Why firms come to us for Cyber Essentials
Most come to us because something has made certification necessary. A client has asked for it, a tender requires it, an insurer has raised it, or a deadline is approaching and there is no internal resource to handle it.
From there, the process is straightforward. We review your current setup, identify what needs to change, guide you through the assessment, and issue your certificate. The aim is to get certification done properly, without unnecessary disruption to how your firm operates.
We work primarily with firms across Scotland, typically firms with no dedicated IT or security function in-house. If that sounds like your firm, we can have a straightforward conversation about what certification involves, what needs to be done, and what it is likely to cost.
Cyber Essentials Services
Whether you need Cyber Essentials for a client requirement, tender, supplier onboarding, or insurance renewal, we help you get it over the line with clear guidance and practical support.
Explore the services below, or get in touch to discuss the right route for your organisation.
Cyber Essentials
Guided support to achieve Cyber Essentials with confidence. We help you scope the assessment, work through the requirements, and keep certification on track.
Cyber Essentials Plus
Technical verification for organisations that need stronger assurance. Suited to firms where clients, contracts, or procurement frameworks require independent testing where self-assessment alone isn’t enough.
Cyber Essentials Readiness Review
A practical pre-certification review that identifies issues likely to block certification before you submit. We highlight priority gaps and the next steps to get your business ready.
How it Works
We provide a clear route to Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification, with practical support throughout.
Initial Review
We start with a brief call to understand your organisation, confirm your scope, and answer initial questions.
Readiness Support
We review your current setup, identify likely gaps, and guide you on what needs attention before assessment.
Certification Support
We support you through the final stage and guide you towards Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus.
Why SHONSYS?
We help organisations achieve Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus with clear guidance, practical support, and experienced delivery. As an NCSC Assured Cyber Advisor and IASME Licensed Certification Body, we provide a straightforward route to certification from initial review through to certificate issue.
Our Partners.
Our relationships are built around our customers’ needs. Through strategic partnerships with leading technology providers, we maximise the value of your cyber security investment – working together to deliver world-class security solutions for your business.
What Certified Organisations Say
We’re trusted by organisations across a wide range of industries to deliver Cyber Essentials certification with clear guidance and practical support. Don’t just take our word for it — here’s what our customers have to say about us:
I would highly recommend working with SHONSYS. They expertly guided us through the Cyber Essentials Plus certification with clear and comprehensive support. We always understood the reasoning behind each step, and it was clear they cared about strengthening our cybersecurity posture - not just achieving certification.
Co-Founder
Semiconductor Startup, UK
Working with SHONSYS has been a real breath of fresh air. The whole process was smooth, clear and never overwhelming. Pride did a brilliant job at breaking down complex information in a way that was easy to follow and actually made sense. The gap analysis provided has been so valuable in helping us identify areas for improvement in our cyber security. I can’t thank Pride enough for his time and expertise, and I would highly recommend SHONSYS to anyone looking to strengthen their cyber security.
Operations and Engagement Officer
Registered Charity, UK
Joyous, easy, thorough, competent - I just highly recommend working with your organisation. You do demystify jargon and make the process so simple and straightforward.
CEO
Housing Association, UK
Thanks to SHONSYS, we secured the government contract we needed. The Cyber Essentials Plus certification process was much easier than we feared, and now we feel more credible when dealing with major clients.
Director
Media & Communications, UK
Shonsys made the Cyber Essentials process much easier than we expected. The guidance was clear and practical throughout, which made the whole experience straightforward to manage.
CEO
myLifePA Ltd, UK
Book A Call With An Assessor
Tell us a little about your business and we’ll confirm a time for your call. We’ll review where you are with Cyber Essentials and tell you exactly what getting certified involves.
0131 516 5503
Gyleview House, 3 Redheughs Rigg, Edinburgh, EH12 9DQCyber Essentials FAQs
Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment verified by an independent assessor hence sometimes referred to as ‘Verified Self-Assessment’ (VSA). Cyber Essentials Plus includes an additional technical audit where our assessors remotely connect to your systems to verify your security controls. CE Plus provides higher assurance and is often required for government contracts.
Yes. CE+ requires a valid CE certificate issued within the last 90 days. Our CE & CE+ Bundle handles both in one project.
Typically 2-3 days from initial enquiry to receiving your verified self-assessment certificate. However, Cyber Essentials certification depends on company readiness. We will expertly guide you throughout the process.
We support remote or on-site testing where appropriate. We’ll recommend the most efficient route during scoping.
Our packages include free resubmission. We provide feedback on any issues and guidance on remediation.
Yes. Eligible UK organisations (under £20m turnover), certifying entire organisation automatically receive £25,000 cyber liability insurance at no additional cost if they opt-in.
Your CE certificate (and CE+ if chosen), plus assessor feedback. We also share a post-certification security roadmap to keep building maturity.
We do not guarantee certification regardless of an organisation’s actual security posture, as certification depends on meeting the scheme requirements. What we do provide is clear guidance, practical support, and experienced assessment to help you avoid unnecessary delays and move through the process with confidence.
What’s Your Cyber Essentials Certification Readiness Score?
Almost half of cyber attacks target small and medium-sized businesses.
Take this focused 15-question assessment to benchmark your Cyber Essentials Certification readiness.
- Identify Security Gaps
- Complimentary Results Consultation
- Personalised Readiness Score
- Tailored Recommendations
