Implementation of ACSC Essential Eight—the Australian Signals Directorate's mitigation strategies that protect against 85% of targeted cyber attacks. We assess your current state, identify gaps, and implement the eight controls: application patching, OS patching, multi-factor authentication, limiting admin privileges, user awareness training, incident response planning, regular backups, and network segmentation.
The Challenge
You know your security is poor but don't know where to start or what actually matters
You've been hit by ransomware and realize backups aren't working properly
A client or insurer is asking about your security controls and you don't have documentation
Staff keep clicking phishing emails and you have no formal security awareness training
Why It Matters
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (part of the Australian Signals Directorate) publishes Essential Eight—eight key security controls that stop 85% of cyber attacks. For Australian SMEs, this is the de facto security framework. It's simple, practical, and proven effective. The eight controls are: application patching (keeping software updated), OS patching (keeping Windows/Linux updated), multi-factor authentication (protecting passwords), limiting admin privileges (reducing damage if an account is compromised), user awareness training (educating staff on phishing and social engineering), incident response planning (knowing what to do when breached), regular backups (recovery from ransomware), and network segmentation (isolating sensitive data).
Framework aligned with Australian government cyber security guidelines
Addresses most common attack vectors and malware campaigns
Recognized by insurers, regulators, and government agencies
Maturity assessment showing current security posture
Prioritized roadmap for implementation
Regular compliance checks and reporting
The Process
ACSC Essential Eight maturity assessment against the eight controls
Gap analysis identifying which controls are missing or incomplete
Prioritized implementation roadmap based on risk and feasibility
Implementation of each control with staff training and process changes
Quarterly compliance reviews and continuous improvement
Best For
Australian SMEs without a cybersecurity framework or formal security program
Businesses in regulated industries (healthcare, finance, government contracting)
Companies with government contracts that mandate ACSC compliance
Complementary Services
Implementation and management of multi-factor authentication (MFA) across user accounts: Microsoft 365, cloud applications, VPN, and internal systems. MFA requires a second verification factor beyond passwords—typically a phone or authenticator app—making stolen passwords nearly useless to attackers.
Deployment and management of enterprise-grade endpoint protection (antivirus, malware detection, ransomware protection) on all computers and devices. We use behavior-based detection and AI to identify threats that traditional antivirus misses, and automatically quarantine or remove malicious code.
FAQ
Depends on your industry and clients. It's recommended for all Australian businesses. Government and regulated entities often require it. Insurance companies are increasingly requiring it for cyber liability coverage.
Depends on your current state and resources. Small businesses typically take 3-6 months. Larger organizations take longer. We prioritize quick wins first, then work through more complex controls.
No. Essential Eight works with existing systems. Most controls are process and configuration changes, not hardware replacement. Some upgrades may improve security but aren't always necessary.
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch
We can help you implement acsc essential eight and start seeing results. Book a consultation to discuss your specific needs and explore how this service can transform your business.