What are the Essential 8 and you should know about them

Aug 8, 2024

Understanding the Essential Eight in Cybersecurity: A Must-Know for Businesses

The History of the Essential Eight

The Essential Eight is a set of mitigation strategies designed to help organizations bolster their cybersecurity defenses. Developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), part of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), these strategies were first introduced in 2017. The aim was to provide a practical, prioritized approach to cyber defense, based on the most common and impactful cyber threats observed.

Who Develops the Essential Eight?

The ACSC, which is responsible for enhancing Australia's cybersecurity, developed the Essential Eight. The ACSC works with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organizations, and international partners, to understand the evolving threat landscape and create effective mitigation strategies. Their insights and expertise have culminated in the Essential Eight, a framework that is continually updated to address new threats and vulnerabilities.

What Are the Essential Eight?

The Essential Eight consists of the following strategies, each aimed at mitigating specific types of cyber threats:

  1. Application Whitelisting: Ensures only approved applications can execute on a system, reducing the risk of malicious software running.

  2. Patch Applications: Regularly updates applications to fix security vulnerabilities, protecting against exploits.

  3. Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings: Controls the use of macros to prevent malicious code execution.

  4. User Application Hardening: Disables unnecessary features in applications (like Flash and Java) that can be exploited by attackers.

  5. Restrict Administrative Privileges: Limits the use of administrative accounts to reduce the potential damage from an attack.

  6. Patch Operating Systems: Keeps operating systems up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.

  7. Multi-Factor Authentication: Adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification for access.

  8. Regular Backups: Ensures data is regularly backed up and can be restored in case of an incident, minimizing downtime and data loss.

Why Businesses Should Care About the Essential Eight

In today's digital landscape, cyber threats are constantly evolving, and businesses of all sizes are targets. The Essential Eight provides a robust framework that can significantly reduce the risk of cyber incidents. Here's why businesses should pay attention:

  1. Comprehensive Protection: The Essential Eight covers a broad spectrum of potential vulnerabilities, providing a holistic approach to cybersecurity.

  2. Prioritized Implementation: The strategies are designed to be implemented in order of importance, helping organizations prioritize their cybersecurity efforts effectively.

  3. Cost-Effective: By preventing incidents before they happen, businesses can save on the potentially enormous costs associated with data breaches, including financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory fines.

  4. Regulatory Compliance: Implementing the Essential Eight can help businesses comply with various cybersecurity regulations and standards, avoiding legal and financial penalties.

  5. Enhanced Trust: Demonstrating a commitment to robust cybersecurity practices can enhance trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders, providing a competitive advantage.

Conclusion

The Essential Eight is more than just a set of guidelines; it's a vital tool for businesses to protect themselves in an increasingly hostile cyber environment. Developed by the ACSC, these strategies provide a practical, prioritized approach to mitigating common threats. By adopting the Essential Eight, businesses can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture, ensuring they are better prepared to face the challenges of the digital age.


Find more about the essential 8 here:

https://www.cyber.gov.au/resources-business-and-government/essential-cyber-security/essential-eight