The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Essential 8 is a nationally recognised cyber security framework – and for good reason. Developed by the Australian Government to mitigate a wide range of risks, the Essential 8 provides practical strategies to strengthen your organisation’s resilience against cyber threats like ransomware, phishing, and data breaches.
Aligning your security posture with the Essential 8 protects your business and ensures compliance with industry standards.
Whether you’re addressing vulnerabilities for the first time or fine-tuning your defences, this checklist will help you navigate the key steps to align your IT security practices with the Essential 8 framework.
Learn more: The Ultimate Cyber Security Guide: Everything Businesses Need to Know
What is the Essential 8 Framework?
The ACSC Essential 8 framework outlines eight mitigation strategies designed to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber security incidents. By implementing these measures, organisations can significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of cyber-attacks. Here’s a snapshot of each strategy:
1. Application Control
Prevent unauthorised applications, including ransomware, from running on your systems. By default, only approved applications should be allowed.
2. Patch Applications
Regularly update software to close vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit. This includes scanning for missing patches and applying them promptly.
3. Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings
Limit the use of macros, which can be exploited for malicious purposes, by implementing strict configurations and ensuring macros are only enabled for trusted users.
4. User Application Hardening
Secure commonly used applications, such as web browsers and document readers, by disabling unnecessary features like Flash and Java and blocking advertisements.
5. Restrict Administrative Privileges
Limit admin access to only those who truly need it, minimising the potential damage that compromised accounts can cause.
6. Patch Operating Systems
Keep your operating systems up-to-date with the latest security patches to reduce vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure.
7. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Strengthen access controls by requiring multiple forms of verification, such as passwords combined with a text message or biometrics, to log in to critical systems.
8. Regular Backups
Ensure that essential data, applications, and system configurations are backed up regularly and securely. Verify that backups are functional and protected from unauthorised access.
Learn more: What is the Essential 8 Cyber Security Framework? A Comprehensive Guide
Aligning with the Essential 8 Framework: A Cyber Security Checklist
Step 1: Assess Current Security Measures
Before implementing improvements, it’s essential to understand your existing security controls:
- Conduct a Cyber Risk Assessment: Evaluate your systems against the Essential 8 standards to identify vulnerabilities.
- Prioritise Gaps: Focus on areas that pose the most significant risk, such as outdated software or unrestricted access controls.
- Document Findings: Maintain a clear record of your security status for ongoing monitoring and improvement.
Step 2: Implement Priority Strategies
Begin with the strategies that offer the highest security risk mitigation impact:
- Application Control: Deploy tools to restrict applications and block unauthorised software by default.
- Patch Management: Regularly update both applications and operating systems to close security gaps.
- Macro Configurations: Set up policies to limit macros to trusted environments and reduce exploitation risks.
Step 3: Strengthen Authentication and Data Security
Once foundational protections are in place, secure access and data integrity:
- Restrict Administrative Privileges: Grant admin rights sparingly and monitor their usage to minimise damage from compromised accounts.
- Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Protect critical systems by requiring additional verification beyond passwords.
- Backups: Schedule regular, secure backups and test recovery procedures to ensure availability during a crisis.
Step 4: Establish Ongoing Monitoring and Response
Cyber security also means preparing for potential data breaches with incident response planning:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Use endpoint detection tools to identify and respond to threats as they emerge.
- Policy Enforcement: Regularly review and update your security policies to adapt to evolving threats.
Step 5: Employee Awareness and Training
Employees are often the weakest link in security. Equip them with the knowledge and tools to minimise risk:
- Security Awareness Training: Provide training on recognising phishing attempts and maintaining best practices for password security.
- Phishing Simulations: Test your team’s readiness with simulated attacks to identify areas for improvement.
Learn more: 9 Tips to Build on the ACSC Essential 8 Framework
Benefits of Adopting the ACSC Essential 8 Framework
Enhanced Cyber Resilience: The layered defence provided by the Essential 8 mitigates the risk of common cyber threats, ensuring your business remains operational even during attempted breaches.
Business Continuity: Regular backups and patch management minimise downtime caused by hardware failures, cyber-attacks, or human errors. This ensures smooth recovery and uninterrupted operations.
Regulatory Compliance: Aligning with the Essential 8 ensures compliance with privacy laws and government regulations, reducing the likelihood of fines or legal issues.
Cost Savings: Proactive measures reduce the risk of costly data breaches and downtime. Managed IT services can further enhance efficiency, delivering long-term savings.
Strengthened Reputation: A secure IT environment instils confidence in customers and stakeholders, reinforcing your reputation as a trusted, reliable organisation.
Strengthen Your Security Posture with Expert Assistance
By aligning your security posture with the ACSC Essential 8 framework, you can better protect sensitive data and ensure operational continuity.
National IT Solutions is here to help you every step of the way. Our expertise in cyber security services and compliance ensures that your business meets and exceeds Essential 8 requirements. Let us conduct a customised security audit to identify gaps and craft a tailored solution that fits your security requirements.