What is the Essential 8?
A Complete Guide to Cyber Security Best Practices
Cyber threats are increasing in frequency and sophistication, making cyber security a top priority for businesses of all sizes. The Essential 8 cyber security framework, developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), provides a clear roadmap for mitigating cyber risks and protecting critical systems from cyberattacks.
This guide will explain what the Essential 8 is, how it works, and why every organisation should adopt it. We’ll also cover how to assess your security maturity using the Essential 8 Maturity Model, plus practical steps to implement and improve your security posture.
What Is the Essential 8?
The Essential 8 framework is a set of eight key cyber security strategies designed to help organisations defend against cyber threats. Developed by the ACSC, it provides a baseline for security best practices, focusing on preventing, limiting, and recovering from cyber incidents.
The Essential 8 cyber security strategies focus on:
✔ Preventing malware and ransomware attacks
✔ Protecting user credentials and sensitive data
✔ Reducing the risk of security breaches
✔ Ensuring quick recovery from cyber incidents
The Essential 8 Strategies at a Glance
| Essential 8 Strategy | Purpose | How It Protects Your Business |
|---|---|---|
| Application Whitelisting | Controls which apps can run on systems | Blocks unapproved and malicious applications |
| Patch Applications | Keeps software updated | Fixes vulnerabilities that attackers exploit |
| Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings | Prevents macro-based malware | Limits the use of risky macros |
| User Application Hardening | Reduces attack surface | Disables unnecessary features that hackers target |
| Restrict Administrative Privileges | Limits high-risk user access | Prevents unauthorised changes to systems |
| Patch Operating Systems | Keeps OS software secure | Ensures critical security updates are applied |
| Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | Strengthens user authentication | Reduces risk of stolen passwords |
| Regular Backups | Ensures data recovery | Minimises damage from cyberattacks and system failures |
Want to dive deeper into these strategies? Check out our Essential 8 cyber security guide.
What Is the ACSC Essential 8 and Its Purpose?
The ACSC Essential 8 is designed to provide practical and effective cyber security measures that any organisation can implement. These strategies:
✅ Protect against common cyber threats – Such as phishing, ransomware, and data breaches.
✅ Reduce operational risk – Helps businesses prevent costly disruptions.
✅ Ensure compliance – Meets Australian regulatory and industry security standards.
✅ Improve security maturity – Helps organisations measure and enhance their cyber security posture.
By following the Essential 8 framework, businesses can strengthen their security defences and minimise risks without excessive costs.
What Is the Essential 8 Maturity Model?
The Essential 8 Maturity Model is a framework used to measure how well an organisation has implemented the Essential 8 strategies. It defines four levels of maturity, from no security controls to advanced, proactive defence.
| Maturity Level | What It Means | Security Readiness |
|---|---|---|
| Maturity Level 0 | No formal cyber security measures in place | High risk of cyber incidents |
| Maturity Level 1 | Basic implementation of the Essential 8 | Limited protection against threats |
| Maturity Level 2 | Mostly aligned with best practices | Strong security posture, reducing risk |
| Maturity Level 3 | Fully implemented, proactive security approach | Comprehensive defence against cyber threats |
Most organisations should aim for at least Maturity Level 2, as this provides strong cyber resilience without excessive cost or complexity.
Not sure where your organisation stands? Use the Essential 8 Scorecard to assess your cyber security maturity.
How to Implement the Essential 8
A structured approach to Essential 8 implementation ensures maximum protection. Follow these key steps:
1️⃣ Assess Your Current Security Posture
✔ Conduct an Essential 8 assessment to identify gaps in your security.
✔ Compare your existing security measures against the Essential 8 Maturity Model.
✔ Use an Essential 8 scorecard to track progress and improvements.
2️⃣ Prioritise High-Risk Areas
✔ Focus on the most critical security weaknesses first.
✔ Start with multi-factor authentication, patching, and administrative privilege controls, as these provide immediate risk reduction.
3️⃣ Develop an Implementation Plan
✔ Define clear security policies for staff and IT teams.
✔ Allocate responsibilities and set deadlines for each Essential 8 strategy.
✔ Establish automated security updates and monitoring systems.
4️⃣ Train Employees on Cyber Security Best Practices
✔ Educate staff about Essential 8 cyber security measures.
✔ Implement phishing awareness training to reduce human error.
✔ Enforce strong password policies and MFA adoption.
5️⃣ Continuously Monitor and Improve
✔ Regularly update your Essential 8 assessment to ensure compliance.
✔ Test security controls and respond to any new cyber threats.
✔ Adjust strategies based on new vulnerabilities and industry updates.
Need expert guidance? Contact our cyber security specialists for tailored Essential 8 implementation support.
Why Is the Essential 8 Important?
Implementing the Essential 8 cyber security framework provides businesses with:
✔ Stronger Protection Against Cyber Threats – Reduces the risk of malware, ransomware, and data breaches.
✔ Cost-Effective Security Measures – Avoids the financial impact of cyber incidents.
✔ Regulatory Compliance – Meets Australian security standards, protecting against legal risks.
✔ Business Continuity – Ensures systems remain operational and data can be recovered.
✔ Increased Trust & Reputation – Demonstrates a commitment to cyber security for customers and partners.
Looking for a complete guide to Essential 8 security best practices? Explore our Essential 8 maturity checklist.
Start Strengthening Your Cyber Security Today
The Essential 8 framework is an effective and scalable approach to improving cyber security. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your existing security measures, implementing the Essential 8 strategies will help protect your organisation from evolving cyber threats.
🔹 Need a full security assessment? Use the Essential 8 Scorecard to measure your security maturity.
🔹 Looking for expert guidance? Our team can help with Essential 8 implementation. Contact us today using the form below to secure your business.