How to Stay Compliant with the Essential Eight Cybersecurity Strategies
If you’ve ever tried to juggle eight different things at once — say cooking dinner, answering emails, feeding the dog, and keeping the kids out of the pantry — you’ll understand why the Essential Eight cybersecurity framework can feel a bit daunting. But just like any good routine, once it’s in place, it can make life a whole lot easier.
Developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), the Essential Eight is a set of baseline security strategies designed to protect businesses from cyber threats. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to get started. Here’s how your business can stay compliant — and why it matters.
What is the Essential Eight?
Think of the Essential Eight as the cybersecurity equivalent of locking your doors, setting the alarm, and not leaving your keys under the mat. It’s made up of eight key strategies:
- Application control
- Patch applications
- Configure Microsoft Office macro settings
- User application hardening
- Restrict administrative privileges
- Patch operating systems
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Regular backups
Each one tackles a common hole in your cybersecurity defenses. Together, they create a strong foundation that can stop most cyberattacks in their tracks.
Why Compliance Matters
Let’s be honest — compliance isn’t the most exciting part of running a business. But when it comes to cybersecurity, it’s more than just ticking boxes. The Essential Eight helps you build real resilience against threats like ransomware, phishing, and data breaches.
Plus, if you’re in a regulated industry such as legal, healthcare, or finance, demonstrating compliance can help you meet industry standards and win client trust. Some insurers even require it before offering cyber liability coverage — a point we covered in our post on cybersecurity measures required by insurance providers.
How to Stay Compliant
1. Start with a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
Before you can fix problems, you need to know where they are. A cybersecurity risk assessment will help you identify gaps and prioritise what needs attention first.
2. Implement Application Control
This stops unauthorised programs from running on your systems. It’s like putting a bouncer at the door of your network — only the right software gets in. Check out our guide on mastering application control for practical tips.
3. Keep Patching
Updating your apps and operating systems might seem like a chore, but it’s one of the easiest ways to shut down vulnerabilities. We’ve explained why regular software updates are so important — and how to make them less painful.
4. Limit Admin Privileges
Not everyone needs full access. Reducing admin rights limits the damage a cybercriminal (or a well-meaning employee) can do. We’ve seen clients breathe a sigh of relief after making this simple change.
5. Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication
MFA is like having a second lock on your front door. It’s a must for all remote access, admin accounts, and sensitive systems. If you’re unsure where to start, our Tech Talk podcast episode on MFA is a great intro.
6. Back Up Daily
Backups are your safety net. If something goes wrong — from a ransomware attack to a hardware failure — you’ll be glad you’ve got a recent copy of your data. Learn why daily backups are essential and how to automate them effectively.
Compliance is Ongoing
Staying compliant isn’t a one-off task. It’s a bit like servicing your car — regular check-ups keep it running smoothly and help you spot issues before they become expensive problems. Build cybersecurity into your ongoing IT strategy. If you’re not sure where to start, partnering with a managed IT services provider like Gray Area Consulting can take the pressure off your internal team.
Common Challenges (and How to Beat Them)
- Time and resources: Small teams often struggle to implement all eight strategies. Prioritise based on risk and tackle them one at a time.
- Employee habits: Even with the best tech, human error can undo it all. Invest in cybersecurity awareness training to build a ‘human firewall’.
- Keeping up with changes: The threat landscape evolves quickly. Stay informed and conduct regular reviews with your IT partner or internal security lead.
Need a Hand?
At Gray Area Consulting, we help businesses across Australia implement and maintain compliance with the Essential Eight. Whether you’re just starting out or need to tighten up your existing setup, we’re here to help with practical, jargon-free advice.
Get in touch to book a consultation or learn more about our cybersecurity services.
