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Why CrownSync?

There are several ways to prepare for Cyber Essentials. Here is how CrownSync fits in — and who it is built for.

What CrownSync is not

Not a certification body
CrownSync does not issue Cyber Essentials certificates. That is done by IASME-accredited certification bodies after you submit your assessment. We help you prepare so that submission goes smoothly.
Not a device scanner
Some tools automatically scan your devices and check technical settings. CrownSync does not do this. We guide you through the official 106-question Danzell v3.3 questionnaire — the same questions your certifier will assess.
Not an enterprise platform
Broad compliance platforms cover ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, and many other frameworks. They are powerful but complex and priced for enterprise teams. CrownSync focuses entirely on one thing: Cyber Essentials.

CrownSync is a preparation tool — built specifically for the official Cyber Essentials assessment

We built CrownSync for UK organisations of any size that need to complete Cyber Essentials properly — without a consultant, without complexity, and without an enterprise compliance budget.

The official Danzell v3.3 assessment has 106 questions across 8 technical areas. It requires input from IT, finance, HR, and operations. It needs a director-level sign-off before submission. Most organisations find it harder than expected — not because the requirements are complex, but because coordinating the process across a team is painful without the right tool.

CrownSync makes that process straightforward.

How the options compare

Official Danzell v3.3 questions

Manual

Scanner

Enterprise

Partial

CrownSync

Team collaboration

Manual

Scanner

Enterprise

CrownSync

Board sign-off workflow

Manual

Scanner

Enterprise

CrownSync

Vendor-specific fix guidance

Manual

Scanner

Partial

Enterprise

CrownSync

Complete audit trail

Manual

Scanner

Enterprise

CrownSync

Certifier-ready export

Manual

Scanner

Partial

Enterprise

CrownSync

Built for UK SMEs

Manual

Scanner

Enterprise

CrownSync

Free to use

Manual

Scanner

Partial

Enterprise

CrownSync

No integrations needed

Manual

Scanner

Enterprise

CrownSync

“Device scanner” refers to tools that automatically check device-level settings. “Enterprise platform” refers to broad multi-framework compliance tools. CrownSync focuses entirely on Cyber Essentials preparation.

Built for organisations like yours

IT Manager or IT Lead
You know the technical requirements but need a way to involve the rest of the business — HR for user accounts, finance for software inventory, operations for devices. CrownSync assigns questions to the right people and tracks their progress.
Operations or Compliance Manager
You are responsible for getting this done but you are not a technical specialist. CrownSync guides you through every question in plain English, explains what each control means, and tells you exactly what to fix if something is wrong.
Director or Business Owner
You need to sign off the assessment before it goes to your certifier. CrownSync gives you a clear summary of where your organisation stands, flags any critical issues, and handles the formal sign-off process with a complete audit trail.

What does CrownSync actually do?

Guides your team through the official questions

The full Danzell v3.3 question set — 106 questions across firewalls, secure configuration, security update management, user access control, and malware protection. Questions adapt based on your organisation's scope.

Identifies gaps and explains how to fix them

As you answer, CrownSync flags anything that would cause certification failure — with specific fix guidance for your firewall, identity provider, and patch management tool.

Coordinates your team

Assign questions to colleagues, set deadlines, and track progress. Smart reminders keep everyone on track without chasing.

Handles board sign-off and produces your submission pack

Director-level sign-off with a complete audit trail. Download your readiness report and evidence checklist — everything your certifier needs to see.

Do you need Cyber Essentials?

Bidding for government contracts
Cyber Essentials is mandatory for all UK central government contracts involving the handling of sensitive or personal information or the delivery of ICT products and services — confirmed by Procurement Policy Note PPN 014. If you bid for central government work, you need it.
NHS and public sector suppliers
NHS trusts and Integrated Care Boards increasingly require Cyber Essentials from suppliers, particularly those handling patient data or providing digital services. While not a blanket NHS-wide mandate, it is becoming standard practice and the direction of travel is clear.
Part of a supply chain
If your clients include organisations holding government contracts, they may require you to hold Cyber Essentials as a condition of doing business. The requirement is cascading through supply chains across the UK — from central government through to local authorities, NHS, and defence.

Even where not yet required, Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates a credible, government-backed commitment to security that clients, partners, and insurers increasingly expect. The NCSC recommends it for all UK organisations.

What about the free NCSC/IASME Readiness Tool?

IASME offers a free readiness tool on behalf of NCSC. It is a great starting point — a short questionnaire that gives you a general sense of where your organisation stands.

CrownSync is what you use when you are ready to do it properly.

The NCSC/IASME Readiness Tool gives you awareness. CrownSync guides you through the full official 106-question Danzell v3.3 assessment — the same questions your certifier will assess — with your whole team, with board sign-off governance, and with a certifier-ready submission pack at the end.

We recommend starting with the NCSC Readiness Tool if you are completely new to Cyber Essentials. Then come back to CrownSync when you are ready to complete the actual assessment.

Try the NCSC Readiness Tool →

Ready to get started?

Free during our launch period. No credit card. No commitment. The new Danzell v3.3 standard takes effect 27 April 2026.