Question 1

Do I really need Cyber Essentials?

Accepted Answer

If you work with government, NHS, or regulated supply chains—yes. It's often a contract requirement. It also unlocks better cyber insurance terms and gives your customers confidence.

Question 2

How long does it take to get certified?

Accepted Answer

With Unhacked, most businesses complete the preparation in 2-4 weeks. The certification body review typically takes another 1-2 weeks.

Question 3

What's the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?

Accepted Answer

Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment. Cyber Essentials Plus includes an external technical audit. Both are recognized certifications—Plus just goes deeper.

Question 4

What happens if I fail the assessment?

Accepted Answer

You get clear feedback on what needs fixing. Unhacked helps you make those changes and resubmit. Most businesses pass on their second attempt.

Question 5

Can I do this without a security team?

Accepted Answer

Yes. That's exactly who we built Unhacked for. We handle the complexity so you don't need technical expertise.

Question 6

What if someone on my team clicks a phishing email?

Accepted Answer

It happens. The important thing is having a plan. Unhacked's breach playbook tells you exactly what to do: who to call, what to check, and how to contain the situation quickly.

Question 7

How do I know if my suppliers are secure?

Accepted Answer

Unhacked tracks supplier security posture and flags potential risks. You'll see if a supplier has poor security practices before they become your problem.

Question 8

What devices count toward my inventory?

Accepted Answer

Any device that accesses your business systems or data. That includes company laptops, personal phones used for work email, and tablets. Unhacked tracks them all automatically.

Question 9

Do I need cyber insurance?

Accepted Answer

We recommend it. A good policy covers breach response costs, legal fees, and business interruption. Cyber Essentials certification often unlocks better terms and lower premiums.

Question 10

How often do I need to renew Cyber Essentials?

Accepted Answer

Every year. Unhacked automates the renewal process using updated information from your live inventory.

Frequently asked questions