Enhance your organization’s cybersecurity posture by meeting the Essential Eight standards recommended by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
These cybersecurity recommendations are adaptable to a wide range of networks, systems, and applications, extending from local setups to cloud-based and other online services, with a primary focus on Microsoft Windows based networks. Essentially, Essential 8 serves as the foundational elements for establishing a resilient cybersecurity strategy.
Here’s how NSN Infotech can assist you
The Essential Eight is a set of cybersecurity strategies developed by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) to help organizations protect their systems from cyber threats. It consists of eight prioritized mitigation strategies that are recommended as a baseline for cybersecurity.
The Essential Eight focuses on securing applications, systems, and user privileges by enforcing best practices in areas such as patching, application control, user access, and data backup. It aims to minimize vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of cyberattacks by ensuring that software and systems are properly configured and regularly updated.
Businesses can benefit from applying the Essential Eight by significantly reducing their exposure to cyber threats. By following these strategies, organizations can improve their security posture, protect sensitive data, and ensure continuity in the face of cyber incidents as well as comply with regulatory requirements and respective industry standards
Prevents the execution of unapproved and potentially malicious software.
Keeps software up to date to minimize vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
Restricts the use of macros to only those that are trusted, reducing the risk of malware.
Secures applications by disabling or restricting features that are not needed, reducing attack surfaces.
Limits the use of admin accounts to reduce the risk of attacks by malicious actors.
Ensures operating systems are regularly updated to close security gaps.
Adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification.
Ensures that critical data is regularly backed up to enable recovery in case of data loss or corruption.
The Essential Eight Maturity Model is a set of benchmarks that measure how effectively an organization has implemented the Essential Eight cybersecurity strategies, ranging from Level 0 (incomplete or minimal implementation) to Level 3 (fully aligned and consistently maintained).
To determine your current maturity level, assess your organization’s implementation of each of the Essential Eight strategies against the criteria defined by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). This involves evaluating the extent, consistency, and effectiveness of your security measures across all relevant systems.
It’s important because it identifies gaps in your cybersecurity defenses and helps prioritize areas that need improvement.
At this level, there are significant gaps in the implementation of the Essential Eight strategies. Basic security controls may be missing or inadequately applied, leaving the organization highly vulnerable to cyber threats. This stage represents a starting point where minimal or no cybersecurity measures have been established.
At this level, organizations have started implementing some of the Essential Eight strategies but do so inconsistently. For example, patching might occur on high-risk systems but not on all systems, leaving potential vulnerabilities. Application whitelisting and hardening are applied in specific cases but are not widespread.
Most of the Essential Eight strategies are in place and operational. Organizations enforce multi-factor authentication and restrict administrative privileges more effectively. Regular backups are performed, and restoration processes are tested, reducing the risk of data loss. However, some areas might still need refinement or full coverage.
At this level, all Essential Eight strategies are fully implemented and consistently maintained across the organization. Automated patch management ensures that vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. Application whitelisting and MFA are enforced on all systems. Regular, tested backups guarantee data recovery capabilities. The organization achieves a robust cybersecurity posture with comprehensive protections against a wide range of threats.
As a registered partner with the ACSC, our consultants bring deep expertise in the Essential Eight framework. We offer a comprehensive service to strengthen your cybersecurity posture.
We’ll assess your current cybersecurity state and categorize it according to the Essential Eight Maturity Model.
Our consultants will develop a plan to align your organization with the requirements of the Essential Eight maturity level appropriate for your business.
As part of the strategic plan, we’ll provide recommendations, offer opetions, andstrategies to help you meet each requirement effectively.
Complete our short form and a member of our team will reach out to you within 1–2 business days.
NSN Infotech PTY LTD
Office Address: 226/14 Lexington Drive Bella Vista NSW 2153
Phone: +61 2 9189 1820
Email: info@nsninfotech.com
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