Use Cyber Essentials to secure your business

Cyber Essentials Readiness Tool

21.38_DSIT_Cyber Essentials_infographic 3_181224

Cyber Essentials leaflet

Cyber Essentials - story so far

RINGBINDER ARROW

PDF documents must be tagged to ensure accessibility and compliance with digital standards.

## What this means

Tagging in a PDF involves adding hidden metadata that outlines the structure and content of the document. These tags function similarly to HTML tags, describing elements like headings, paragraphs, lists, and tables. They are crucial for screen readers and other assistive technologies to interpret the content correctly.

## Why it matters

1. **Accessibility**: Tagging makes PDFs accessible to individuals with disabilities, allowing assistive technologies to read and navigate the document effectively.
2. **Legal Compliance**: Various laws and regulations require digital content, including PDFs, to be accessible. Failure to comply can lead to legal complications.
3. **Usability**: Tagged PDFs are more user-friendly, providing better navigation and search capabilities for all users.

## How to fix

1. **Use Tag-enabled PDF Creators**: Create or convert documents using software that supports tagging, like Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word.
2. **Manually Add Tags**: If your PDF isn't tagged, use a PDF editor's accessibility tools to add tags. This includes setting a logical reading order and adding alternative text for images.
3. **Consult Guidelines**: Follow best practices outlined in WCAG or similar guidelines for effective tagging.

## Testing Methodology

Silktide looks at the PDF and flags it if it doesn't contain tags.

## Further Reading

- [Adobe's Guide to PDF Accessibility](https://www.adobe.com/accessibility/pdf/pdf-accessibility-overview.html)

pdf-must-be-tagged

September 2025

August 2025

The National Cyber Security Centre

	Title / URL	Issues
	Use Cyber Essentials to secure your businesswww.ncsc.gov.uk/files/Cyber-Essentials-secure-your-business.pdf	1
	Cyber Essentials Readiness Toolwww.ncsc.gov.uk/files/Cyber-Essentials-Readiness-Tool-Leaflet.pdf	1
	21.38_DSIT_Cyber Essentials_infographic 3_181224www.ncsc.gov.uk/files/What-is-Cyber-Essentials.pdf	1
	Cyber Essentials leafletwww.ncsc.gov.uk/files/Cyber-Essentials-trifold-leaflet.pdf	1
	Cyber Essentials - story so farwww.ncsc.gov.uk/files/Cyber-Essentials-brochure.pdf	1
	RINGBINDER ARROWwww.ncsc.gov.uk/files/NCSC_A5_Small_Business_Guide_v4_OCT20.pdf	1

Tag all PDFs

The National Cyber Security Centre

Where this issue has occurred