By adopting the Essential Eight, you can:
- Reduce Risk: Minimize the chances of a successful cyber attack.
- Improve Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements and standards.
- Enhance Resilience: Quickly recover from security incidents with minimal disruption.
Summary of the Strategies
The Essential Eight consists of eight mitigation strategies to maximise protection against cyber threats. These are listed below.
1. Application Control
- Prevent the execution of unapproved/malicious programs.
- Reduces the risk of malware and unauthorized software running on your systems.
2. Patch Applications
- Regularly update applications to fix vulnerabilities.
- Ensures your software is protected against known security flaws.
3. Restrict Microsoft Office Macro
- Restrict the use of macros to reduce the risk of malware.
- Protects your systems from macro-based attacks often delivered via phishing emails.
4. User Application Hardening
- Harden web browsers and applications against common cyber threats.
- Disables unnecessary features that can be exploited by attackers.
5. Restrict Administrative Privileges
- Limit admin privileges to only those who need them.
- Reduces the potential damage caused by a compromised account.
6. Patch Operating Systems
- Keep your operating systems up to date.
- Protects against vulnerabilities in the underlying system software.
7. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Implement MFA to strengthen user authentication.
- Adds an extra layer of security beyond just passwords.
8. Regular Backups
- Regularly back up important data and verify its integrity.
- Ensures you can recover your data in case of a ransomware attack or data breach.
How Can We Help?
Our team of cybersecurity experts can help you implement the Essential Eight. We offer:
- Assessment and Planning: Evaluate your current security posture and develop a comprehensive plan.
- Implementation and Support: Deploy the Essential Eight strategies and provide ongoing support.
- Training and Awareness: Educate your staff on best practices to ensure a security-conscious culture.