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Essential Eight
Designed and recommended by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), the Essential Eight is a cyber security framework outlining a series of critical strategies to help you protect your business against cyber threats.
Home > Resources > Essential Eight
Essential Eight
Designed and recommended by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), the Essential Eight is a series of mitigation strategies to help you protect your business against cyber threats.
ACSC Essential Eight explained
The Essential Eight is a cyber security framework created to safeguard Aussie businesses from cyber attacks. It takes a layered approach, ensuring multiple lines of defence to effectively guard against a wide range of threats.
Think of the Essential Eight as a fortress. Each component (or strategy) – from multi-factor authentication and application hardening to restricting admin privileges and doing regular backups – is a crucial part of the defence. When these elements work together, they create a formidable barrier against cyber threats.
It is important to note that while many businesses may implement some of these strategies, a holistic approach is essential. By consistently reviewing and updating your cyber security measures, you can stay ahead of evolving threats and protect your organisation's valuable assets. Reach out to the Netway team to learn more about how we can help you enhance your cyber security posture while you focus on growing your business.
What are the Essential Eight strategies?
Application control
Limiting the software applications your staff can run on their devices, computers and your company network.
Patch operating systems
Applying updates to the operating system (e.g. Windows, Apple, Linux) that runs your business computers.
Multi-factor authentication
Requiring users to provide two or more verification factors, such as a code from a mobile app, before gaining access.
Regular backups
Failing to do so puts your business at risk of devastating monetary and data loss in the event of a cyber attack.
Restrict macros in Microsoft Office documents
Limiting the execution of macros by default to prevent malware attack.
Restrict administrative privileges
Limiting the number of users who have admin access to systems and accounts.
Patch applications
Regularly updating the software applications your company uses to conduct business.
User application hardening
Configuring the settings within a software application to restrict its functionalities so that it is less “open” and more secure.
What is the Essential Eight Maturity Model?
The Essential Eight Maturity Model is developed by the ASCS and it is all about giving you a clear guide on how to beef up your cyber defences using the Essential Eight strategies. It is designed to fit different threat levels and types of cyber attacks that you might face.
Think of each maturity level in the model as a milestone that shows how smart and effective your cyber security game is. As you move up the levels, you will get a better picture of how secure your setup really is. This way, you can keep upping your defence game against the latest cyber threats, staying one step ahead.
Whether you are just starting out or looking to get even tougher on security, this model helps you identify your business's current cyber security posture and plan your next steps.
Maturity Level Zero
Minimal cyber security measures in place and limited awareness of its importance.
Maturity Level One
Some levels of security in place to guard against the most opportunistic attacks.
Maturity Level Two
More proactive security measures are in place to defend against targeted attacks.
Maturity Level Three
Well-defined cyber security strategies, policies and procedures are in place.
Essential Eight Assessment
Netway has used the ACSC's recommendations as a framework to develop an Essential Eight Assessment, helping Australian businesses evaluate, strengthen and certify your cyber security posture according to the Essential Eight Maturity Model.
Our approach involves a thorough analysis of the current security landscape, identification of vulnerabilities, and tailored recommendations to achieve and maintain the maturity levels outlined in the Essential 8 framework.
Ready to strengthen your cyber defences? Contact us to start your Essential Eight journey.
FREE CYBER SECURITY POSTURE REPORT
Unsure about your business's cyber defences? Complete our 7-minute cyber security questionnaire for a FREE quick snapshot report of your business's security health along with actionable recommendations to bolster your cyber security posture.
The importance of Essential Eight for the modern business
Strong cyber security defences aren't just a nice-to-have – they are a MUST. Cyber attacks can happen anytime, leading to serious data breaches, financial hits, reputational damage, and big fines.
The good news? The Essential Eight strategies are here to help. These strategies protect your important data, keep your customers and partners trusting you, and help you meet those ever growing regulatory requirements.
Don't wait for something to go wrong. Start using the Essential Eight strategies now to secure your business and gain that all-important peace of mind.
Reach out to us to learn more about how Netway can help you stay safe!
Why work with Netway to protect your business?
Fixed monthly fee
No hidden surprises, just one monthly invoice.
Aussie helpdesk
Enjoy ongoing local support and work with a team that understands the IT issues you are facing.
Dedicated team
We look after everything IT for you, including helping you manage tech vendors and providing sound IT advice.
Proactive 24*7/365 network monitoring
Your network doesn’t sleep, neither do we. We have your back.
Take your business cyber security to the next level.
Reach out to us today to learn more.