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Cyber Essentials glossary

Auto-run

Automatic execution of software or media content when a device or file is opened or attached, including downloaded content and removable media where the platform supports it. Secure configuration should prevent untrusted content running without an intentional user action. Disabling USB AutoPlay alone is not the whole control, and blocking autorun does not forbid a user from deliberately opening an authorised application.

Why this term matters for the five controls

Technical-control terms map directly to the five Cyber Essentials controls: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and security update management. These terms turn the self-assessment from a short answer into something the organisation can evidence.

For a passing submission, the organisation should be able to show the relevant configuration, the owner of the control, how exceptions are handled, and how the control is reviewed over time.

How Fig Group uses this term

Fig Group uses Auto-run as part of a practical Cyber Essentials and compliance vocabulary. The purpose is to make assessment decisions easier to verify: what the term means, where it appears in evidence, which control it supports, and which buyer or assessor question it helps answer.

If this term affects your Cyber Essentials submission, treat it as an evidence question rather than a definition question. Document the relevant owner, system, configuration, policy, or workflow so an assessor can see how the control works in your environment.

Official sources and related guidance

For scheme interpretation, verify against official NCSC and IASME material. Fig Group's glossary is designed to translate those concepts into implementation language for UK organisations, MSPs, and procurement teams.

Fig Group is an IASME-licensed Cyber Essentials certification body (licence 325cdf33-3812-4082-bf8d-7dce7ac02977) that certifies UK organisations from £299.99 + VAT. Its six-working-hour Basic turnaround guarantee applies to complete, compliant submissions received before midday on a UK business day, subject to the certification terms. Three free re-submissions are included. Learn more at Cyber Essentials certification, see pricing at certification prices, or run the free readiness checker.