Understanding the Essential Eight: A Guide for Tasmanian SMBs
As cyber threats continue to rise, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Tasmania must take proactive measures to safeguard their digital assets. Navigating the complex world of cyber security can feel overwhelming, especially as new threats continue to emerge. Fortunately, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has developed a set of guidelines specifically designed to simplify the process: the Essential Eight. In this blog, we’ll introduce the Essential Eight cyber security strategy, outline the benefits for Tasmanian SMBs, and provide practical tips on implementation.
What is the Essential Eight?
The Essential Eight is a set of eight baseline cyber security strategies recommended by the ACSC to help businesses protect against common cyber threats. Developed by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) as part of its broader Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents, the Essential Eight is widely regarded as the most effective strategy for deterring malicious activity. While no security measure can offer a 100% guarantee, the Essential Eight can significantly reduce the likelihood of an attack, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to compromise your systems.
The Essential Eight: Eight Key Mitigations
The Essential Eight focuses on eight critical security practices that address some of the most common cyber security risks. Here’s a brief overview of each:
Patch Applications: Applications should be regularly updated to prevent vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit. Outdated software is often an easy target, so keeping this up-to-date is essential for security.
Patch Operating Systems: Similar to applications, operating systems need regular updates to ensure vulnerabilities are promptly patched, reducing potential access points for attackers.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to access systems, making it harder for unauthorised users to gain entry to your accounts.
Restrict Administrative Privileges: Only give administrative access to those who need it. Limiting admin rights helps contain potential damage if an account is compromised.
Application Control: Application control ensures that only approved applications can run on your systems. This reduces the risk of malware being executed on devices.
Restrict Microsoft Office Macros: Macros, small programs within Microsoft Office files, are often exploited by cybercriminals and used to deliver malware. By restricting these, you reduce the risk of malware infections from potentially harmful documents.
User Application Hardening: This practice involves disabling certain risky features, such as web ads, which are often exploited by attackers.
Regular Backups: Regular backups allow you to recover data in the event of an attack. Ensuring backups are stored securely and tested for recovery gives your business a crucial safety net.
The Essential Eight Maturity Model
The Essential Eight Maturity Model (E8MM) is designed to help organisations implement these strategies in a structured, scalable way, adapting to various levels of cyber threat sophistication. The E8MM provides four maturity levels (Maturity Level Zero to Maturity Level Three), guiding businesses in achieving progressively stronger defences:
Maturity Level Zero: Basic, limited defences with minimal protection.
Maturity Level One: Standard protection, suitable for blocking common cyber threats.
Maturity Level Two: More robust defences designed to withstand a wider range of tactics.
Maturity Level Three: Advanced protections, able to counter sophisticated cyber threats.
By identifying and aiming for an appropriate maturity level, SMBs can create a realistic plan to meet their security goals, all while building upon their existing defences. Each level within the E8MM requires the strategies to be implemented comprehensively across all eight areas before progressing to the next maturity level, ensuring well-rounded protection.
Why Should Tasmanian SMBs Implement the Essential Eight?
For SMBs in Tasmania, implementing the Essential Eight can provide cost-effective protection against cyber security incidents. Preventative measures like these are often more economical in terms of time, money, and effort than responding to a large-scale incident. By following these eight strategies, you’re not only protecting your data but also building trust with your customers, who can rest assured that their information is secure.
Essential Eight Training and Certification
The ACSC has recognised the need for businesses to receive practical training in implementing the Essential Eight. To this end, ASD has developed an Essential Eight assessment course, offered through TAFEcyber, that provides face-to-face, hands-on training. This course gives participants an in-depth understanding of how to implement, assess, and improve their cyber security practices using the Essential Eight.
If you’re seeking professional help, our experts Aaron Ridge and Daniel Elphinstone have completed their Essential Eight assessor certification. With their guidance, your business can navigate the complexities of the Essential Eight more easily, receiving tailored advice on cyber security practices.
Practical Tips for Implementing the Essential Eight
Starting with the Essential Eight might feel daunting, but here are a few practical tips to get you started:
Start with the Basics: Focus first on patching applications, patching operating systems, and implementing regular backups. These are foundational steps that immediately reduce vulnerabilities.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication: MFA is a simple yet powerful way to protect accounts. Implement it across all critical systems to prevent unauthorised access.
Limit Admin Access: Review who has administrative privileges and restrict them to essential personnel only. Regularly audit access levels to keep security tight.
Work with Certified Professionals: Partnering with professionals like Ridgetech will help you stay on track with best practices while getting personalised advice tailored to your unique needs.
Set Incremental Goals: Moving through the maturity levels one step at a time ensures steady progress. Start by aiming for Maturity Level One across all eight strategies, then build upon that foundation.
How Ridgetech Can Help
Implementing the Essential Eight can be challenging, especially for SMBs with limited IT resources. At Ridgetech, we understand these challenges and specialise in providing comprehensive IT services tailored to your business needs. With our qualified experts, Aaron and Daniel, we are dedicated to assisting you in implementing the Essential Eight strategies and fortifying your defences.
As a Managed Service Provider (MSP) based in North West Tasmania, we take pride in delivering high-quality services that foster trust in your IT infrastructure. Our comprehensive service bundles offer innovative and reliable solutions designed to improve efficiency, boost productivity, and strengthen your business's cyber resilience.
Ready to enhance your cyber defences? Get in touch today here to learn how we can support you.
