Overview
A focused 45-minute live session on Cyber Essentials 2026: what changes on 27 April, what it means in practice, and how to get certified.
From 27 April 2026, updated Cyber Essentials requirements will apply to new assessment accounts. The five core controls are not changing, but several of the April 2026 updates have direct practical consequence for organisations preparing for certification. These include:
- Clearer expectations around what should be included in scope
- Stronger treatment on multi-factor authentication (MFA) where it is available on cloud services
- Confirmation that all software must be supported when the certificate is issued
- Changes to the Cyber Essentials Plus retest process
If you are certifying for the first time, considering Cyber Essentials Plus, or preparing for renewal, it is important to understand these changes before you begin.
Many organisations start the process without a clear view of scope, readiness, or the evidence required. This can lead to delays, unnecessary rework, or even failing the assessment.
This free 45-minute live session is designed to give you a clear and practical understanding of what to expect.
Who Should Attend
This session is relevant for SME founders, managing directors, IT managers, operations and compliance leads, and MSPs or IT providers supporting clients through Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus.
It will be particularly useful if your organisation is:
- Planning Cyber Essentials for the first time
- Considering Cyber Essentials Plus
- Approaching renewal in 2026
- Unsure what should be in scope
- Looking to avoid unnecessary delays or rework before starting
What We Will Cover
- How to define your assessment boundary correctly under the updated requirements
- MFA for cloud services and what is now expected in practice
- How support status is judged at the point your certificate is issued
- What the Cyber Essentials Plus retest changes mean for organisations planning Plus
- The most common issues that cause confusion, delays, or extra effort
- How to check readiness, scope, and timing before starting certification
What You Will Leave With
By the end of the session, you will know whether your organisation is ready to proceed, where the main risk areas sit for your setup, and what to review or resolve before starting or renewing certification.
