Cyber threats are evolving at an unprecedented rate, putting businesses of all sizes in danger. If you experience a breach, the consequences can be dire: severe financial losses and long-term reputational harm are just two possibilities. To combat this, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has developed a framework called the Essential 8.
But what is the Essential 8? And can it really protect your business?
The ACSC Essential 8 Explained
The ACSC Essential 8 is a set of mitigation strategies designed to help you defend your business against cyber-attacks. Rather than traditional strategies, which may be out of reach due to limited resources, these security controls are designed to be practical for any company. They target the most common threats you’re likely to encounter, providing a defence that covers all possible angles.
The Eight Security Controls
The Essential 8 is made up of these key strategies:
- Application Control: Preventing unauthorised applications from running on company networks.
- Patch Applications: Updating software in a timely manner to close security gaps.
- Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings: Restricting the use of macros, to prevent the execution of potentially harmful code.
- User Application Hardening: Configuring applications to minimise vulnerabilities.
- Restrict Administrative Privileges: Limiting administrative access to only those who require it.
- Patch Operating Systems: Keeping operating systems up to date with the latest security patches.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Requiring multiple forms of verification before allowing users to access accounts.
- Regular Backups: Conducting frequent backups of important data.
Why These Controls Work
While these eight measures may seem incredibly simple, they are also highly effective at repelling cyber-attacks. This is because they target a variety of common vulnerabilities that threat actors love to exploit. These weak points are known as “attack vectors” – they are the paths used to gain access to your business. It goes without saying that a threat actor cannot carry out their plans if they can’t even reach your networks.
When used together, these controls create a strong, multi-layered defence system that is extremely difficult to break through. And the best part is how easy they are to implement. The Essential 8 are designed so that every single business can take advantage of them, regardless of available resources.
What is the ACSC Essential 8 Maturity Model?
To help you use the framework effectively, the ACSC has also provided an Essential 8 Maturity Model. The purpose of this checklist is to show you exactly how secure your business is. Once you have a clear understanding of your current security posture, you’ll be in a better position to improve it.
Essential 8 Maturity Levels: What Do They Mean?
The ACSC Essential 8 Maturity Model is split into four different levels. The higher your level, the better equipped you are to prevent increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks.
Level Zero
Description: At Level Zero, your business suffers from significant security gaps that leave you vulnerable to attack.
Characteristics:
- Absence of formalised cyber security policies and procedures.
- Minimal or no implementation of the Essential 8 controls.
- High susceptibility to a wide range of cyber threats.
Implications: You are at considerable risk. Your systems are vulnerable to even the most basic cyber-attacks.
Level One
Description: This level signifies that you have begun to implement the Essential 8, and can defend against common attacks.
Characteristics:
- Basic security measures are in place.
- Some policies and procedures exist, but enforcement may be inconsistent.
- Limited capability to defend against attacks.
Implications: While there is some level of defence, you remain vulnerable to more persistent, sophisticated attacks.
Level Two
Description: At Level Two, you have moderate defences and can defend against stronger threats.
Characteristics:
- Comprehensive policies and procedures are established and actively enforced.
- Regular monitoring and assessment of security measures are conducted.
- Improved ability to defend against more advanced techniques and targeting methods.
Implications: You have robust defences capable of mitigating more targeted attacks. However, you are still susceptible to highly advanced threats.
Level Three
Description: This is the highest possible Essential 8 Maturity Level, where you are fully equipped to handle cyber threats.
Characteristics:
- Cyber security is deeply embedded into your business’ culture.
- Advanced processes are in place, such as proactive threat hunting.
- Strong resilience against threat actors employing sophisticated targeting techniques.
Implications: At Level Three, you are equipped to handle highly targeted and sophisticated attacks. Your chances of experiencing an incident are significantly reduced.
Which Essential 8 Maturity Level should you aim for? The answer depends on your business. Generally speaking, aim for the highest level realistically possible. If you’re at Level Zero, special care should be taken to improve your cyber security posture as fast as possible, as you are in grave danger.
How to Increase Your Essential 8 Maturity Level
Advancing through the ACSC Essential 8 Maturity Model will require a methodical approach. Here are eight steps to help you reach a higher level:
- Check Your Level: Evaluate your current Maturity Level to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Develop a Tailored Implementation Plan: Based on your assessment, create a detailed plan outlining how you will improve your defences. Include actions, responsible personnel, timelines, and required resources.
- Prioritise High-Impact Controls First: While all security measures are valuable, some provide more immediate protection for a lower cost. Start with high-impact strategies like patch management and MFA. If you are at Level Zero, this will bring you to Level One very quickly.
- Integrate Security into Operations: Cyber security should be baked into your entire business, not treated as a separate entity. Change workplace policies and procedures to reflect this.
- Leverage Security Tools: Adopt solutions that can automate certain actions, such as operating system patches and threat detection. These reduce human error and ensure consistency.
- Provide Training: Technology alone won’t secure your systems, and cyber security doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Help employees understand their role in achieving higher Essential 8 Maturity Levels, and equip them with the skills to respond to threats.
- Review, Test, and Improve: Regularly check your Maturity Level and test the effectiveness of your defences. Use your findings to improve in the future.
- Engage External Expertise: If you’re unable to implement the Essential 8 on your own, consider partnering with an Australian cyber security consultant. Most are well-versed on this framework, and can help you increase your Maturity Level.
Build a Stronger Business in 8 Simple Steps
In an era where cyber-attacks are all but guaranteed, the Essential 8 Maturity Model provides an easy roadmap for securing your business. Whether you are just starting out or trying to fine-tune your defences, consistency is key. Build a strong foundation, then layer and strengthen your controls over time. The result is peace of mind, higher trust in your business, and greater resilience.
With plenty of experience helping Australian businesses reach Essential 8 compliance, National IT is ready for action. We know what it takes to keep you safe, and use a proven three-stage methodology to get you there. Learn how we can improve your compliance with the Essential 8 today.