The Essential 8 Cybersecurity Framework

Increased Cybercrime means your business needs increased protection

In today’s digitalised business world, cyber security is one the high priority list for many businesses.

Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common and sophisticated, and they can cause severe and costly damage to organisations and individuals. The Essential 8 framework has emerged as a valuable tool for enhancing cyber security, no matter the size of your business.

What is the Essential 8 framework?

The Essential 8 is a set of cyber security strategies developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) and provides a practical and prioritised approach to managing cyber security risks. The strategies are divided into two categories: mitigation strategies and supporting strategies.
Mitigation strategies are designed to prevent cyber attacks from occurring, while supporting strategies are aimed at detecting and responding to cyber threats.

What are the 8 strategies?

Application control: This strategy involves restricting the software that can run on a system to a pre-approved list. It helps prevent the execution of unauthorised or malicious software.

Patching applications: This strategy involves applying security patches to fix vulnerabilities in software applications. It helps reduce the risk of cyber attacks exploiting known vulnerabilities.

Configuring Microsoft Office macro settings: This strategy involves configuring the macro settings in Microsoft Office to prevent the execution of malicious macros.

User application hardening: This strategy involves configuring web browsers and email applications to prevent the execution of malicious content.

Restricting administrative privileges: This strategy involves limiting administrative privileges to reduce the impact of a cyber threat if it occurs.

Patching operating systems: This strategy involves applying security patches to the operating system of a device. It helps reduce the risk of cyber attacks exploiting known vulnerabilities.

Multi-factor authentication: This strategy involves requiring users to provide multiple forms of authentication to access a system. It helps prevent unauthorised access to sensitive data.

Daily backups: This strategy involves regularly backing up important data. It helps ensure that data can be recovered in the event of a cyber attack.

Why should I implement the Essential 8 framework?

Implementing the Essential 8 framework has many benefits. Here are some of the key advantages:

Enhanced Cyber Security

The Essential 8 framework provides a practical and prioritised approach to managing cyber security risks. By implementing the strategies, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks.

Compliance

The Essential 8 framework is aligned with the Australian Government’s Information Security Manual (ISM). By implementing the Essential 8 strategies, organisations can demonstrate compliance with the ISM.

Cost effective

The Essential 8 framework is designed to be cost-effective. The strategies are practical and can be implemented using existing technology and resources.

By implementing the eight strategies, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks and demonstrate compliance with the Australian Government’s Information Security Manual. The framework is practical and cost-effective, making it an ideal solution for organisations of all sizes.

Want to learn more about how New Era can help implement the Essential 8? Contact our team