Smaller businesses considering improvements to their cyber security may benefit from a new Government-backed discount intended to make recognised security certification more affordable.

Announced on 3 November 2026, the initiative offers eligible small and medium-sized businesses a 75% discount towards the cost of Cyber Essentials certification, a Government-supported scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against common online threats.

Cyber Essentials concentrates on practical security measures, including controlling access to business systems, keeping software updated, protecting devices and reducing exposure to malicious internet activity.

Although many business owners recognise the importance of cyber security, implementing suitable protection can be difficult when responsibility for technology is shared between employees, external IT providers and software suppliers.

The financial consequences of a security incident can extend beyond the immediate cost of restoring systems, particularly where a business loses access to customer records, accounting information or the applications needed to continue trading.

Certification can provide a useful framework for reviewing existing arrangements and identifying weaknesses that might otherwise be overlooked. Some customers and organisations awarding contracts may also expect suppliers to demonstrate appropriate cyber security standards.

However, obtaining certification should not be regarded as a guarantee that a business cannot experience a cyber-attack, and organisations still need sensible procedures for backing up information, managing passwords and responding to incidents.

Businesses considering the discounted certification should check the eligibility conditions and establish what work may be required before applying.

Even where certification is not immediately appropriate, the announcement provides a useful reason to review existing security arrangements and consider whether the business is adequately protected against common threats.