission, before contract award, and during the contract/renewal. Public register held by IASME.
- **Renewal:** Every 12 months.
- **Testing:** Online self-assessment questionnaire, signed by a director, marked by an independent certification body.
- **Cyber Essentials vs Plus:** Same five controls; Plus adds a hands-on technical audit and vulnerability scans, completed within 3 months of basic certification.
- **Worth it:** Yes for public sector bidders — required to win many tenders, reduces common attack risk, can help with cyber insurance.
- **Further reading:** NCSC, IASME, Cyber Essentials wiki (Wikipedia).