In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more critical than ever. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, adopting a framework is the best way to get started. One such strategy is the Essential Eight, a set of mitigation strategies recommended by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to safeguard against cyber threats.
What is the Essential Eight?
The Essential Eight comprises eight key strategies designed to bolster cybersecurity defenses. These strategies are:
- Application Control: Ensuring only approved applications can execute on systems.
- Patch Applications: Regularly updating applications to fix security vulnerabilities.
- Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings: Restricting the use of macros to prevent malicious code execution.
- User Application Hardening: Disabling unnecessary features in applications to reduce attack surfaces.
- Restrict Administrative Privileges: Limiting admin privileges to minimize the impact of a compromised account.
- Patch Operating Systems: Keeping operating systems up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implementing MFA to add an extra layer of security for user accounts.
- Regular Backups: Ensuring data is regularly backed up and can be restored in case of a cyber incident.
Why Adopt the Essential Eight?
Essential Eight is a great starting point for your organisations cyber security as the framework is simple to follow and you can start with Maturity Level 1 and then continue to lift your posture.
Some other key principles for the Manufacturing Industry:
- Keep Operational Networks separate from Corporate Networks
- Ensure that MFA is on all accounts including shared accounts
- If MFA is not possible setup robust authentication and authorization mechanisms
- Review your supply chain and ensure they have the right security in place.
-Preyesh Ohavjee