What is Essential 8?
The Essential Eight is a set of Government backed cybersecurity strategies designed to address common vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of cyberattacks. These strategies are practical, effective, and scalable for businesses of all sizes.
The 8 Key Strategies
Application Control
Prevent unauthorised software from running on your systems to minimise the risk of malware infections.
Patch Applications
Keep software up to date to fix known vulnerabilities and reduce exposure to attacks.
Configure Microsoft Office Macros
Restrict macros to prevent malicious code from exploiting vulnerabilities in Office documents.
User Application Hardening
Disable features like Flash or Java to reduce potential entry points for attackers.
Restrict Administrative Privileges
Limit user access to sensitive systems to reduce the impact of potential breaches.
Patch Operating Systems
Regularly update your operating systems to ensure they are secure and resilient against known threats.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Add an extra layer of security by requiring two or more verification methods for system access.
Daily Backups
Maintain regular backups of your data to ensure business continuity in case of an attack.
How Techwell Implements the Essential 8
Techwell provides end-to-end support in implementing the Essential Eight strategies. From assessing your current security posture to deploying and managing these controls, we tailor the framework to meet your organisation’s unique needs.
Benefits of Adopting the Essential 8 Cyber Security Measures
- Enhanced protection against ransomware and other cyber threats
- Compliance with Australian regulatory standards
- Improved resilience and recovery in case of an incident
FAQ'S
How can the Essential 8 help protect against ransomware attacks?
The Essential 8 strategies, such as multi-factor authentication and regular patching, help close security gaps that ransomware often exploits, reducing the risk of data breaches and system compromise.
Why is restricting administrative privileges important in the Essential 8 framework?
Limiting administrative privileges prevents unauthorised users from making critical system changes, reducing the risk of malware execution and accidental security misconfigurations.
How often should businesses review their Essential 8 compliance?
Essential 8 compliance should be reviewed regularly, especially after software updates, security incidents, or when scaling IT infrastructure, to maintain strong cyber defences.
Can the Essential 8 be tailored for different business sizes?
Yes, the strategies can be adjusted based on the complexity of a business’s IT infrastructure, ensuring both small businesses and large enterprises can benefit from enhanced security.
Does following the Essential 8 guarantee complete protection from cyber threats?
While the Essential 8 significantly strengthens security, no framework offers 100% protection. It provides a solid foundation when combined with regular security assessments and ongoing staff training.
