NI Cyber Essentials Funded Programme

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

The NI Cyber Essentials Funded Programme is part of the UK-wide National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) initiative. It offers free cyber security support to small businesses and micro organisations in Northern Ireland that are most at risk of cyber attacks.

The programme helps organisations put basic security measures in place to protect against common cyber threats and prepares them for Cyber Essentials certification.

There are currently three spaces available. These will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility

To take part, your organisation must be:

• registered in the UK and based in Northern Ireland
• a micro or small business or charity with 1 to 49 employees

Your organisation must also fit into one of these categories:

• a business operating in the defence sector
• a business working on the development of any of these fundamental technologies:
  • artificial intelligence
  • semiconductors or semiconductor IP blocks
  • quantum technologies
  • engineering biology
• a business that provides legal aid services
• a business that offers conveyancing services
• a charity that processes personal data, as defined under GDPR

To be considered, your organisation must:

• not have taken part in the NI/NCSC Funded Cyber Essentials Programme before
• not currently hold Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) certification
• not have received CE+ certification since January 2023
• not be currently in the process of applying for CE+ certification

If your organisation meets these criteria, you can register your interest in the Funded Cyber Essentials programme.

First published 12 August 2025