Compliance is a bigger concern for small businesses than ever before. Data breaches still occur on a regular basis despite the attempts of global authorities to stop them, and in response, regulations are tightening even further. This has resulted in a complex and stress-inducing landscape where one mistake can have big consequences.
One thing is clear: compliance is no longer an issue for the IT department to handle. It must be reinforced at every level of your company, starting with policy creation. Building compliance into the very core of your business is the only way to ensure you don’t risk enormous fines and other penalties.
And often, this starts with Essential Eight compliance.
What is the Essential 8?
The Essential Eight (or Essential 8) is a set of strategies created by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) to help businesses mitigate risk and comply with data protection laws. It is designed to be easily implemented regardless of size, and to specifically address the most common risk factors every company faces.
The eight controls are:
- Application Control: Restricting unapproved software.
- Patch Applications: Keeping apps up-to-date with security fixes.
- Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings: Preventing execution of malicious macros.
- User Application Hardening: Minimising exploitable features in common software.
- Restrict Administrative Privileges: Limiting admin rights to reduce risk exposure.
- Patch Operating Systems: Addressing OS vulnerabilities promptly.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of verification before allowing access to accounts.
- Regular Backups: Ensuring data can be restored after incidents.
The Essential 8 also provides a Maturity Model, designed to help you understand your current compliance. It ranges from Level 0 (little to no protection against cyber threats) to Level 3 (protection against complex, targeted attacks).
Why ASD Essential 8 Compliance is Crucial
Risk Reduction
Aligning your policies with the Essential 8 is an important step in risk reduction. The mitigation strategies included are designed to improve your security posture, significantly lowering your chances of experiencing an attack. In time, this could save your business from serious financial, operational, and social consequences.
Meeting Regulatory Expectations
Compliance and cyber security are so closely intertwined in the modern workplace that they may as well be the same thing. Any action that improves your data security, such as implementing the Essential 8, will also make you more compliant. This means you are less likely to suffer through audits, fines, and other penalties.
Building Your Reputation
In a world where serious data breaches are commonplace, a commitment to security is the first thing customers and partners look for. By aligning your business with frameworks like the Essential 8, you demonstrate how seriously you take their safety, building long-term trust in the process.
How to Build IT Policy With Essential 8 Compliance in Mind
ASD Essential 8 compliance is much easier to maintain when it’s baked into every part of the business – and that starts at the leadership level. Your IT policies should be designed with the Essential 8 in mind, to ensure the strongest security possible. Here’s an easy checklist to follow
Step 1: Conduct a Compliance Assessment
Evaluate your existing IT policies against the Essential 8 controls. Identify any gaps, and determine what your current Maturity Level is. This will show you where improvements need to be made.
Step 2: Update and Align Policies
Update your policies to address the issues identified. For example, you may need to actively enforce MFA if you find that the ball is regularly being dropped here. Focus on actionable strategies that can be easily enforced, and include clear escalation procedures when they are not followed.
Step 3: Educate and Support Staff
Your policies are only effective if they are consistently upheld. Teach employees about the new policies, why they matter, and how to comply. Provide additional support where needed, understanding that there may be issues while staff get used to the new system. Focus on building a company culture that prioritises security and compliance.
Step 4: Monitor and Review
Schedule periodic reviews to ensure your policies remain in alignment with the Essential 8 and with critical regulations.
The Role of Essential Eight Compliance Services
Essential 8 compliance isn’t always easy, and this is where a professional can help. Many MSPs offer specialised services designed to help businesses improve their Maturity Level. They accomplish this through:
- Detailed security assessments based on the ASD framework
- Implementation guidance for technical and procedural controls
- Staff training programs focused on policy awareness and behaviour change
- Ongoing monitoring to maintain compliance
For an example of how this might look, read this case study on Intercontinental Energy’s Essential 8 compliance journey.
Ensure Compliance By Leveling Up Your Security
Aligning IT policies with the Essential 8 is one of the fastest ways to boost regulatory compliance and reduce your risk of cyber-attacks. By building your governance framework with these important controls in mind, you create a stronger foundation that will mitigate risk, maintain trust, and ultimately strengthen your business.
Are you trying to improve your IT policies? Austin Technology has you covered, with expert insights that guide you on your path to building a stronger, safer business. Explore some more IT policies that can help secure your business.
