ACSC Essential 8 Maturity Checklist
A Practical Guide to Strengthening Your Cyber Security
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and businesses need a proactive approach to protect their systems and data. The Essential 8 Maturity Model, developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), provides a structured framework to assess, enhance, and measure cyber security maturity.
Whether your organisation is just starting with the Essential 8 framework or working towards higher levels of cyber resilience, understanding where you stand and how to improve is critical. This guide breaks down the ACSC Essential 8 Maturity Model, helping you evaluate risks, implement best practices, and strengthen your defences.
What is the Essential 8 Maturity Model?
The ACSC Essential 8 Maturity Model outlines four levels of cyber security maturity. These levels reflect how well an organisation has implemented the Essential 8 strategies to protect against cyber threats.
Maturity Levels Explained
🟥 Maturity Level 0 – No or minimal implementation, leaving systems highly vulnerable.
🟨 Maturity Level 1 – Basic implementation, offering some protection against low-level threats.
🟩 Maturity Level 2 – Stronger implementation, significantly reducing security risks.
🟦 Maturity Level 3 – Fully implemented, ensuring proactive and adaptive cyber defence.
Most businesses should aim for at least Essential 8 Level 2, as this level provides robust security measures to defend against cyber threats.
Essential 8 Strategies & Maturity Levels
The Essential Eight Maturity Model is built around eight key strategies that address critical security vulnerabilities. Below is a breakdown of these strategies and how maturity levels affect their implementation.
1. Application Whitelisting
✔ Only approved applications can run, preventing unauthorised software from executing.
🔹 Level 0: No controls in place.
🔹 Level 1: Whitelisting for workstations.
🔹 Level 2: Extended to servers.
🔹 Level 3: Implemented across all systems with advanced threat detection.
2. Patch Applications
✔ Regular updates reduce the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited.
🔹 Level 0: No structured patching process.
🔹 Level 1: Patching within 30 days.
🔹 Level 2: Patching within 14 days.
🔹 Level 3: Critical patches deployed within 48 hours.
3. Configure Microsoft Office Macros
✔ Restricts the use of potentially malicious macros to reduce malware risks.
🔹 Level 0: No restrictions.
🔹 Level 1: Macros disabled by default.
🔹 Level 2: Only macros from trusted sources allowed.
🔹 Level 3: Strict macro policies enforced across all systems.
4. User Application Hardening
✔ Blocks outdated or vulnerable application features to reduce attack risks.
🔹 Level 0: No security controls applied.
🔹 Level 1: Disable unnecessary features (e.g., Flash, Java).
🔹 Level 2: Enforce security configurations across applications.
🔹 Level 3: Continuous monitoring for security misconfigurations.
5. Restrict Administrative Privileges
✔ Limits user access to prevent unauthorised changes and credential misuse.
🔹 Level 0: No restrictions in place.
🔹 Level 1: Basic admin controls implemented.
🔹 Level 2: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for admin accounts.
🔹 Level 3: Just-in-time (JIT) access with continuous monitoring.
6. Patch Operating Systems
✔ Keeps OS software up to date to mitigate security vulnerabilities.
🔹 Level 0: No formal patching process.
🔹 Level 1: Patching completed within 30 days.
🔹 Level 2: Patching within 14 days for critical updates.
🔹 Level 3: 48-hour patching cycle with automated updates.
7. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
✔ Strengthens login security, preventing unauthorised access.
🔹 Level 0: No MFA in place.
🔹 Level 1: MFA required for remote access and admin accounts.
🔹 Level 2: MFA for all users.
🔹 Level 3: MFA enforced across all systems with enhanced security protocols.
8. Regular Backups
✔ Ensures data can be restored in case of a cyberattack.
🔹 Level 0: No backup process.
🔹 Level 1: Backups performed regularly for critical data.
🔹 Level 2: Periodic testing to verify backup integrity.
🔹 Level 3: Real-time backups with full disaster recovery capabilities.
How to Improve Your Essential 8 Maturity Level
1️⃣ Assess Your Current Security Posture – Use the Essential 8 Scorecard to evaluate each strategy.
2️⃣ Identify Areas for Improvement – Compare your maturity level against best practices.
3️⃣ Implement Security Upgrades – Address vulnerabilities with structured Essential 8 cyber security improvements.
4️⃣ Monitor & Update Regularly – Cyber threats evolve—your security should too.
Why the Essential 8 Maturity Model Matters
✔ Proactive Defence – Reduces the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks.
✔ Compliance & Regulations – Helps businesses meet Australian cyber security standards.
✔ Cost Savings – Prevents costly downtime and data loss.
✔ Improved Incident Response – Ensures quick recovery in case of a cyber incident.
By following the Essential Eight Maturity Model, organisations can create a secure, resilient IT environment that stands up to modern cyber threats.
Strengthen Your Cyber Security Today
The ACSC Essential 8 Maturity Model provides a clear roadmap to cyber security excellence. Whether you need to increase your maturity level or implement best-practice security strategies, taking action today will protect your organisation in the long run.
🔹 How does your organisation compare? Reach out to us to use the Essential 8 assessment tool to find out.
🔹 Need expert support? Our cyber security specialists can help. Get in touch today using the form below.