UK launches support for SME cyber certification
Eligible UK small businesses can obtain a 75% discount on new Cyber Essentials certification under a government-backed offer.
The First Step offer is for businesses not certified in the previous four years, on a first-come basis until March 2027 or funding runs out.
What changed
The First Step Fund opens access to subsidised certification; a separate supplier scheme offers nominated eligible firms funded certification.
Who this is for
Eligible UK micro, small and medium-sized businesses and qualifying suppliers referred by Cyber Resilience Pledge signatories.
Dates & context
The subsidy does not make certification universally free or guarantee a pass. The announcement concerns reducing common cyber risks, not a guarantee against attacks. Budget measures announced the previous week are not new decisions on 3 November.
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