What are the Essential Eight Security Guidelines for Businesses

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cyber security specialist assessing network for essential eight security compliance

Running a business these days can be challenging. There are numerous things to focus on at once, from keeping websites up and running to ensuring products and services are the best. Add to that, you need to protect your company’s confidential data.

With maintaining security being one of the most important jobs for any company, it’s a good idea to understand the ‘Essential Eight’ security guidelines that all companies are wise to follow.

In this blog, we’ll talk about Essential Eight Security Guidelines, and how adhering to them can help your company keep your data and systems safe.

Who developed the Essential Eight?

The Essential Eight is a set of mitigation strategies that help protect against cyber threats. Developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), these guidelines prioritise actions organisations can take to protect themselves against various cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. By using these essential guidelines, businesses can better protect their data and minimise the risk of costly security incidents.

When did Essential Eight start?

Essential Eight was first introduced in 2017 by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), an Australian government agency focused on cybersecurity and information security. Since its inception, Essential Eight has become a widely-adopted framework for businesses across Australia and around the world, helping organisations of all sizes to protect their sensitive data against cyber threats.

Essential Eight Maturity Level

Organisations implementing the Essential Eight can monitor their compliance using what’s called the Essential Eight Maturity Model. The Maturity Model includes a series of maturity levels that serve as target tiers for organisations. They start at level 0 and go up to level 3.

These four levels assume that as an organisation grows, so will its defences. However, the abilities, techniques, and technologies of criminals who hack into your data will also improve. As a result, each level increases reasons to counter cybercrime threats adequately.

Maturity Level 0

This level is the lowest level, and indicates that your cyber security approach is weak, and your company can’t currently protect against sophisticated attacks. If these weaknesses become known to cyber attackers, there could be a significant data breach.

Maturity Level 1

At this level of development, your company’s focus is on guarding against cyberattacks from hackers that either try to access your system, or take control of its fundamental technologies.

At this level, cybercriminals typically take advantage of known vulnerabilities that are in the public domain and have not yet been patched. Alternatively, they will enter information that they have stolen or speculated into a system.

In these situations, criminals seek to exploit an organisation with flaws rather than focusing on a specific target.

Maturity Level 2

Essential Eight’s Level 2 of maturity observes a significant improvement in a hacker’s abilities. At this stage, targeted and planned attacks become more common.

Cyber criminals will employ well-known techniques and technologies to get around security measures. They may use strategies like social engineering and phishing. Even though these attacks are more focused, it is doubtful that criminals will spend much time trying to access a system. Instead, to maximise their profits, they will try to target users who have access to specific features.

Maturity Level 3

Finally, Maturity Level 3 focuses on fighting against highly competent hackers who rely less on open-source tools and techniques. Instead, they can take advantage of weak points in their target’s cyber defences, like those brought about by out-of-date software.

Hackers typically concentrate more intently on a limited range of targets. In addition, they invest plenty of time and effort in reviewing their target firm’s security measures and regulations.

What are the Essential Eight Security Guidelines for Businesses?

Essential Eight Security Guidelines are a set of 8 best practices designed to help businesses protect their data and minimise the risk of cyberattacks.

Objectives Of The Essential Eight

The Essential Eight strategies can be categorised into three different objectives:

  1. Prevent Attacks
  2. Limit the Impact of the attack
  3. Recover Data

GROUP 1 PREVENTING ATTACKS

1. Application Control

Application control is the first step in implementing the Essential Eight security guidelines. This practice involves allowing the use of applications an organisation’s executive team has approved. By restricting access to unapproved applications, businesses can better protect their data against malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

Benefits of Application Control

  • Detect trusted software that has been permitted to access your network automatically.
  • Determine and manage which applications are running on your network.
  • Prevent unauthorised applications from running, whether malicious or doubtful.

How to Implement Application Control in your Organisation

You can execute application control by taking the following steps:

  1. Determine which applications have been approved.
  2. Create application control rules to ensure only licensed and approved applications can run.
  3. Use a change management program to keep application control rules up to date.
  4. At least once a year, review application control rules.

Application Control Maturity Levels

Maturity Level 1
  • Stop software libraries, scripts, installers, and other programs from running on workstations within the default user profiles and temporary folders.
Maturity Level 2
  • Application control stops software libraries, scripts, installers, and other items from running on workstations from within default user profiles & temporary folders.
  • Keep track of the programs running on servers and workstations with internet access.
Maturity Level 3
  • Application control stops software libraries, scripts, installers, and other file types from running on workstations from standard user-profiles and temporary locations used by the operating system, web browsers, and email clients.
  • Implement the block rules that Microsoft suggests. An attacker could use this list of programs to get around application control.
  • Implement the driver block rules that Microsoft suggests. These regulations prevent drivers that are deemed vicious or unreliable.
  • Keep track of the programs on servers and workstations with internet access. Stop records from being altered, deleted, or showing evidence of compromise.

2. Patching Applications

In addition to application control, businesses should also make a point of patching their applications regularly. Patching refers to updating software with security patches to address any vulnerabilities that have been discovered. This is essential to protecting against cyber attacks, as unpatched applications are much more vulnerable to exploits and malicious threats.

Benefits of Patching Applications

  • Reduced vulnerability: Using the most recent versions of your operating system and programs will reduce the time you are at risk.
  • Increased security: Improve the security of your network by fixing vulnerabilities.
  • Greater efficiency: When operating systems and applications are current, they will function more efficiently.

Recommendations For Patching Applications

The ACSC offers the following suggestions for patching software:

  • For cyber-attacks that are primary:
    • Internet-facing services – if an exploit is present, within 48 hours; otherwise, within two weeks.
    • Commonly-targeted applications: within one month.
  • For moderate cybercrime threats
    • Internet-facing services – if an exploit is present, within 48 hours; otherwise, within two weeks.
    • Commonly-targeted applications: within two weeks.
    • Other applications: within one month.
  • For advanced cyber-attacks:
    • Internet-facing services: if an exploit is present, within 48 hours; otherwise, within two weeks.
    • Commonly-targeted apps: if an exploit is present, within 48 hours; otherwise, within two weeks.
    • Other applications: if an exploit is present, within 48 hours; otherwise, within two weeks.

Patch Applications Maturity Levels

Maturity Level 1
  • Security exposures are patched for internet-facing services and put in place within two weeks after release or 48 hours if an exploit is found.
  • Within a month of their introduction, patches for security flaws in office suites, web browsers, and extensions are applied.
  • Use a vulnerability scanner every day to find outdated security patches.
  • At least once every two weeks, use a vulnerability scanner to detect any missing patches or upgrades for security vulnerabilities in office productivity suites, online browsers, and extensions.
  • Web browsers, extensions, and programs no longer in use are removed.
Maturity Level 2
  • Within two weeks of their release, patches for security holes in internet-facing services are applied, or 48 hours if an exploit is available.
  • Patches for security flaws in office suites, browsers and extensions are applied within two weeks after release.
  • Patches for security flaws in other programs are applied within one month.
  • Utilise a vulnerability scanner daily to detect missing patches or security updates in internet-facing services.
  • At least once every two weeks, use a vulnerability scanner to detect missing patches or security upgrades in other programs.
  • Use a vulnerability scanner every week to discover any updates or fixes that are lacking for office productivity software, online browsers, and extensions that have security flaws.
  • Unused apps, web browsers, and extensions should be removed.
Maturity Level 3
  • Within two weeks of their release, patches for security holes in internet-facing services are applied, or 48 hours if an exploit is available.
  • Office suite, web browser, and extension security flaws are patched within two weeks of publication or 48 hours if an exploit is available.
  • Other programs’ security flaws have patches applied within a month.
  • Use a vulnerability scanner daily to determine which internet-facing services need security updates or missing fixes.
  • To find out if other programs need security upgrades or missing patches, run a vulnerability scanner at least once every two weeks.
  • Applications that are no longer supported should be removed.

3. Configuring Microsoft Office Macros

Another critical practice recommended by the Essential Eight security guidelines is configuring Microsoft Office macros. Macros are software that can automate specific tasks or processes within an application, such as Microsoft Word or Excel. While macros can be helpful tools in many situations, they can pose a security risk if they are not configured correctly.

Security Recommendations

  • Users who don’t require macros should turn them off. Users should be prevented from using macros if they are not necessary for their job-related duties.

  • Use only reliable sources for macros.

    If your company has to employ macros, you should only permit them from reputable sources. Microsoft Office has a feature called trusted locations that makes some folders’ files safe by default.

    Furthermore, macros should only be enabled for those programs that need to use them. The macro support should be turned off for all other programs.

  • Utilise only macros from reputable publishers. If your company needs to employ macros, you should only permit those signed by reputed publishers. As previously said, you should only enable macros for the programs that directly call for them.
  • Emails with dubious content or those from unknown senders should be deleted. Never respond to an email that seems odd or comes from a stranger. If you unintentionally opened a strange email, immediately delete it and don’t open any attachments.

Macros Maturity Levels

Maturity Level 1
  • Users who are not required to use macros should disable them.
  • Eliminate macros coming from the internet.
  • Activate antivirus macro scanning.
  • Users are unable to alter macro settings.
Maturity Level 2
  • If users don’t need to use macros, they should disable them.
  • Stop using macros that come from the internet.
  • Turn on antivirus scanning for macros.
  • Stop macros from calling the Win32 API.
  • Macro execution requires user approval first.
  • User options for macros are locked.
  • Track which macros are permitted and which are not.
Maturity Level 3
  • If users don’t need to use macros, they should disable them.
  • Only allow macros that a reputable publisher digitally signs are running from a trustworthy location or are sandboxed.
  • Block Message Bar and Backstage View from activating digitally signed macros from an unreliable publisher.
  • Allow antivirus scanning for macros.
  • Ensure that Microsoft’s list of reliable publishers is accurate at least once a year.
  • Identify and block internet-based macros.
  • Interrupt Win32 API calls made via macros.
  • Before macros may be used, users must approve them.
  • The macro settings are not editable by users.
  • Keep track of which macros are permitted and which are not, and guard against illegal erasure and change of logs.

4. Hardening User Applications

In addition to the specific recommendations for preventing attacks, the Essential Eight security guidelines include broader practices for hardening user applications. Hardening involves strengthening an application’s overall security, such as disabling unnecessary features and functions. By hardening their applications, businesses can minimise their exposure to cyber threats and help prevent costly data breaches.

Recommendations For User Application Hardening

  • Set up your web browser to disable Java and advertisements online.
  • Turn off any unused Microsoft Office functions.
  • Turn off PDF viewers and web browsers.

As a result, you assist in preventing malware downloads onto your system. In addition, you’re decreasing the software hackers can use to attack your network.

Application Hardening Maturity Levels

Maturity Level 1
  • Java from the internet is not processed by web browsers.
  • Web browsers do not process Internet advertisements.
  • Internet Explorer does not process content from the internet.
  • Users cannot change web browser security settings.
Maturity Level 2
  • Web browsers do not process Java from the internet.
  • Web browsers do not process Internet advertisements.
  • Internet Explorer doesn’t handle online content processing.
  • Block the development of child processes by Microsoft Office.
  • Disallow the production of executable content by Microsoft Office.
  • Ensure that Microsoft Office cannot insert code into other methods.
  • Set up Microsoft Office to stop OLE package activation.
  • Stop the creation of child processes by PDF applications.
  • Implement ACSC or vendor hardening recommendations for Microsoft Office, PDF, and web browsers.
  • Users are unable to alter the security settings for PDF applications, Microsoft Office, or web browsers.
  • Record PowerShell script runs that are blocked.
Maturity Level 3
  • Web browsers do not process Java from the internet.
  • Web browsers do not process Internet advertisements.
  • Turn off or uninstall Internet Explorer.
  • Block the development of child processes by Microsoft Office.
  • Disallow the production of executable content by Microsoft Office.
  • Ensure that Microsoft Office cannot insert code into other methods.
  • Set up Microsoft Office to stop OLE package activation.
  • Stop the creation of child processes by PDF applications.
  • Implement ACSC or vendor hardening recommendations for Microsoft Office, PDF, and web browsers.
  • Users cannot alter the security settings for PDF applications, Microsoft Office, or web browsers.
  • Turn off.NET Framework 3.5 (including 2.0 and 3.0).
  • Removing or disabling Windows PowerShell 2.0
  • Set up Constrained Language Mode in PowerShell.
  • Record PowerShell script runs that are blocked. Defend logs against unwanted editing and deletion.

GROUP 2: LIMITING THE RANGE OF BREACH

5. Restricting Administrative Privilege

One of the most critical practices recommended by the Essential Eight security guidelines is restricting administrative privilege. This involves limiting access to privileged environments, such as servers and databases, to only authorised users with a valid reason for accessing these resources. By implementing this practice, businesses can better control how data is accessed and minimise their exposure to potential cyber-attacks.

Restrict Admin Privileges Maturity Levels

Maturity Level 1
  • Immediately validate requests for privileged access to systems and applications.
  • Prevent secret accounts from accessing the internet, email, and web services.
  • Ensure privileged users use different privileged and unprivileged operating environments.
  • Ensure unprivileged accounts cannot log in to privileged operating environments.
  • Ensure privileged accounts (excluding administrator accounts) cannot log in to unprivileged operating environments.
Maturity Level 2
  • Immediately validate requests for privileged access to systems and applications.
  • Revalidate or automatically disable privileged access to systems after 12 months.
  • Disable privileged access to systems and applications after 45 days of inactivity.
  • Prevent privileged accounts from accessing the internet, email, and web services.
  • Ensure privileged users use different privileged and unprivileged operating environments.
  • Ensure privileged environments are not virtualized within unprivileged environments.
  • Ensure unprivileged accounts cannot log in to privileged operating environments.
  • Ensure privileged accounts (excluding administrator accounts) cannot log in to unprivileged operating environments.
  • Ensure administration activities are conducted through jump servers.
  • Create unique, unpredictable, managed credentials for local administrator and service accounts.
  • Log use of privileged access.
  • Log changes to privileged accounts and groups.
Maturity Level 3
  • Immediately validate requests for privileged access to systems and applications.
  • Revalidate or automatically disable privileged access to systems after 12 months.
  • Disable privileged access to systems and applications after 45 days of inactivity.
  • Limit privileged system access to only what users need to complete their duties.
  • Prevent privileged accounts from accessing the internet, email, and web services.
  • Ensure privileged users use different privileged and unprivileged operating environments.
  • Ensure privileged environments are not virtualised within unprivileged environments.
  • Ensure unprivileged accounts cannot log in to privileged operating environments.
  • Ensure privileged accounts (excluding administrator accounts) cannot log in to unprivileged operating environments.
  • Use just-in-time administration for administering systems and applications.
  • Ensure administration activities are conducted through jump servers.
  • Create unique, unpredictable, managed credentials for local administrator and service accounts.
  • Enable Windows Defender Credential Guard and Windows Defender Remote Credential Guard.
  • Log use of privileged access. Protect logs from unauthorised modification and deletion.
  • Log changes to privileged accounts and groups. Protect records from unauthorised modification and deletion.

6. Patching Operating Systems

Along with limiting administrative privilege, businesses should also make a point of patching their operating systems regularly. Patching refers to the process of updating software to address any vulnerabilities that have been discovered or may have been introduced through poor coding practices.

By keeping their operating systems up-to-date, businesses can reduce their risk of experiencing a data breach caused by a security exploit targeting an unpatched system.

Benefits of Patching Operating Systems

  • Fix security vulnerabilities
  • Address bugs and flaws
  • Improve operating system stability

Recommendations For Patching Operating Systems

  • For primary cyber threats:
    • Internet-facing services: within two weeks or 48 hours if an exploit exists.
    • Workstations, servers, network devices, and other network-connected devices: Within one month.
  • For moderate cyber threats:
    • Internet-facing services: within two weeks or 48 hours if an exploit exists.
    • Workstations, servers, network devices, and other network-connected devices: within two weeks.
  • For advanced cyber threats:
    • Internet-facing services: within 48 hours if an exploit exists; otherwise, two weeks.
    • Workstations, servers, network devices, and other network-connected devices: within two weeks or 48 hours if an exploit exists.

Patch Operating Systems Maturity Levels

Maturity Level 1
  • Operating systems that are accessible over the internet must have security updates implemented within two weeks after their debut or within 48 hours if an exploit is available.
  • Within one month after release, patch OS systems, servers, and network hardware on workstations for security flaws.
  • To find security flaws in operating systems of internet-facing services, use a vulnerability scanner at least once every day.
  • To find security flaws in the operating systems of workstations, servers, and network devices, use a vulnerability scanner at least every two weeks.
  • Operating systems that vendors no longer support should be changed.
Maturity Level 2
  • Internet-facing operating systems must have security patches installed within two weeks of their release or 48 hours if an exploit is available.
  • Within two weeks of their release, security patches should be applied to servers, network devices, and workstation operating systems.
  • To find security flaws in operating systems of internet-facing services, use a vulnerability scanner at least once every day.
  • Use a vulnerability scanner at least once weekly to find security flaws in the operating systems of workstations, servers, and network devices.
  • Operating systems that vendors no longer support should be changed.
Maturity Level 3
  • Operating systems of internet-facing services must have security patches installed within two weeks of their release, or 48 hours if an exploit is available.
  • Apply patches for security vulnerabilities in workstations’ operating systems, servers, and network devices within two weeks of release or 48 hours if an exploit exists.
  • To find security flaws in operating systems of internet-facing services, use a vulnerability scanner at least once every day.
  • To find security flaws in the operating systems of workstations, servers, and network devices, scan them at least once weekly with a vulnerability scanner.
  • Use the most recent operating system release for workstations, servers, and network equipment.
  • Replace operating systems that vendors no longer support.

7. Embracing Multi-Factor Authentication

Along with these other security best practices, businesses should consider embracing multi-factor authentication. This practice involves using multiple methods to verify a user’s identity, such as PINs, facial recognition, or biometric scans. By implementing MFA, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and other security threats.

Benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication

  • An added layer of security: MFA creates an extra layer of protection for your systems, devices, and applications.
  • Easy implementation: MFA is generally easy to set up and can be ready to use in minutes.
  • Protect remote workers: finally, MFA can help protect remote workers who are increasingly becoming cyber security targets.

Multi-Factor Authentication Maturity Levels

Maturity Level 1
  • Users use MFA if they authenticate to their organisation’s internet-facing servers.
  • When users authenticate to third-party internet-facing services that handle, store, or transmit sensitive data for the company, MFA is used.
  • When users authenticate to internet-based services provided by third parties that process, store, or transmit non-sensitive data for the company, MFA is used.
  • Enable MFA by default for non-organizational users if they establish the organisation’s internet-facing services.
Maturity Level 2
  • Users use MFA if they authenticate to their organisation’s internet-facing servers.
  • To process, store, or transmit sensitive data for the company, users must utilise MFA to authenticate to third-party internet-facing services.
  • When users authenticate to third-party internet-facing services that handle, store, or transmit the organisation’s non-sensitive data, MFA is used.
  • Enable MFA by default for non-organizational users if they authenticate to the organisation’s internet-facing services.
  • Use MFA to authenticate privileged users of systems.
  • MFA uses either a user’s possession and knowledge or a user’s possession that is unlocked by a user’s knowledge.
  • Log successful and unsuccessful MFA authentications.
Maturity Level 3
  • Users use MFA if they authenticate to their organisation’s internet-facing servers.
  • When users authenticate to third-party internet-facing services that handle, store, or transmit sensitive data for the company, MFA is used.
  • When users authenticate to internet-based services provided by third parties that process, store, or transmit non-sensitive data for the company, MFA is used.
  • Enable MFA by default for non-organisational users if they authenticate to the organisation’s internet-facing services.
  • Use MFA to authenticate privileged users of systems.
  • Use MFA to authenticate users accessing critical data locations.
  • MFA is resistant to verifier impersonation and employs either something the user has and knows or something the user has that is unlocked by something the user knows.
  • Log successful and unsuccessful MFA authentications. Protect logs from unauthorised modification and deletion and monitor for signs of compromise.

GROUP 3: DATA RECOVERY

Daily Backups

One of the most critical steps to protect your business against data breaches and other cyber security threats is by performing daily backups. Daily backups allow you to quickly recover your data during an attack, minimising disruptions to your business operations and helping you get back on track as soon as possible.

Whether you back up your data online or store it locally, it’s critical to have a regular backup routine to restore it if the need arises quickly. With daily backups, you can rest assured knowing that your business and hard work are protected against cyber attacks.

Regular Backups Maturity Levels

Maturity Level 1
  • Perform and retain backups of essential data, software and configuration settings in a coordinated manner in line with business continuity requirements.
  • Test the restoration of systems, software, and critical backup data as part of disaster recovery exercises.
  • Ensure unprivileged accounts can only access their backups.
  • Prevent unprivileged accounts from modifying or deleting backups.
Maturity Level 2
  • Backup key data, software, and configuration settings in a coordinated manner under business continuity needs.
  • As part of disaster recovery exercises, test the restoration of software, apps, system, and essential data from backups.
  • Ensure unprivileged and privileged accounts (except backup administrators) cannot access backups.
  • Prevent unprivileged and secret accounts from altering or deleting backups (excluding backup “break glass” accounts).
  • Perform and retain backups of essential data, software and configuration settings in a coordinated manner in line with business continuity requirements.
  • Test the restoration of systems, software, and critical backup data as part of disaster recovery exercises.
  • Ensure unprivileged and privileged accounts (excluding backup admins) can only access their backups.
  • Prevent unprivileged and secret accounts (excluding backup admins) from modifying or deleting backups.
Maturity Level 3
  • Following the needs for business continuity, carry out and maintain coordinated backups of crucial data, software, and configuration settings.
  • As part of disaster recovery exercises, test restoring systems, software, and crucial data from backups.
  • Make that no accounts, privileged or otherwise (aside from backup administrators), may access any backups.
  • Stop privileged and non-privileged accounts from editing or deleting backups (backup “break glass” accounts are exempt).

Why does your business need Essential Eight?

According to the Cyber Incident Response Service (CIRS) 2021, “84% of reported incidents in 2020/21 could have been averted or significantly reduced by implementing at least one of the Essential Eight controls.”

The Essential Eight framework is a set of methods to help protect your business against common cyber attacks and minimise the impact of security incidents. Adhering to this framework ensures your organisation has sound guidance for implementing highly-effective yet cost-effective security measures.

Whether your business is large or small, located in Australia or elsewhere, the need to protect against cyber attacks is of vital importance. This is where the Essential Eight framework comes in – a set of best practices recommended by the Australian Government to help keep your organisation safe online.

  • Protect against common cyber attacks
  • Minimise the Impact of security incidents
  • Framework to measure security risks
  • Sound guidance for implementing highly effective, yet cost-effective security measures

Why should organisations measure their maturity against the Essential Eight?

Self-assessing against the model can assist your organisation to:

  • Improve your understanding of your organisation’s cybersecurity
  • Identify your current application of prioritised technical controls
  • Identify challenges and opportunities to create a cyber maturity roadmap
  • Focus on organisational rules, rather than on users
  • Inform business cases to secure funding to improve corporate cyber security and resilience
  • Compare organisational progress against (de-identified) peer sector organisations
  • Report to executives, audit and risk management committees, and boards on cybersecurity risk.

Are the Essential Eight guidelines mandatory?

The Federal Government will require the Essential Eight framework for all 98 non-corporate Commonwealth institutions (NCCs).

All entities that comply with this cybersecurity guideline must undergo a comprehensive audit every five years to ensure all security controls are maintained at the highest standard.

Are Businesses in Australia required to Report Data Breaches?

Within 72 hours of a data breach, all Australian firms with a $3 million annual revenue must notify the OAIC and the customers and consumers affected by the breach.

This requirement applies to all private and public businesses in Australia, regardless of whether or not they have implemented the Essential Eight framework. No matter the severity of the breach, any incident that may result in serious harm to individuals must be reported to the OAIC within 72 hours.

While data breaches can be challenging and time-consuming to manage, it is essential to protect your customers’ sensitive information and maintain the trust of your business. If you have questions about reporting a data breach or require assistance implementing the Essential Eight framework, consult an experienced IT professional for guidance.

Challenges around improving cyber security maturity

Implementing an effective cyber security program within an organisation comes with similar challenges that come with implementing any new program, especially when it comes to prioritising resources. Understanding possible barriers will enable you to overcome them as a part of their cyber security improvement strategy. Common challenges voiced by organisations can include:

  • We lack the resources (staff and/or funding)
  • We are not sure we have the knowledge or skills to implement a cyber maturity program successfully
  • We often have to prioritise other organisational objectives
  • We have often managed cyber security ad hoc and not as an endorsed project or program of work
  • We often come across resistance from internal stakeholders
  • We’ve found that some self-assessments can lead to overestimating maturity and not identifying actions for improvement.

Key cyber security stakeholders in an organisation

Everyone in an organisation has a role regarding cyber security – accountability doesn’t just fall to the IT Security Manager. To effectively manage cyber risk, Victorian public sector organisations should consider managing their cyber risk through their centrally-governed risk management program and cyber security industry best practices. Key cyber security stakeholders to engage with include:

  • Chief Executive Officers (CEO) or equivalent
  • Chief Risk Officers (CRO) or equivalent
  • Board, Executive, and Committees
  • Chief Information Officers (CIO) or equivalent
  • Chief Technology Officers (CTO) or equivalent
  • Chief Information Security Officers (CISO)

Limitations of the Essential Eight

Although implementing the Essential Eight is increasingly seen as a cornerstone of contemporary cyber security, it is not a full-fledged framework, and will not shield organisations from all cyber security risks.

Organisations should ensure they correctly manage the implementation of Essential Eight along with other controls, such as improving the cyber security awareness of employees, contractors, and volunteers, as part of a framework that aligns with cyber or information security best practices.

The Essential Eight is primarily intended for organisational Microsoft Windows corporate environments, which comprise most of the corporate environments in public sector organisations. Although not explicitly created for different ICT environments (such as Mac, Cloud, Operational Technology (OT), Linux, etc.), the analogous controls will still assist an organisation’s cyber security maturity.

What can a cyber breach cost a small business?

A cyber breach can significantly impact a small business, resulting in lost revenue, compromised customer data, and damage to the company’s reputation.

Small businesses should take proactive steps to implement the Essential Eight security guidelines to minimise these risks and protect their business from an attack’s financial and operational consequences.

Security experts and organisations have developed the Essential Eight security guidelines to help businesses of all sizes stay safe and protect their confidential data from cyber attacks. These guidelines cover a wide range of areas, from preventing attacks to limiting the Impact of breaches and recovering data in the event of an incident.

Whether you are just starting out or already have a robust security program, following Essential Eight can help you stay protected and avoid costly cyber incidents. By implementing these security guidelines, businesses can limit the range of potential breaches and the damage caused by any incidents. Whether you are looking to reduce your cyber risk or improve your existing security program, Essential Eight are highly recommended as part of an overall risk management system, and will help ensure a more secure and successful business.

Technetics – Essential Eight Security Assessments

The IT security experts at Technetics can evaluate your current Essential Eight maturity level and help you implement the practices you need to ensure compliance with the guidelines.

We also look at the gaps that aren’t covered by the Essential Eight, such as provisions for security risk assessments and security risk management. This way we ensure you receive tailored, holistic cybersecurity strategies.

For more information, contact Technetics today.