Posted: 12th February 2026
Rundown of the Cyber Essentials Changes April 2026Cyber Essentials is changing in April 2026, with stronger expectations around MFA, cloud security, and device management. Businesses renewing in 2026 should start preparing now to avoid last-minute stress. Whether you’re renewing or getting certified for the first time, Jupiter IT can guide you through the process with confidence. |
If Cyber Essentials is part of your plans for 2026, whether a renewal or your first certification, now is the time to pay attention.
From April 2026, the Cyber Essentials scheme will introduce updated requirements designed to reflect the changes in how businesses operate today. Remote working, cloud services, and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats mean the scheme needs to evolve.
For your business, these changes mean that preparation will matter more than ever. If left until renewal time, you could find yourself rushing to fix gaps that could have been more addressed earlier and in a more cost-effective way.
Why is Cyber Essentials changing?
Whilst we’re calling them ‘changes’, they’re actually improvements and shouldn’t be considered an inconvenience. Cyber Essentials exists to protect businesses from the most common cyber threats, and these are constantly evolving.
The April 2026 updates are intended to make the scheme more realistic, more consistent, and more effective. The focus is shifting away from box-ticking and towards genuine, everyday cyber security practices that reduce risk in the real world.
What changes are coming in April 2026?
While final technical details will be confirmed closer to the time, businesses should expect tighter interpretation and enforcement in several key areas:
Stronger MFA Expectations
Multi-Factor Authentication is already a requirement, but the upcoming changes are expected to place greater emphasis on consistent use across cloud services, remote access, and administrative accounts. Partial MFA implementations or exceptions without justification are likely to be challenged.
Increased Focus on Cloud & SaaS Security
With most businesses now relying heavily on platforms like Microsoft 365, there will be greater scrutiny on how cloud services are configured. Simply using reputable platforms won’t be enough. They’ll need to be set up securely and managed properly.
Device Security and Patch Management
Expect more attention on how devices are protected and kept up to date, particularly for laptops and remote workers. Unsupported operating systems and inconsistent patching are likely to become a common reason for failing certification.
Clearer Questions, Firmer Outcomes
One of the most significant improvements is clarity. The updated scheme aims to reduce the need for interpretation and minimise “grey areas”. This will help responsible businesses, but it does mean that assumptions can catch you out (you know what they say about ASSumptions).
My Cyber Essentials renewal is due in 2026 - what should I do?
If your certificate expires in 2026, the smartest move is to start preparing well before renewal time.
Many businesses already meet a large portion of the requirements without realising it. The challenge often lies in gaps such as incomplete MFA coverage, outdated devices, or undocumented processes. Addressing these gradually is far easier than trying to fix everything at once under deadline pressure.
By reviewing your setup now, you give yourself time to make sensible improvements, spread any related costs, and avoid the stress of last-minute changes - this is when mistakes are made!
What if you’re not Cyber Essentials certified yet?
If you’re not yet certified, the upcoming changes are actually a great reason to start now rather than later.
Cyber Essentials provides a clear, structured framework for improving cyber security, helping protect your business from the most common threats. It also builds trust with customers, suppliers, and insurers.
Achieving certification now also puts you ahead of the game and makes future renewals, including those after April 2026, far easier to manage.
Jupiter IT Can Help You With Your Cyber Essentials Certification
Cyber Essentials doesn’t have to be confusing, time-consuming, or stressful… leave that to us!
We have qualified Cyber Essentials specialists who can help you understand exactly how the April 2026 changes will affect your business. Whether you’re renewing, preparing early, or starting from scratch, we can guide you through the entire process, from gap analysis to successful certification.
Our approach is practical, jargon-free, and tailored to you. Get in touch and let us improve your security while you stay focused on running your business.
