Cyber Essentials Penetration Testing Providers
Cyber Essentials / Cyber Essentials Plus · UK
Cyber Essentials is the UK government-backed cybersecurity certification scheme that helps organisations protect against the most common cyber threats. The scheme has two levels: Cyber Essentials (self-assessment) and Cyber Essentials Plus (verified by an external assessor). Cyber Essentials Plus includes vulnerability scanning and basic penetration testing to verify that the five technical controls (firewalls, secure configuration, access controls, malware protection, and patch management) are properly implemented.
While Cyber Essentials certification covers fundamental security hygiene, many organisations use it as a stepping stone to more comprehensive security testing programmes. Cyber Essentials certification is mandatory for UK government contracts involving the handling of sensitive or personal information.
The scheme is administered by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and certified through accredited Certification Bodies. Penetration testing beyond the Cyber Essentials Plus assessment is recommended for organisations that want a deeper understanding of their security posture and exposure to more sophisticated threats.
Aardwolf Security
Boutique UK penetration testing consultancy in Milton Keynes specialising in manual, expert-led security assessments across web applications, APIs, cloud, and mobile platforms.
Aristi
CHECK and CREST-accredited Birmingham-based cyber security consultancy with over 15 years of experience delivering penetration testing, red teaming, and OT security assessments for government and private sector clients.
Bridewell
Fast-growing CREST and CHECK-accredited UK cybersecurity consultancy with deep expertise in critical national infrastructure sectors.
Bulletproof
CREST-accredited UK cybersecurity and compliance provider offering penetration testing, managed security services, and regulatory consultancy to over 2,000 customers from its Stevenage headquarters.
Claranet
CREST and CHECK-accredited European managed services provider delivering penetration testing with deep infrastructure and cloud hosting expertise.
CovertSwarm
Subscription-based offensive cybersecurity firm delivering continuous cyber attack services with CREST STAR and CBEST accreditations from its London headquarters.
Cyberis
CREST and CHECK-accredited UK penetration testing consultancy with CBEST approval, specialising in infrastructure, application, and simulated attack assessments across the public and private sectors.
CyberLab
Cardiff-based CREST and CHECK-accredited cyber security company delivering penetration testing, red teaming, and OT security assessments as part of the Chess Group.
Cyphere
CREST-accredited Manchester-based cyber security firm delivering penetration testing, managed security services, and compliance consultancy across the UK, Europe, and the USA.
Dionach
Global enterprise cybersecurity consultancy founded in 1999 in Oxford, holding rare CREST STAR-FS accreditation and delivering penetration testing, red and purple teaming, and PCI QSA services across five international offices.
Equilibrium Security
CREST-accredited Birmingham-based cyber security consultancy delivering penetration testing, social engineering assessments, and Cyber Essentials certification for public and private sector clients.
Evalian
CREST-accredited UK cyber security and data protection consultancy offering penetration testing, ISO consultancy, and managed SOC services from offices across the UK and Ireland.
Integrity360
CREST-accredited pan-European cybersecurity services provider delivering penetration testing and managed security from Dublin with a strong UK and Ireland presence.
IT Governance
Established Ely-based compliance and cybersecurity consultancy offering CREST-approved penetration testing as part of a comprehensive governance, risk management, and compliance portfolio.
JUMPSEC
Full-service London-based cybersecurity consultancy with CREST, CHECK, and NCSC accreditations delivering offensive testing, managed detection, and strategic advisory services.
LRQA
The only organisation worldwide with a full suite of CREST accreditations. 250+ cybersecurity specialists operating in 55+ countries across pen testing, red teaming, and incident response.
MDSec
Elite UK offensive security consultancy specialising in CBEST/STAR/TIBER red teaming, advanced adversary simulation, and CREST-accredited penetration testing for FTSE 100 clients.
NCC Group
Global cybersecurity consultancy with CREST, CHECK, and CBEST accreditation, renowned for deep technical research and comprehensive penetration testing services.
Nettitude
CREST, CHECK, and CBEST accredited UK consultancy within Lloyd's Register, delivering premium penetration testing for government and critical infrastructure.
OnSecurity
CREST-accredited, platform-driven penetration testing vendor in Bristol offering AI-augmented testing with rapid self-service booking for over 400 global customers.
Pen Test Partners
The UK's largest independent security testing firm, renowned for IoT/OT research, CBEST red teaming, and CHECK/CREST-accredited penetration testing across all sectors.
Pentest People
CREST and CHECK-accredited UK penetration testing firm with an innovative SecurePortal platform and transparent pricing for mid-market organizations.
PwC Cyber Security
Global Big Four professional services firm delivering CREST, CHECK, and CBEST-accredited penetration testing and red teaming services from London, serving the UK's largest enterprises and regulated organisations.
Redscan (A Kroll Business)
London-based cybersecurity provider, now part of Kroll, delivering CREST-accredited penetration testing, managed detection and response, and incident response with a 550-strong cyber team.
Salus Cyber
Award-winning Cheltenham-based cybersecurity consultancy with NCSC CHECK Green Light status and CREST approval, specialising in defence, government, and critical national infrastructure security.
Secarma
Manchester-based independent cybersecurity consultancy with over 20 years of experience delivering CREST and CHECK-accredited penetration testing, red teaming, and compliance certification services.
SECFORCE
Leading UK offensive security consultancy based in Canary Wharf, delivering CREST-accredited penetration testing and adversary simulation to organisations with the most demanding security requirements.
Sencode
CREST-accredited North East England penetration testing specialist founded in 2019, offering accessible and transparent security testing with free retests and a strong focus on social engineering.
Stripe OLT
Award-winning CREST-certified managed cyber security and IT support provider with offices in Bristol, London, and Manchester, specialising in penetration testing and Microsoft security technologies.
ThreatSpike Red
London-based cybersecurity firm offering unlimited, fixed-price penetration testing and red teaming services with ISO 27001 certification and a unique subscription model.
Cyber Essentials FAQs
What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?+
Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment questionnaire. Cyber Essentials Plus adds external verification including vulnerability scanning and testing of a sample of systems by a qualified assessor.
Is Cyber Essentials required for UK government contracts?+
Yes, Cyber Essentials certification is required for UK government contracts that involve handling sensitive or personal information, and many government organisations require it from all suppliers.
Is Cyber Essentials enough security testing?+
Cyber Essentials Plus provides basic verification of security controls. Organisations with higher risk profiles should also conduct regular penetration testing covering web applications, internal networks, and other attack surfaces.