Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cyber Nova AI really free, forever?

Yes. Everything on Cyber Nova AI is free, for everyone, permanently. You get your Security Score, your full task checklist, and access to all our security guides at no cost. There is no paid version, no premium tier, and no plan to ever introduce one. We believe everyone in the UK should have access to good cybersecurity guidance.

What's the catch?

There isn't one. Cyber Nova AI is not a commercial product: no trial, no credit card, no upgrade prompt, and nothing paid waiting behind the free version. We began with Android because it's the most widely used platform in the UK, and we've since added Windows, Apple, and Linux.

Do I need to give you my credit card to register?

No. Registration requires only an email address and a password. We never ask for payment details, because there is nothing on Cyber Nova AI to pay for.

What is a Security Score?

Your Security Score is a number from 0 to 100 that reflects how well your current security setup aligns with the five controls in the UK government's Cyber Essentials framework. You get your score by answering a short assessment. It takes about 10 minutes the first time. Your score updates immediately each time you complete a task.

What are the five Cyber Essentials controls?

The five controls are: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management (keeping software up to date). These five areas protect against the vast majority of common cyberattacks. Cyber Nova AI walks you through each one in plain English.

What does the task checklist include?

Your task checklist is generated based on your onboarding answers. Your tasks are tailored to your device. Android users get Android steps like locking your phone and managing apps; Windows users get Windows steps like Windows Update and Windows Security. You'll only see the tasks that apply to you. Tasks are ordered by impact, and each one has a plain-English explanation with step-by-step instructions.

Does Cyber Nova AI work on mobile?

Yes. The platform works in any modern browser, whether you're on a phone, tablet, or computer.

Will using Cyber Nova AI give me Cyber Essentials certification?

No. Cyber Essentials certification is issued by NCSC-approved certification bodies after a formal assessment process. Cyber Nova AI helps you understand the five controls, assess your current position, and work through what you need to do to meet the standard. Some organisations use the platform to prepare for formal certification, but the platform itself does not certify you.

My insurer / client / contract requires Cyber Essentials. Can Cyber Nova AI help?

Yes, as a preparation tool. The platform assesses you against the same five controls used in Cyber Essentials. Working through your task checklist brings you closer to meeting the standard. However, you will still need to go through an NCSC-approved certification body for formal certification.

Does Cyber Nova AI cover Cyber Essentials Plus?

Cyber Essentials Plus involves a technical audit by an independent assessor: it goes beyond what a self-assessment platform can cover. Cyber Nova AI focuses on the foundational Cyber Essentials standard. Working through the platform is a solid first step before pursuing Cyber Essentials Plus.

What data do you collect about me?

We collect your email address (for account creation and verification), the answers you provide in the security assessment, and the tasks you complete. We do not collect browsing data, device data, or any information beyond what you provide directly. Full details are in our Privacy Policy.

Do you sell my data?

No. We do not sell, share, or rent your data to any third party. Your data is used only to generate your Security Score and task checklist.

Is Cyber Nova AI GDPR compliant?

Yes. Cyber Nova AI is built for UK users and processes personal data in compliance with UK GDPR. We collect only the data we need, we give you the right to access and delete your data, and we do not retain your data beyond what is necessary. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Can I delete my account?

Yes. You can request account deletion at any time by contacting support@cybernovaai.co.uk. We will delete your account and all associated data within 30 days.

Will Cyber Nova AI always be free?

Yes. Being free is the point, not a promotional phase. Cyber Nova AI is run as a free public resource, not a business. There is no paid plan, and there are no plans to introduce one.

Which devices do you cover?

We cover Android, Windows, Apple (both Mac and iPhone), and Linux. We began with Android because it's the most widely used platform in the UK, then added Windows and Apple, and have now added Linux. Whatever device you use, you get the same thing: simple, step-by-step guidance to make you safer.

What is the 3-2-1 backup rule?

The 3-2-1 backup rule means keeping 3 copies of your important data, on 2 different types of storage, with 1 copy kept off-site. For example: the original photos on your phone, a backup copy on an external hard drive at home, and a third copy automatically synced to a cloud service like Google Drive or iCloud. If one copy is lost, damaged, or hit by ransomware, you still have two more.

How do I get help if I have a problem?

Email us at support@cybernovaai.co.uk. We aim to respond to all enquiries within one business day.

I've forgotten my password. What do I do?

Use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page. We'll send a reset link to your registered email address.