As the threat presented by cyber-attacks continues to grow, a vast array of cyber security frameworks have been invented over the years to help businesses protect themselves. One such framework, developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is the Essential 8 Maturity Model.
But what exactly is the ACSC’s Essential 8? And what Maturity Level should your business aim for?
Understanding the Essential 8
The Essential 8 is a set of strategies decided upon by the ACSC to prevent cyber-attacks. Your Maturity Level is determined by the level of cyber-attack that you are protected from. These strategies are:
- Application Control: Ensuring only approved applications can execute on your systems.
- Patch Applications: Regularly updating applications to mitigate vulnerabilities.
- Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings: Restricting macros to trusted locations and users.
- User Application Hardening: Disabling unnecessary features that can be exploited.
- Restrict Administrative Privileges: Limiting the use of administrative privileges to only those who need them.
- Patch Operating Systems: Keeping your operating systems up-to-date.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implementing MFA to provide an additional layer of security.
- Regular Backups: Conducting regular backups and ensuring they are isolated from network connections.
These strategies are grouped into four Maturity Levels:
Maturity Level 0:
Your cyber security has significant weaknesses.
Maturity Level 1:
Your business has basic protection against cyber threats, covering the most widely available tools used by cybercriminals as well as attacks of opportunity.
Maturity Level 2:
This level means you are protected against slightly more sophisticated attacks, involving more planning and more effective tools.
Maturity Level 3:
This level focuses on protection from highly sophisticated attacks, involving a significant amount of planning and resources. At this level, many cybercriminals will simply choose an easier victim unless they are specifically targeting you.
Which Maturity Level Do I Need?
The Maturity Level your business should aim for depends on several factors. These include the size of your business, the sensitivity of the data you handle, and the regulatory requirements your industry must comply with.
Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs)
For SMBs, especially those with limited IT resources, aiming for Maturity Level 1 is a good starting point that will provide you with a foundation for your cyber security. Implementing the most basic strategies of the Essential 8 can protect your business against some common cyber threats.
Progression to Maturity Level 2 should be considered as soon as your infrastructure allows, to ensure a higher level of protection.
Large Businesses
Due to their scale and the volume of information they handle, large businesses should aim for Maturity Level 2 at the lowest. This level will ensure that solid security measures are in place, and significantly lowers the risk of a cyber-attack.
For businesses with the necessary resources and infrastructure, it is highly recommended to aim for Maturity Level 3.
Critical Infrastructure and High-Risk Sectors
Organisations that are part of critical infrastructure (like healthcare organisations) or operate in high-risk sectors (like finance) should aim for Maturity Level 3. This level provides the highest protection, making it very difficult for a threat actor to breach your defences.
Given the potential impact a cyber incident could have in these sectors, on public safety as well as the business’ own operations, organisations working within them must prioritise the highest possible level of cyber security.
Benefits of the Essential 8 Maturity Model
Implementing the ACSC’s Essential 8 Maturity Model brings several important benefits:
- Improved Security Posture: By following the Essential 8, you can greatly enhance your defense against cyber threats. This lowers your risk of experiencing a data breach or other incident.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many regulatory frameworks and standards require specific cyber security measures. The Essential 8 can help your business meet these requirements.
- Operational Resilience: The regular backups and patches demanded by the Essential 8 carry the additional benefit of reducing downtime, and ensuring that data can be recovered quickly if something does go wrong.
Challenges and Considerations
While the Essential 8 Maturity Model offers a clear path to improving cyber security, you may face challenges during implementation. These can include:
- Resource Constraints: SMBs may struggle with the resources needed to implement and maintain the Essential 8 strategies.
- Technical Complexity: Some strategies, such as application control and user application hardening, may require significant technical expertise.
- Change Management: You must manage the process effectively to ensure that new security measures are adopted and adhered to by all employees.
These challenges can be mitigated by understanding your resources, expertise, and IT infrastructure before starting out. This simple step will allow you to make an informed decision about what your business can afford to implement, and how you can achieve the smoothest possible transition.
Discover Your Essential 8 Maturity Level
The Essential 8 is a valuable tool to protect your business from cyber threats. While it is always worth aiming for the highest level of protection possible, it is also important to understand what your business’ available resources allow. Achieving the best possible protection while staying within your company’s limits is a balancing act that, when done right, can have far-reaching benefits.
Pronet’s dedicated team of cyber security experts can assist you in determining your current Maturity Level, and can help you ensure the highest level of compliance possible for you. Take a look at our compliance services, if you are interested in implementing the Essential 8.
