In the realm of cybersecurity, knowing the key measures to protect your organisation is paramount. Today, we’re diving deeper into the Essential Eight, a set of strategies identified by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to mitigate cyber security incidents. With the ever-increasing complexity of cyber-attacks, understanding these security controls is crucial for any business or individual. 

In today’s increasingly interconnected digital landscape, organisations face a constant barrage of cyber threats. In the past couple of years, we have heard of several high-profile cyber security attacks on Australian businesses. To effectively protect themselves, organisations must stay vigilant and proactive in protecting their valuable digital assets. One of the most straightforward ways to safeguard sensitive data is to adopt a robust cybersecurity framework.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), in conjunction with the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), has developed a framework to help businesses fortify their cyber defences: Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents. Among these prioritised mitigation strategies, the Essential Eight has been found to be the most effective and widely recognised for its practical approach in mitigating cybersecurity risks. The Essential Eight outlines eight fundamental mitigation strategies that organisations can implement to enhance their cyber resilience. To measure progress and identify areas for improvement, the ACSC has also introduced the Essential Eight Maturity Model. This model evaluates an organisation’s level of maturity in implementing the Essential Eight strategies, providing a roadmap for achieving a higher level of cyber security

What is the Essential Eight?

The ACSC Essential Eight is a set of mitigation strategies designed to help organisations protect their systems against a wide range of cyber threats. Originally part of a broader set of strategies known as the “Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents,” the Essential Eight was identified as the most critical and effective for preventing and mitigating the impact of cyberattacks.

     The Essential 8 critical controls consists of:

1. Application Control
2. Patch Applications
3. Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings
4. User Application Hardening
5. Restrict Administrative Privileges
6. Patch Operating Systems
7. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
8. Daily Backups

     Why is Essential 8 important to businesses today

Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with attackers constantly evolving their tactics to bypass traditional security measures. Whether you’re an individual looking to protect personal information or an organisation aiming to secure sensitive data, understanding and implementing the Essential Eight is key to a strong cybersecurity strategy.

• The Essential 8 Framework is endorsed and recognised nationally.
• The Essential 8 is a set of government-recommended cybersecurity mitigation strategies.
• Government agencies received a recommendation to align with Essential 8 from July 2022.
• Essential 8 is mandated for all Commonwealth Government non-corporate entities, local councils, and universities.
• Government-funded, not-for-profit organisations must manage systems in line with Essential 8.

The Essential Eight is becoming the base level of Information Security for all industries in Australia.

It isn’t just a rigid checklist but provides a proactive and adaptive approach to security, focusing on preventing attacks and minimising damage if an attack does occur. Furthermore, it is designed to be practical and easy to understand, making it accessible to organisations of all sizes. It presents a clear and actionable roadmap for improving cyber security posture. By understanding and implementing these strategies, your business can build a robust security posture and minimise the risk of data breaches, system disruptions, and financial losses.

     Benefits of the Essential Eight for Organisations

The Essential Eight provides numerous benefits for organisations seeking to improve their cybersecurity posture and protecting their valuable assets. Here are some of the key advantages: 

1. Compliance: The Essential Eight aligns with many cybersecurity standards and regulations, and best practices.
2. Improved security: A strong cyber security posture can help ensure business continuity in the event of a cyberattack.
3. Cost-effective: The framework provides a practical and cost-effective approach to avoiding costly data breaches and improving cyber security.
4. Proactive Risk Management: The Essential Eight helps organisations identify and address potential cyber security risks before they can exploit vulnerabilities.
5. Customer Trust: Implementing the Essential Eight can enhance the trust and confidence of customers, partners, and stakeholders in the organisation’s cybersecurity practices.

For individuals, adopting similar principles—such as regular software updates, using MFA, and maintaining secure backups—can provide a strong defence against cyber threats, protecting personal data from compromise.

The Essential 8 Mitigation Strategies

The Essential 8 framework comprises eight cybersecurity controls, which are divided into three primary objectives. Let’s delve deeper into them:

     A. Prevent Cyberattacks

     1. Application Control

ASD defines Application control as a security approach designed to protect against malicious code (also known as malware) executing on systems. This strategy involves allowing only authorised applications to run on a system, effectively blocking any unknown or unapproved software that may pose a security risk. Implementing application control requires careful planning and management. It’s crucial to identify and maintain an up-to-date list of approved applications and ensure that new software is thoroughly validated before being added to the list. Additionally, organisations should establish a process for handling exceptions and emergencies when a legitimate application is initially flagged as unauthorised.

*ASD provides high-level steps on how to implement application control. Read more here.

     2. Patch Applications

Cybercriminals actively search for vulnerabilities in popular applications and exploit them, putting organisations at risk. The second security control in the Essential Eight, patching applications, aims to address this issue by keeping software up-to-date with the latest security patches. Staying current with software updates is imperative, and automating patch management can alleviate the burden of manual intervention. In the same way, developing a robust patch management process is crucial for effective patch application. This reduces the window of opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit known vulnerabilities. 

*ASD recommends specific timeframes when applying and identifying missing patches. Read more here.

     3. Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings

ACSC’s third core mitigation strategy reflects the reality that macros are frequently abused by cybercriminals to distribute malware. By default, Microsoft Office applications disable macros, but users can sometimes enable them, exposing the system to potential risks. To ensure the security of your environment, you should configure your Microsoft Office settings to block macros from the internet and external sources and require user approval for running macros. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of macro-based attacks.

*For further information on restricting Microsoft Office Macros, read more here.

     4. User Application Hardening

User application hardening refers to configuring applications to run with the least privileges necessary. By limiting the permissions of user applications, you reduce the risk of exploitation and minimise the potential damage from a successful attack. For example, if a user opens a malicious document, the harm would be contained to that user’s account rather than spreading throughout the system. Implementing these restrictions requires careful planning and consideration of how users perform their duties. Providing users with alternatives or workarounds for restricted functions can help maintain productivity without introducing unnecessary risk. Regularly communicating with users about the reasons for these restrictions can also foster a security-conscious culture within the organisation.

*ASD has provided a technical example about how to implement user application hardening for Microsoft 365 applications. Read more here.

     B. Limit the Impact of Cyberattacks

     5. Restrict Administrative Privileges

Users with administrative access possess the keys to the kingdom, making it essential to limit this access to specific individuals who require it for their job functions. Imposing a principle of least privilege for administrative accounts reduces the attack surface and inhibits adversaries from gaining a foothold within your environment. The use of robust authentication methods, monitoring administrative activities, and performing periodic audits to ensure administrative privileges must be granted judiciously. Additionally, implementing this control should involve regularly reviewing user accounts and determining the appropriate access level.

*For further information on why administrative privileges should be restricted and how to restrict these privileges, read more here.

     6. Patch Operating Systems

Unpatched and outdated operating systems harbour known vulnerabilities that malicious actors can exploit, allowing them to gain unauthorised access or execute malicious activities.  A consistent patch management strategy ensures that systems remain up-to-date and protected against known vulnerabilities. For instance, automating the patch management process across all systems, including servers and workstations, significantly reduces the likelihood of these vulnerabilities being exploited. Furthermore, regularly monitoring and testing patch deployments ensures the integrity and security of your systems.

*ASD has established patching considerations for organisations that use cloud services or operate critical infrastructure. Read more here.

     7. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires users to provide more than one form of identification to access a system or application. This adds a layer of protection beyond traditional password-based authentication, making it more difficult for unauthorised individuals to gain access. Examples of MFA in practice may include:

1. Password plus hardware token: Users enter a password and then use a physical token (e.g., a USB key) to generate a code.
2. Password plus SMS: Users enter a password and then receive a one-time code via SMS.
3. Password plus authentication: Users enter a password and then use a fingerprint or facial recognition scanner, or use an authenticator app to verify their identity.

*ASD has provided a practical MFA guide. For further information, read more here.

     C. Data Recovery and System Availability

     8. Daily Backups

Data backup is a fundamental aspect of any robust cybersecurity strategy. It’s important to note that while the other controls or core mitigation strategies focus on preventing cyber threats, daily backups ensure that an organisation can quickly recover from a ransomware attack, accidental deletions, or hardware failures. Regular backups of critical data and systems allow organisations to restore normal operations with minimal disruption. Nevertheless, implementing a robust backup strategy involves more than just regularly backing up critical data. It’s also essential to test backups regularly, ensure they are stored securely, and maintain multiple copies in different locations. In the event of a ransomware attack or other catastrophic event, having a well-planned backup strategy can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a crippling disaster. 

*ASD has prepared a template and guidance to assist organisations in documenting their approach to regular backups. For further information, read more here.

Make Cybersecurity Your Business’ Priority

The Essential Eight provides organisations with a comprehensive framework for enhancing their cyber resilience but implementing the Essential 8 alone is not enough to completely secure your business.

While it provides a solid foundation for cyber resilience, it’s essential to consider additional factors and best practices. A well-planned and executed Essential Eight strategy, combined with commitment to continuous vigilance, proactive measures, and a security-conscious culture, can help organisations maintain a strong defence against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. In the same way, this ensures that your organisation can effectively respond to and recover from cyber incidents, safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining business continuity. Further information on the Essential Eight is available in the Australian Government’s cybersecurity website.

Ensure Your Business’ Safety with Hexicor’s Advanced Cyber Security Solutions

In essence, the Essential Eight is a crucial starting point, a baseline, which should be combined with other security measures to create a robust and comprehensive cyber security strategy. At Hexicor, we understand that security often takes a back-seat in business priorities—until a crisis hits. With the alarming increase in cyber threats, such as advanced viruses, phishing attacks, and various forms of IT-related fraud, the need to strengthen your company’s defenses has never been more urgent.

The Hexicor Cyber Security’s services are perfectly aligned with the Essential 8, ensuring that our clients not only understand these critical controls but also effectively implement and manage them to safeguard their digital assets.

Would you like to know more about a specific strategy or how to implement the Essential Eight in your organisation? Contact Hexicor today to find out how we can help your organisation take a proactive step towards safeguarding your data against cyberthreats by adopting the Essential 8.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Essential Eight Framework