Essential Eight

“In Australia, cyber security starts with the Essential Eight”

What is the Essential Eight?

The Essential Eight refers to a set of strategies developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to help organizations protect themselves against cyber threats. These strategies are considered the most effective measures for preventing cybersecurity incidents and minimizing the impact of potential breaches.

The Essential Eight is a non-prescriptive but prioritized list of mitigations that organizations can implement to enhance their security posture. It focuses on eight key areas where cybersecurity measures can have the greatest impact. These areas include application whitelisting, patching applications, restricting administrative privileges, enabling multi-factor authentication, implementing daily backups, user education and awareness, disabling Microsoft Office macros, and implementing a secure configuration for Microsoft Office.

Straightforward and Prioritised

The beauty of the Essential Eight is its straightforward approach. By providing a prioritized list, organizations can focus their efforts on the areas that will have the greatest impact on their cybersecurity defences. This helps to streamline the implementation process and ensures that time and resources are allocated effectively.

Essential 8 Maturity Model

To further assist organizations in implementing the Essential Eight strategies, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has developed the Essential Eight Maturity Model. This model provides a framework that enables organizations to assess their current level of maturity in implementing the Essential Eight strategies and identify areas for improvement.

The Essential Eight Maturity Model consists of four levels of maturity: Ad-hoc, Emerging, Established, and Advanced. Each level represents a different stage in the organization’s journey towards implementing the Essential Eight strategies effectively.

At the Ad-hoc level, organizations have minimal to no implementation of the Essential Eight strategies in place. They may have sporadic or reactive responses to cyber threats, and their cybersecurity measures are mostly ad-hoc and uncoordinated.

The Emerging level signifies that organizations are starting to implement some of the Essential Eight strategies but in an inconsistent and ad-hoc manner. They may have some basic cybersecurity controls in place, but they lack a comprehensive and systematic approach to cybersecurity.

As organizations progress to the Established level, they have a solid foundation of Essential Eight strategies in place. They have implemented most of the recommended mitigations and have established processes for managing their cybersecurity. However, there might still be some gaps or inconsistencies in their implementation.

Finally, at the Advanced level, organizations have fully implemented all of the Essential Eight strategies and have achieved a high level of maturity in their cybersecurity practices. They have comprehensive and well-coordinated cybersecurity measures in place, including regular monitoring and evaluation of their systems, proactive threat hunting, and incident response procedures.

Objective 1: Prevent Cyberattacks

At the Advanced level of maturity in implementing the Essential Eight strategies, organizations have taken significant steps in preventing cyberattacks. They have comprehensive and well-coordinated cybersecurity measures in place to protect their systems and data from malicious activities.

One of the key components of preventing cyberattacks is regular monitoring and evaluation of systems. Organizations at the Advanced level have established robust monitoring processes that continuously track network traffic, system logs, and user behavior to detect any suspicious activities or anomalies. Through real-time monitoring, they can identify potential threats and take proactive measures to mitigate them before they cause any harm.

In addition to monitoring, organizations at this level also engage in proactive threat hunting. This involves actively searching for indicators of compromise or potential threats within their networks. By employing advanced tools and techniques, they can identify any hidden threats that may have bypassed their initial security measures. Proactive threat hunting allows organizations to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and prevent potential attacks.

Incident response procedures are another critical aspect of preventing cyberattacks. At the Advanced level, organizations have well-defined incident response plans in place. These plans outline the necessary steps to be in the event of a security incident, including the roles and responsibilities of team members,

Objective 2: Limit the Impact of Cyberattacks

As well as the communication channels and escalation procedures. These plans ensure a swift and effective response to any security incident, minimizing the impact and potential damage caused by cyberattacks.

Organizations at the Advanced level also prioritize the regular testing and updating of their incident response plans. They conduct simulated drills and scenarios to test the effectiveness of their procedures and identify any weaknesses or areas for improvement. By continuously refining their incident response plans, organizations can ensure that their teams are well-prepared and confident in their ability to handle cyber incidents.

Another strategy employed at the Advanced level to limit the impact of cyberattacks is the implementation of effective access controls. Organizations enforce strict access restrictions to critical systems and data, ensuring that only authorized personnel have the necessary privileges. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and limits the potential damage that can be caused by cyber intruders.

Furthermore, organizations at this level prioritize regular backups of critical data and systems. They have established robust backup and recovery procedures, ensuring that in the event of a cyberattack, they can quickly restore their systems to their pre-attack state. Regular backups not only help in minimizing data loss but also provide organizations with the ability to recover quickly and resume normal operations.

To further limit the impact of cyberattacks, organizations deploy advanced endpoint protection solutions. These solutions are designed to detect and prevent malware and other malicious activities at the endpoint level, such as laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. By implementing advanced endpoint protection, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful cyberattacks and minimize the impact on their systems and data.

Objective 3: Data Recovery and System Availability

While advanced endpoint protection plays a crucial role in preventing cyberattacks, it is essential for organizations to have a plan in place for data recovery and system availability in case an attack does occur. This objective focuses on ensuring that organizations can quickly recover their data and restore their systems to minimize downtime and mitigate the impact of an attack.

To achieve this objective, organizations at the Advanced level implement reliable backup and recovery solutions. They establish regular backup schedules and ensure that critical data and systems are backed up consistently. This includes not only customer data or financial records but also configuration files, system settings, and any other essential aspects that are necessary for the organization’s operations.

The backup solutions employed at this level often involve a combination of on-site and off-site backups. On-site backups provide quick access to data in case of minor incidents or system failures, while off-site backups serve as a fail-safe option in case of more extensive attacks or disasters. By having redundant copies of data stored in different physical locations, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of permanent data loss and ensure that they can recover their systems and data even if their primary infrastructure is compromised.

Moreover, organizations also conduct regular tests to verify the reliability of their backup and recovery systems. These tests simulate various scenarios, such as data corruption or system failure, to ensure that the backup and recovery processes are working effectively. By running these tests, organizations can identify any vulnerabilities or weaknesses in their backup systems and make necessary improvements.

Is the Essential Eight Mandatory?

While the Essential Eight is not a legally mandated requirement, it is highly recommended by various cybersecurity frameworks, government agencies, and industry experts. Organizations, especially those that handle sensitive data or operate critical systems, are strongly encouraged to implement the Essential Eight as part of their cybersecurity strategy.

The Essential Eight provides a comprehensive set of measures that can significantly improve an organization’s resilience against cyber threats. By implementing these measures, organizations can enhance their ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyberattacks effectively. It helps organizations establish a strong baseline level of security that addresses common vulnerabilities and protects against various attack vectors.

Furthermore, the Essential Eight serves as a practical and manageable framework for organizations to follow. It offers a clear and concise set of guidelines that can be customized to fit an organization’s unique needs and risk profile. It allows organizations to prioritize their cybersecurity efforts and focus on the most critical areas to strengthen their defences.

Implementing the Essential Eight is not a one-time task but rather an ongoing process. Organizations should continuously review and update their security measures to stay ahead of evolving threats. Regular monitoring, testing, and assessment are essential to ensure that the implemented security controls are effective and compliant.

While adherence to the Essential Eight is not mandatory, implementing these measures can provide numerous benefits for organizations.

Do Australian Businesses Need to Report Data Breaches?

Under the Australian Privacy Act 1988, Australian businesses and organizations are required to report eligible data breaches to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) and affected individuals. This requirement applies to businesses with an annual turnover of over AUD 3 million, as well as some smaller businesses in specific industries such as healthcare, finance, and credit reporting.

What constitutes an eligible data breach? According to the OAIC, it is a situation where there has been unauthorized access to or disclosure of personal information, or when such information is lost in circumstances where unauthorized access or disclosure is likely to occur. It is important to note that the reporting obligation doesn’t only apply to breaches caused by malicious cyberattacks but also to breaches resulting from human error, system faults, or other accidental circumstances.

When a data breach occurs, entities must assess if it is likely to result in serious harm to the affected individuals. Serious harm can include financial, emotional, or physical harm, as well as harm to an individual’s reputation. If the breach is determined to be eligible and likely to result in serious harm, the affected individuals must be notified as soon as practicable.

Reporting data breaches to the OAIC is also mandatory in these scenarios. Organizations must submit a statement to the OAIC outlining the details of the data breach, including the nature of the breach, the type of information involved, and the steps taken to address the breach and mitigate harm. Failure to comply with the reporting requirements can result in penalties and fines.

Essential Eight Core Mitigation Strategies

Patching applications

Patching applications is one of the core mitigation strategies recommended by the Essential Eight framework. It involves regularly updating and applying patches to fix vulnerabilities in software applications used within an organization’s network.

Software vulnerabilities can provide attackers with a pathway to exploit and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. By keeping applications up-to-date with the latest patches, organizations can significantly reduce their exposure to these vulnerabilities and the associated risks.

Patching applications involves several steps. First, organizations need to identify all the software applications used within their environment and categorize them based on their criticality. This helps prioritize the patching process, focusing on the most critical applications first.

Next, organizations should establish a process for obtaining and applying patches. This can involve subscribing to software vendors’ notification services, which provide updates on the availability of new patches. It is important to promptly apply these patches to minimize the window of vulnerability.

To streamline the patching process, organizations can leverage patch management tools that automate the identification, downloading, and installation of patches across multiple systems. These tools can also provide visibility into the patching status and help track compliance.

Regular patching should be integrated into an organization’s overall cybersecurity strategy. It is crucial to establish a patching schedule or timeline that ensures timely patching across all applications. This schedule should take into account the criticality of each application and the potential impact of a vulnerability.

Patching Operating Systems

Patching operating systems is another critical mitigation strategy recommended by the Essential Eight framework. Just like software applications, operating systems need to be regularly updated with patches to address vulnerabilities and secure the organization’s network.

Operating system vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to a network, compromise sensitive data, or disrupt critical operations. By promptly patching operating systems, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of these vulnerabilities being exploited.

Similar to patching applications, the process of patching operating systems involves several steps. The first step is to identify all the operating systems used within the organization’s network and assess their criticality. This allows organizations to prioritize the patching process based on the potential impact of a vulnerability.

Once the operating systems are identified, organizations should establish a process for obtaining and applying patches. This can involve subscribing to the operating system vendor’s notification service to receive updates on the availability of new patches. It is imperative to promptly apply these patches to minimize the window of vulnerability.

To streamline the patching process for operating systems, organizations can leverage patch management tools that automate the identification, downloading, and installation of patches across multiple systems. These tools can also provide visibility into the patching status and help track compliance with the patching schedule.

Just like patching applications, patching operating systems is essential to maintaining a secure and resilient network environment. Operating systems serve as the foundation for all software and applications running on a device or server, making them a prime target for attackers.

Multi-factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a crucial component of the Essential Eight framework that helps enhance security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification before accessing sensitive systems or data. This additional layer of protection goes beyond traditional single-factor authentication, such as passwords, and significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised.

MFA typically involves a combination of something the user knows (such as a password or PIN), something the user has (such as a smartphone or token), and something the user is (such as a fingerprint or facial recognition). By combining these different factors, MFA adds an extra level of security and ensures that only authorized individuals can access critical resources.

Implementing MFA can greatly mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, even in the event of a password breach or phishing attack. Even if an attacker manages to obtain a user’s password, they would still need an additional factor, such as a physical token or a biometric feature, to successfully authenticate.

There are various MFA techniques available, ranging from text message verification codes to hardware tokens and biometric authentication. Organizations should consider their specific needs and requirements when selecting the most appropriate MFA solution. It is important to choose a solution that strikes a balance between security and usability.

Restricting Administrative Privileges

Restricting administrative privileges is another crucial aspect of the Essential Eight framework. Administrative privileges provide elevated access to critical systems and data, making them a prime target for attackers. By restricting administrative privileges, organizations can ensure that only authorized personnel have the ability to modify system settings, install software, and access sensitive information.

Granting administrative privileges to only a select group of individuals significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized changes or unauthorized access to critical systems. It helps prevent accidental or intentional misuse of privileges, limits the impact of a compromised account, and prevents lateral movement by attackers within the network.

Organizations should adopt the principle of least privilege, which means granting users the minimal set of permissions necessary to perform their required tasks. This prevents unnecessary privileges that could be exploited by attackers.

Implementing an effective administrative privilege control requires a robust identity and access management system. This system should have the capability to manage user accounts, assign access levels, and enforce strong authentication mechanisms. Additionally, regular reviews of administrative privileges should be conducted to ensure that access remains appropriate and aligned with the least privilege principle.

It is important to note that administrative privileges should be separated from regular user accounts. This segregation ensures that even if a user account is compromised, the attacker does not gain elevated access to critical systems and data. By separating administrative privileges from regular user accounts, organizations can mitigate the risk of a compromised account leading to unauthorized access.

Application Control

Application control is another key component of the Essential Eight framework. It involves implementing measures to restrict the execution of unauthorized applications and ensure the integrity of approved applications.

By controlling which applications can run on a system, organizations can prevent the execution of malicious or unauthorized software that may introduce security vulnerabilities or compromise sensitive data. Unauthorized applications can include malware, ransomware, or even benign software that poses a security risk due to improper configuration or known vulnerabilities.

To implement effective application control, organizations should establish a baseline of approved applications that are necessary for business operations. This can be achieved through application whitelisting, which allows only pre-approved applications to run on a system while blocking all others. This approach provides organizations with greater control over their IT environment and helps to prevent the execution of unknown or malicious software.

In addition to whitelisting, application control can also involve blacklisting, which entails maintaining a list of prohibited applications that should not be allowed to run on the network. Blacklisting can be useful in situations where a specific application poses a high risk and needs to be blocked across the organization.

Application control should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that the list of approved and prohibited applications remains current and aligned with the organization’s security policies. This includes reviewing new applications before they are added to the approved list to ensure they meet security requirements. It is also important to regularly update the list of prohibited applications to include new threats that may arise.

Microsoft Office Macro Settings

One specific aspect of application control that organizations should pay attention to is Microsoft Office macro settings. Macros are small programs or scripts that automate tasks in Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. While macros can be convenient and time-saving, they can also be exploited by attackers to deliver malicious code.

By default, Microsoft Office has a security feature called Macro Settings that determines how macros are handled when a file is opened. There are several options available, ranging from disabling all macros to enabling all macros without any restrictions. However, it is important for organizations to find the right balance between security and functionality.

In the context of the Essential Eight framework, it is recommended to configure Microsoft Office macro settings to either disable macros or enable only digitally signed macros. Disabling macros altogether eliminates the risk of any malicious code being executed through macros. However, this may also impact the normal functionalities of certain documents or files that rely on macros.

Alternatively, organizations can choose to enable only digitally signed macros. This means that macros can only be executed if they are signed with a valid digital signature from a trusted source. This adds an extra layer of security as it ensures that the macros have been verified and come from a legitimate source. However, it does require the management of digital signatures and the verification process to be properly implemented and maintained.

Hardening User Applications

In addition to configuring Microsoft Office macro settings, organizations should also focus on hardening user applications as part of the Essential Eight framework. User applications, such as web browsers and email clients, are often targeted by attackers due to their widespread use and potential vulnerabilities.

One important aspect of hardening user applications is keeping them up to date with the latest security patches and updates. Software vendors regularly release patches and updates to fix known vulnerabilities and improve the overall security of their applications. Organizations should have a robust patch management process in place to ensure that all user applications are promptly updated.

Another key consideration is the configuration of security settings within user applications. Many applications offer various security options that can enhance their resilience against threats. For example, web browsers often provide settings to control the execution of JavaScript, the handling of pop-up windows, and the acceptance of third-party cookies. Organizations should carefully assess these settings and configure them to align with their security requirements.

To further enhance the security of user applications, organizations can also consider implementing additional security measures, such as web content filtering and email filtering. Web content filtering allows organizations to block access to malicious websites and prevent users from downloading potentially harmful files. Email filtering, on the other hand, helps in identifying and blocking malicious emails that may contain malware or phishing attempts.

Performing Regular Backups

Performing regular backups is another crucial aspect of the Essential Eight framework. Backups are essential for protecting against data loss and ensuring the ability to recover in the event of a cyber incident or computer failure. By regularly backing up important data and systems, organizations can minimize the impact of a security breach or disruption.

There are several key considerations when it comes to performing backups effectively. First and foremost, organizations should determine which data and systems need to be backed up regularly. This includes critical business data, system configurations, and any other information necessary for the organization’s operations. It is important to prioritize what needs to be backed up based on its importance and potential impact on the business.

Next, organizations should establish a backup schedule that meets their recovery point objectives (RPOs) and recovery time objectives (RTOs). RPO refers to the maximum allowable amount of data loss in the event of a failure, while RTO refers to the acceptable downtime before systems and data need to be restored. The backup schedule should be aligned with these objectives to ensure that the organization can recover within the required timeframe.

Furthermore, organizations should choose a reliable backup solution that meets their specific needs. This may involve selecting the appropriate backup software or cloud storage provider. It is important to consider factors such as the organization’s data storage requirements, budget, and level of technical expertise.

Why should you consider the Essential Eight?

Phishing / Social Engineering

Phishing and social engineering are two common techniques used by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information and systems. It is important for organizations to be aware of these threats and implement effective measures to mitigate the risk.

Phishing involves tricking individuals into revealing their personal or confidential information, such as passwords or credit card details, by posing as a legitimate entity through email, phone calls, or text messages. Social engineering, on the other hand, refers to manipulating individuals to disclose sensitive information or perform certain actions that can be exploited by attackers.

To protect against phishing and social engineering attacks, organizations should educate their employees about the risks and tactics used by cybercriminals. Training programs should cover topics such as recognizing phishing emails, avoiding suspicious links or attachments, and verifying the legitimacy of requests for sensitive information.

Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) is another essential measure to prevent unauthorized access. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional authentication factors, such as a fingerprint or one-time password, in addition to their username and password. This helps to ensure that even if an attacker manages to obtain the user’s password, they would still need the additional authentication factor to gain access.

Regularly updating and patching software and operating systems is also crucial in protecting against phishing and social engineering attacks. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to systems and steal sensitive information. By regularly updating and patching software, organizations can ensure that their systems are equipped with the latest security features and fixes.

Malware Exploitation and Ransomware

Malware exploitation and ransomware attacks are common and serious threats to organizations. Malware refers to malicious software that is designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. Ransomware, on the other hand, is a specific type of malware that encrypts data on a victim’s computer and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key.

To protect against malware exploitation and ransomware attacks, organizations should implement strong antivirus and anti-malware software. These programs can detect and remove known malware and prevent it from infecting systems. It is important to regularly update these software to ensure that they have the latest virus definitions and capabilities to detect and block new and emerging threats.

In addition to antivirus software, organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS). These systems monitor network traffic and detect and block suspicious or malicious activities. They can also identify and prevent known vulnerability exploits that could be used by malware to gain access to systems.

Regularly backing up important data is also essential in protecting against ransomware attacks. If an organization’s data is encrypted by ransomware, having recent backups ensures that they can restore their data without having to pay the ransom. It is important to store backups in a separate location or use cloud storage services to safeguard against potential physical damage or loss of the original data.

Information Loss (aka Data Breach)

Information loss, also known as a data breach, can have severe consequences for organizations. A data breach occurs when unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive information and exploit it for various purposes, such as identity theft or financial fraud. These breaches can result in significant financial losses, damage to reputation, and legal consequences.

To protect against information loss, organizations should implement strong data security measures. This includes encrypting sensitive data both in transit and at rest. Encryption ensures that even if unauthorized individuals gain access to the data, they will not be able to read or use it without the encryption key. Secure data storage and transmission protocols, such as SSL/TLS, should be used to protect data during transit.

Access control mechanisms are also crucial in preventing data breaches. Organizations should implement strict access controls to limit the number of individuals who have access to sensitive data. This includes implementing strong password policies, regularly updating passwords, and using multi-factor authentication methods. By limiting access to sensitive information, organizations can minimize the risk of unauthorized individuals gaining access to it.

Regular employee training is another important aspect of preventing data breaches. Employees should be educated about the importance of data security, including the proper handling of sensitive information and the potential risks of phishing and social engineering attacks. By raising awareness and providing training programs, organizations can empower their employees to be vigilant and take proactive measures to protect sensitive data.

Essential Eight Maturity Model Changes

Drawing upon observations from the six years since the original release of the E8, the ACSC has recently updated the Essential Eight Maturity Model (E8MM), to provide guidance on more robust cybersecurity measures for Australian organisations.

These changes will require organisations that benchmark themselves against the E8 to reassess their existing cybersecurity strategies and control practices to determine if they remain in alignment with the new requirements.

Why partner with Enabla Technology for your Essential Eight efforts?

As organizations strive to meet the new requirements of the Essential Eight Maturity Model (E8MM), partnering with the right technology provider becomes crucial for successful implementation. Enabla Technology is a trusted partner that can help organizations navigate this evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Expertise: Enabla Technology boasts a team of cybersecurity experts who have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Essential Eight framework. They can guide organizations in reassessing their existing cybersecurity strategies and control practices, ensuring that they align with the updated requirements of the E8MM.

Tailored Solutions: Enabla Technology understands that each organization is unique and may have specific security needs. They offer tailored solutions that are designed to address the specific challenges and requirements of each client. Whether it’s implementing encryption measures, strengthening access controls, or providing comprehensive employee training, Enabla Technology can customize its solutions to meet the specific needs of your organization.

Cutting-Edge Technology: With the ever-evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, having access to cutting-edge technology is vital. Enabla Technology stays at the forefront of the industry and utilizes advanced tools and technologies to ensure maximum protection against data breaches. Their solutions incorporate the latest encryption algorithms, secure data transmission protocols, and access control mechanisms to safeguard sensitive information

If you’re looking for a Managed IT Services Provider that can assist you with your Essential Eight benchmarking, reach out to us here