Unless you’ve been living under a rock you must have noticed the increase in data breaches and hacking incidents in the news lately. And what’s even more alarming, from Optus to Medibank, it looks like they’re targeting Australian businesses! We all know the importance of strong cyber security policies but with increasingly sophisticated threats, it’s hard to know where to even begin.

Here at All Covered IT, we believe the best place to start is by implementing the Essential 8. This powerful framework for strengthening cybersecurity was developed by the renowned Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and aim’s to provide a simple list of the most effective controls for mitigating cyber security incidents. But hold on a sec— you might be wondering “What exactly is the Essential 8?” and “How can it make a difference for your organisation?”.

Today I’ll provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the Essential Eight Maturity Model and its significance within a modern cybersecurity plan. Then we will dissect each of the eight security controls to make sure you understand how to implement them in your company.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

What is The Essential Eight?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, it’s important to understand what the Essential Eight actually is. This set of 8 security controls is designed to mitigate the most prevalent cyber threats observed in various industries.

We will jump into detailed descriptions shortly, but the Essential Eight Security Controls are as follows:

• Application Control
• Patch Applications
• Configure Microsoft Office macro settings
• User Application Hardening
• Restrict administrative privileges
• patch operating systems
• Multi-factor authentication
• Regular backups

Developed by the Australian Signals Directorate, it provides organisations with a list of strategies to prioritise if they want to enhance their cyber security posture. This is not supposed to be an exhaustive list, but by just focusing on these essential controls businesses can significantly reduce the risk of successful cyberattacks and minimise potential damages.

Why All Companies Should Implement the Essential Eight

While the media may focus on the data breaches impacting big-name companies, as the prevalence of cyber threats continues to grow businesses of all sizes and industries are at risk. Implementing the Essential Eight is crucial for organisations looking to protect their sensitive data, intellectual property, and customer information.

By proactively implementing these security controls, businesses can stay one step ahead of potential attackers. The advantages of adopting the Essential Eight include increased resilience, reduced financial and reputational risks, and compliance with industry regulations and best practices.

Diving into the Essential Eight Security Controls

Okay, so now we are all on the same page on why we should all be implementing the Essential 8, but what actually are they? I think it’s about time to cut to the chase and tackle each of the eight in detail!

1. Application Control

Also known as application whitelisting, this is a crucial proactive measure to safeguard against unauthorised software execution. Instead of relying solely on traditional security measures that react to known threats, application control takes a preventive approach by permitting only authorized applications to run within a system or network. 

In establishing a predetermined list of approved applications, businesses can effectively mitigate the risk of malware infections and unauthorised activities. By implementing application control you can drastically reduce the attack surface for potential threats. This control mechanism also helps prevent the accidental installation or execution of unauthorised software, further enhancing the overall security posture. 

All together, application control provides you greater control over your company’s software environment, reducing the likelihood of data breaches, system compromises, and other security incidents.

2. Patch Applications

When software vendors identify security flaws in their applications, they release patches or updates that address these weaknesses. So keeping software applications up to date is vital for minimising vulnerabilities. 

Like application control, regular patching plays a vital role in shrinking the attack surface, making it more challenging for cybercriminals to infiltrate systems or networks. When software applications are not updated, they may contain known vulnerabilities that can serve as entry points for malware, unauthorised access, or other malicious activities. Keeping software updated is the only way to reduce the potential attack vectors and make it harder for threat actors to gain unauthorised access.

As an added benefit, having up-to-date applications can deter potential attackers as it signals that you take security seriously and are committed to protecting your systems and data.

3. Configuring Microsoft Office Macro Settings

Microsoft Office macros are small programs or scripts that automate repetitive tasks within Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. While they are there to make life easier, unfortunately, macros can also be used to run automated malicious commands that could let an attacker download and install malware. So they can pose a significant threat!

Configuring macro settings in Microsoft Office applications helps prevent macro-based attacks by disabling or limiting their execution. This control safeguards businesses from potential malware infections and data breaches originating from malicious macros.

If you are looking for more information on how to ensure that your Microsoft Office is secure, checkout our recent article on checking your Microsoft 365 Secure Score!

4. User Application Hardening

User application hardening involves configuring applications to their most secure settings. Unfortunately, default settings on key programs like web browsers may not be the most secure configuration. By hardening user applications, businesses can minimise potential attack vectors and vulnerabilities.

This includes measures such as disabling unnecessary features, enabling security settings, and implementing strong password requirements. By implementing this strategy, you can reduce the risk of exploitation and strengthen overall cybersecurity defences.

5. Restrict Administrative Privileges

Excessive administrative privileges create a significant security risk within organisations. Think of every admin user as an opportunity for an attacker to identify and successfully gain access to an account which would give them significant control over systems.

By only providing administrative privileges to those who truly require them, businesses can minimise the potential damage caused by unauthorised or malicious actions. This control is a key aspect of a zero-trust security model (as discussed in our recent blog) and helps prevent unauthorised changes, data breaches, and the spread of malware.

6. Patching Operating Systems

Just like out-of-date applications, unpatched Operating systems (OS) are common targets for cybercriminals. Regularly patching OS vulnerabilities is crucial to prevent exploitation. 

By staying up to date with the latest security patches, businesses can address weaknesses that threat actors could exploit to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive information, or disrupt operations.

7. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to the authentication process. By requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification, such as a password and a unique code sent to their mobile device, MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access. 

Implementing MFA protects sensitive data and ensures that only authorised individuals can access critical systems and resources.

8. Regular Backups

Data loss can have severe consequences for businesses. Regularly backing up data is essential for mitigating the impact of potential breaches, ransomware attacks, or system failures. 

By implementing comprehensive backup strategies, including off-site storage and regular testing, businesses can restore critical data and maintain operational continuity in the face of adverse events.

The Challenges of Staying on Top of the Essential Eight

So, now you know all eight security controls – are you ready to use them to overhaul your organisation’s cyber security? Essential 8 is a solid framework that truly simplifies understanding how to mitigate cyber threats. But in practice, this process can be complex and time-consuming due to challenges such as resource requirements, evolving threats, technical complexity, and user resistance.

You will need dedicated resources, including skilled cybersecurity professionals, to stay updated on the latest threat landscape and to adapt security measures accordingly. Controls like application whitelisting and macro settings add technical complexity, requiring a deep understanding of infrastructure and user requirements. What’s more, user resistance can impede successful implementation and adherence to these controls.

An easy way to overcome these challenges is by partnering with a managed IT service provider specialising in cyber security!

At All Covered IT, we provide businesses throughout the Gold Coast and South-East Queensland with expert guidance, implement best practices, and ensure effective protection against cyber threats. By allocating resources to manage and monitor the Essential Eight controls, we alleviate the burden on internal IT teams, enabling businesses to focus on core operations. Our continuous monitoring, updating, and maintenance services keep businesses well-prepared by staying informed about emerging threats. Additionally, our scalable solutions cater to businesses of varying sizes and adapt to evolving cybersecurity needs.

And that’s it!

In an increasingly digital world, implementing robust cybersecurity measures is crucial for businesses to protect sensitive information and maintain operational continuity. The Essential Eight provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how to enhance cybersecurity defences. By implementing controls such as application whitelisting, patching applications, and multi-factor authentication, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and mitigate potential damages.

But it’s important to keep in mind that due to resource requirements, evolving threats, technical complexities, and user resistance staying on top of these controls can be tough. That’s where partnering with a managed IT service provider like All Covered IT becomes invaluable. With their expertise, dedicated resources, continuous monitoring, and scalability, businesses can effectively implement and manage the Essential Eight controls, ensuring a robust cybersecurity posture.

By proactively prioritising cybersecurity and leveraging the knowledge and support of trusted experts, businesses can safeguard their digital assets, maintain customer trust, and thrive in an increasingly secure digital landscape.