# ‘Vulnerable’ SMEs to get discount on Government-backed cyber security scheme

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/vulnerable-smes-to-get-discount-on-government-backed-cyber-security-scheme/
- Published: 2026-11-03T08:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-03T08:56:21+00:00
- Original publisher: The Independent (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-national-cyber-security-centre-vat-b3078067.html
- Topics: Cybersecurity, Government, Politics, Technology

## Key points

- SMEs can get 75% off Cyber Essentials certification.
- £2.4 million is expected to cover around 6,000 businesses.
- The offer ends in March or when funding runs out.

## Summary

The Government will subsidise Cyber Essentials certification for thousands of small and micro businesses, offering a 75% discount to help them defend against common cyber attacks. The scheme is intended to make basic cyber security training more affordable as ministers warn that smaller firms are especially exposed to rising threats.

The Government has allocated £2.4 million, expected to support around 6,000 businesses. Eligible firms that have not held certification in the past four years will pay £80 to £125 plus VAT; places are first come, first served and the offer runs until March or until funding is spent. The announcement follows major incidents including a reported £4.7 billion theft from Binance wallets, an Asos customer data breach and a cyber attack that halted Jaguar Land Rover production for weeks.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.