Funded Cyber Essentials Programme for Northern Ireland businesses

Free cyber security support for small businesses in high-risk sectors

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is inviting small organisations from specific sectors in the UK to take part in the Funded Cyber Essentials Programme. The programme provides free cyber security help to small and micro businesses in sectors most vulnerable to cyber attacks.

The initiative is open to businesses that are developing:

• fundamental artificial intelligence technologies
• novel quantum technologies
• semiconductors/semiconductor IP blocks
• engineering biology or synthetic biology

To qualify for this scheme, you must be:

• a small UK-registered business (with 1 to 49 employees)
• developing eligible technologies
• without prior participation in the NCSC's Funded Cyber Essentials Programme

Your business must also:

• not currently have Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) certification
• not have received CE+ certification since January 2023
• not be in the process of applying for CE+ certification

If your business meets the above criteria, you can register your interest in the programme.

Support available

Eligible organisations can receive up to 20 hours of free remote support from a certified Cyber Advisor. This hands-on support will help you implement essential cyber security controls like firewalls, secure settings, access controls, malware and software updates.

Learn more about the NCSC Cyber Essentials Funded Programme.

First published 19 January 2024