A Simple Guide to the Essential Eight Cybersecurity Framework in Australia
With cyber threats becoming more common and advanced, businesses in Australia are under pressure to protect their digital systems. To help, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) created the Essential Eight—a set of practical strategies designed to reduce cyber risks. These strategies are recommended for organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity and protect their information. In this guide, we’ll break down what the Essential Eight is, why it matters, and how businesses can put it into action.
What is the Essential Eight?
The Australian Government introduced the Essential Eight in 2017 as a list of key cybersecurity strategies. These strategies aim to help businesses and government agencies protect themselves from online threats like data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The goal is to provide simple, manageable actions that can greatly reduce the chances of cyber incidents and lessen their impact if they do happen.
These eight strategies fall into three main categories:
- Preventing malware (harmful software) from entering systems
2. Limiting the damage if a cyber incident happens
3. Ensuring that you can recover data in case of an attack.
Here are the eight strategies and how they help improve cybersecurity:
1. Application Control
This strategy limits the programs that can run on your system, ensuring that only approved and safe applications are used while blocking anything not on the trusted list.
Why it matters: If unauthorized or harmful programs run on your systems, they can cause significant damage or steal sensitive data. Controlling which applications can be used reduces the risk of this happening.
How to do it: Set up rules that allow only trusted programs to run, using system settings or specialized security software.
2. Patching Applications
Software updates (or patches) fix security weaknesses in commonly used applications, like web browsers or office programs. Keeping software updated ensures that hackers can’t exploit these weaknesses.
Why it matters: Outdated software with known security issues makes it easier for cybercriminals to break into your systems.
How to do it: Regularly check for and install updates to software. Automatic update tools help ensure that nothing gets missed.
3. Managing Macros in Microsoft Office
Macros are small programs within documents that automate tasks, but hackers can also use them to deliver malware. Therefore, managing how these macros are used is crucial for security.
Why it matters: Hackers often use macros to spread harmful software, so limiting their use can prevent attacks.
How to do it: Disable macros by default and only allow them to run if they come from trusted sources.
4. User Application Hardening
Hardening involves configuring software and systems to enhance security by turning off unnecessary or risky features, such as outdated plugins.
Why it matters: Attackers can exploit certain software features if left enabled. Disabling unnecessary features lowers the risk of being targeted.
How to do it: Disable unneeded or risky features like Flash and Java, and ensure that your internet browsers are set up with security in mind.
5. Restricting Administrative Privileges
Administrative accounts have the highest level of access to systems, making them a big target for hackers. By limiting who can use these accounts, you reduce the chance of misuse.
Why it matters: If a hacker gains access to an administrative account, they can cause significant damage. Limiting the use of these accounts makes it harder for attackers to get control.
How to do it: Only allow those who truly need administrative access to have it, and regularly review account permissions.
6. Patching Operating Systems
Like with applications, operating systems also need regular updates to fix security flaws. Keeping your operating system updated ensures hackers can’t exploit known vulnerabilities.
Why it matters: If you don’t update your operating system, attackers can exploit old vulnerabilities to gain access to your network.
How to do it: Set up automatic updates for operating systems or use tools to regularly check for and apply patches.
7. Using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication adds an extra step to logging in, like entering a code sent to your phone, making it harder for cybercriminals to access your accounts, even if they have your password.
Why it matters: While attackers can steal or guess passwords, MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional proof of identity.
How to do it: Implement MFA for all user accounts, especially those with administrative access or access to sensitive data.
8. Daily Backups
Backing up your data every day ensures that, in the event of an attack or system failure, you can quickly recover important information. Daily backups protect against data loss due to cyberattacks, hardware issues, or accidents.
Why it matters: Backups are crucial for recovering lost data after an incident, allowing businesses to get back on track quickly.
How to do it: Set up daily automatic backups and store them in a secure, offsite location or the cloud.
Why the Essential Eight is Important
The Essential Eight is designed to be flexible, allowing businesses of all sizes to use it to enhance their cybersecurity. Whether you run a large company or a small business, these strategies can help you protect your systems without overwhelming your resources.
By following the Essential Eight, organizations can:
- Prevent most cyberattacks: These strategies help stop up to 85% of common cyber threats.
- Reduce damage from incidents: Even if an attack occurs, these measures can limit the harm and speed up recovery.
- Meet compliance requirements: Many industries have regulations about data protection, and implementing the Essential Eight can help businesses meet these standards.
How to Implement the Essential Eight
To put the Essential Eight into practice, evaluate your current security measures and identify areas for improvement. The ACSC has a maturity model that helps businesses measure how well they’ve implemented each strategy.
The model has three levels:
- Maturity Level 1: Basic protection with some of the strategies in place.
2. Maturity Level 2: More consistent security practices across the board.
3. Maturity Level 3: Full implementation for comprehensive cybersecurity.
Organizations should start by focusing on the most critical areas and work their way toward full implementation. Gradually, businesses can strengthen their defenses and protect their data more effectively.
Final Thoughts
The Essential Eight is a practical and effective framework for improving cybersecurity in Australia. By adopting these strategies, organizations can significantly reduce their chances of falling victim to cyberattacks and ensure their critical data remains safe.
Partnering for Enhanced Security: Kyanite Solutions proudly partners with the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) to provide organizations with the guidance and resources they need to implement the Essential Eight effectively. This partnership strengthens our commitment to helping businesses enhance their cybersecurity posture and navigate the evolving threat landscape. Here is our article about Kyanite Solutions Partners with Australian Signals Directorate to Strengthen Cybersecurity
Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, taking steps to implement the Essential Eight can make a big difference in protecting your digital systems and keeping your operations running smoothly. As cyber threats continue to grow, having these strategies in place is more important than ever.
