A comprehensive guide to the Essential 8 cyber security framework

With increasing threats and sophisticated cyber attacks, businesses must be proactive in securing their digital assets. While there are many different security frameworks businesses can apply, Essential 8 is one of Australia’s most adopted frameworks. 

As one of only 15 providers in Australia to achieve the Australian Federal Government’s Certified Strategic Service Provider (CSSP) certification, our cyber security managed IT support team unpack everything you need to know about securing your business below. 

We explore what the Essential 8 framework entails, common pitfalls in its implementation (so you can avoid!), and a step-by-step guide to successfully implement it in your organisation.

What is the Essential 8 cyber security framework?

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A cyber security framework developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), Essential 8 provides a set of baseline strategies for cyber defence. It comprises eight essential mitigation strategies that organisations can implement to protect themselves against various cyber threats. 

1. Application control - ensuring only approved applications can run on your systems
2. Patch applications - regularly updating software to fix security vulnerabilities
3. Configure Microsoft Office macro settings - limiting the execution of potentially harmful to trusted sources
4. User application hardening - reducing vulnerabilities in commonly used applications
5. Restrict administrative privileges - limiting administrative access to only those who need it
6. Patch operating systems - keeping operating systems up to date with the latest patches
7. Multi-factor authentication - adding an extra layer of security beyond just passwords
8. Regular backups - ensuring data can be restored in case of an incident.

The 4 biggest Essential 8 cyber security implementation pitfalls to avoid

Implementing the Essential 8 framework can significantly enhance your cyber security maturity, but it's not without challenges. Here are four common pitfalls to avoid.

Underestimating the scope 

Many organisations underestimate the scope, cost and effort required to implement all eight controls effectively. This can lead to incomplete or superficial adoption, reducing the overall effectiveness of the framework.

This is where working with someone like CT can really help, mapping out a roadmap forward and providing you with the additional resources you may need.

Inadequate training

Without proper training, staff may not understand the importance of the controls or how to implement them correctly. This can result in poor adherence to policies and procedures, leaving gaps in your security posture. Consider the user experience and take staff on the journey with you - run security awareness sessions and pilot groups to ensure adoption.

Chatting with our cyber security and transformation teams, taking your team on the journey and engaging with stakeholders across the business as part of the roll-out can be a great start.

Ignoring regular updates 

Cyber threats evolve, and so should your defences. Failing to keep applications and operating systems updated can leave your organisation vulnerable to known exploits.

This is where auditing your systems regularly and keeping strong maintenance logs and schedules can make a big difference. Not sure what to include? Our managed services team can guide your way forward.

Overlooking backup strategies

Regular backups are crucial, but they must be part of a broader recovery plan. Ensure that your backups are secure, tested regularly, and include all critical data to facilitate quick recovery in case of a breach.

As our Head of Cyber Security says, your cyber security should be more like Swiss cheese, with cyber security solutions overlapping to reduce holes in your defences and to enhance your level of security.

Steps to implement the Essential 8 cyber security framework at your organisation

Implementing the Essential 8 framework requires a systematic approach. 

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1. Assess current security posture: undertake a comprehensive audit of existing cyber security measures. Identify gaps and areas for improvement relative to the Essential 8 controls. Our Essential 8 assessment and auditing service provides detailed insights and analysis for each control, helping you understand your maturity level and prioritise actions​​.
    
2. Develop an implementation plan: based on the audit findings, develop a detailed implementation plan. This plan should outline the steps needed to address each control, assign responsibilities, and set timelines. 
   
   Sometimes it can be hard to see how to implement audit findings. This is where working with our cyber security team can help, providing a clear roadmap forward to reduce risks and create a more manageable process.
    
3. Train your staff: ensure that all relevant staff members understand the Essential 8 controls and their roles in implementing and adhering to them. Provide ongoing training and resources to keep everyone informed about best practices and emerging threats. 
   
   Sadly, this is a step we see many organisations miss. With humans being your biggest security risk, taking your team on the Essential 8 journey is pivotal to your success.
    
4. Implementation: start with the controls that address the most critical vulnerabilities first. Use a phased approach to ensure thorough implementation and minimise disruption to your operations. For example, begin by restricting administrative privileges and enabling multi-factor authentication.
   
   Not sure which controls to implement first or where the biggest risk improvements are? Chat to our cyber security team. 
    
5. Monitor and maintain: cyber threats and technology are constantly evolving. Regularly review and update your controls to keep up with new threats and changes in your IT environment. Consider leveraging managed IT support to continuously monitor your systems and provide expert guidance​​. Periodically audit your measures to ensure continued compliance and that your defences remain robust.

> Book your cyber security audit today 

Cyber security is an ongoing effort that requires continuous attention and adaptation. We’re on hand to provide comprehensive evaluations and guide you through enhancing your cyber security posture, no matter where you are on your security journey.