What is the Defence Cyber Certification?

Defence Cyber Certification (DCC) is a UK Ministry of Defence standard designed to raise the bar on cyber maturity across the defence supply chain. It helps organisations demonstrate that they have the right systems, controls and processes to protect sensitive information and contribute to national cyber resilience. The framework aligns to Defence Standard (DEFSTAN) 05-138 and the NCSC’s Cyber Assessment Framework. There are four levels with varying levels of required controls:

Level 0: 3 controls
Level 1: 101 controls
Level 2: 139 controls
Level 3: 144 controls

Your required level is risk-related and will be detailed in your defence contract, or mandated by the MOD or a prime supplier. DCC is delivered on behalf of the MOD by IASME, and Protos Networks is a Level 1 DCC Certification Body (CB). We can support you whether you’re preparing for certification, implementing required controls, or seeking independent assessment. Many organisations choose to work with a CB in two ways: as an implementer (to help build and embed the right controls) or as an assessor (to independently verify compliance). Protos Networks is equipped to deliver a wide range of services across both paths, helping you meet DCC requirements with clarity and confidence.

Why Pursue Defence Cyber Certification with Protos Networks

Deep Understanding of DCC

We’ve helped organisations interpret complex DCC controls and align them with real-world operations, ensuring you know exactly what’s expected and why it matters.

Dual-Role Capability

Whether you need hands-on support to implement controls or an independent assessment to certify compliance, we can deliver both, working with partner CBs where we are the implementer.

Support Across All Levels

While certified as a Level 1 DCC CB, we can also help you prepare for higher maturity levels by delivering gap analyses, risk assessments, policy development and technical services.

Clear Roadmaps and Documentation

We provide easy-to-follow plans, checklists and artefacts that make your certification journey visible and manageable from start to finish.

Practical, Business-Focused Implementation

Security shouldn’t slow you down. We tailor solutions to your environment, aligning DCC requirements with your business goals and existing technology.

Win and Maintain Defence Contracts

Achieving and maintaining DCC boosts trust with defence customers and can help your organisation win and maintain lucrative defence contracts.

Get Started with Defence Cyber Certification

Defence Cyber Certification isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a meaningful signal that your organisation takes cyber risk seriously and is ready to operate securely in defence ecosystems.

Whether you’re just beginning your DCC journey or looking for independent assessment and certification, Protos Networks is here to help. We’ll work with you at every stage, giving you practical support, clear guidance and expert judgment so you can achieve the outcomes your business and customers expect.

If your organisation has been advised by your prime or the MOD that you require to certify, but don’t know where to start, speak to our team today. We can help you scope your certification and conduct a gap analysis on your current posture.

Start with the Foundations

Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus is a mandatory prerequisite for Defence Cyber Certification. If you haven’t achieved these yet, we can guide you through the process quickly and efficiently, ensuring you have the right controls in place before progressing to DCC. Speak to our team today to plan your route from Cyber Essentials through to full Defence Cyber Certification.

Cyber Essentials