Defence Cyber Certification Decoded

DCC Decoded: What You Need to Know and Do, Now A Practical Guide to the new Defence Cyber Certification (DCC) framework for UK-based defence sector supply chain businesses

What you need to know about the DCC Threat Landscape SMEs in the UK Defence supply chain now face a mandatory baseline: Cyber Essentials (with Cyber Essentials Plus for higher levels) as part of the four-tier Defence Cyber Certification scheme overseen by IASME. DCC includes annual checkins and full recertification every three years.

Are you ready?

This guide walks you through practical steps for how to prepare yourself.

Why it matters to you Securing DCC accreditation isn’t just red tape it’s a strategic advantage.

Unlock lucrative Defence and public sector contracts.

Build customer trust through cyber resilience.

Mitigate cyber attacks with the right future-proofed security measures and systems.

Align with upcoming UK cyber resilience legislation.

Gearing up Before tackling DCC, you must...

1 2 3

Pass Cyber Essentials Five core controls: firewalls, secure configuration, access control, malware protection, patch management.

Achieve Cyber Essentials Plus For Levels Two & Three. This adds independent audits/vulnerability tests.

Build on this foundation with the broader DCC control sets Level 0: 3 controls Level 1: 101 controls Level 2: 139 controls Level 3: 144 controls

Your path to compliance This four-stage mission roadmap breaks down the journey you need to embark on.

1. Reconnaissance Map existing security controls against Cyber Essentials and DCC requirements.

2. Augmentation Deploy training, patching, MFA, network segmentation.

Or work with Enhanced to support you on this.

3. Certification Use an IASME-approved body to certify Essentials/Plus, then proceed to the DCC assessment.

4. Sustain & Improve Use quarterly check-ins to stay aligned with DCC; recertify every 3 years.

Work smarter with this mapper...

If you’re already certified under Cyber Essentials, this mapping document from the Ministry of Defence clearly shows which Defence Standardisation controls are already covered saving you from “reinventing the wheel” and doing them again.

Use the mapper to systematically pinpoint additional controls required: Level 0 (“Basic”): 3 core controls - all tied to Cyber Essentials certification.

Level 1 (“Foundational”): 101 controls - adding governance, risk, MFA, policies.

Levels 2 & 3: 139–144 controls - covering detection, incident response, encryption, threat monitoring, & deep defence‑in‑depth practices.

Click here to download the mapping document

How Enhanced can help you As a Microsoft-certified and JOSCAR-accredited IT partner, Enhanced is equipped to help you.

Cyber Security Consultancy We work with you to review your systems against DCC, uncovering any gaps that could put compliance or security at risk.

Together, we create a clear, prioritised plan and support you through each step of remediation - helping you meet the standard while building stronger, long-term cyber resilience.

Ongoing Cyber Support We offer Security Managed Services that provide continuous protection through proactive remediation.

Combined with Managed Detection and Response (MDR) we help you identify and neutralise threats early, strengthen defences, and build a security-aware culture across your business.

30 years Experience Award Winning IT Support CSAT rating of 95%

See how we helped Dorset-based manufacturing company NORCO get Cyber Essentials Plus accredited. We also implemented an automated Data Compliance solution for them enforcing policies and reducing manual processes. The Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation means NORCO are now eligible to bid for UK Government and MOD contracts.

Click here to read the story

Beyond your certification Achieving DCC isn’t the end of your journey it’s a launchpad.

Use certification to win bigger contracts and public trust.

Prepare for evolving UK regulations like the Cyber Security & Resilience Bill.

Position your business as a Defender-grade partner, not just a supplier.

Now you’re armed with the knowledge and tools to master DCC - through robust foundations, strategic certifications, and true resilience.

Trusted by UK manufacturers For step‑by‑step support, Enhanced is ready to be your co‑pilot on this journey.

We’re trusted by many UK-based manufacturers and can help you every step of the way.

Find out more at enhanced.co.uk/it-solutions/cyber-security/