In today’s digital age, cyber threats have become an all-too-common reality for businesses of all sizes. The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) reported 94,000 cybercrime incidents in the last year, equivalent to one every six minutes, highlighting the crucial need for strong security measures. To combat this escalating threat, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has introduced the Essential Eight Maturity Model. This framework outlines a set of prioritised strategies designed to help organisations effectively mitigate common attack vectors.
In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the Essential Eight and how Zoho’s integrated security solutions can assist Australian businesses in building a resilient security posture.
What is the Essential Eight Maturity Model?
The Essential Eight is a cybersecurity framework created by the Australian government in 2017 to protect organisations from cyberattacks. It provides a set of essential measures to safeguard networks, systems, and applications from online threats.
The following are the latest Essential Eight Security Controls:
Preventing cyberattacks
- Patch applications
- Application control
- User application hardening
- Restrict Microsoft Office macros
Limiting the impact of cyberattacks
- Patch operating systems
- Restrict administrative privileges
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Data recovery and system availability
- Regular backups
The Essential Eight framework is designed to safeguard organisations from cyber threats by:
- Preventing malicious software from entering and executing within systems.
- Minimising the impact of successful cyberattacks.
- Ensuring rapid recovery of data and system operations.
These strategies are designed to safeguard against a range of threats, including targeted cyberattacks, ransomware, and attacks from both external and internal sources.
How does the Essential Eight Maturity Model work?
The Essential Eight Maturity Model categorises organisations into four levels depending on their ability to defend against cyber threats. By assessing their current level, organisations can identify areas for improvement and prioritise their cybersecurity efforts.
Before implementing the model, organisations should determine their desired level of cyber resilience and then work systematically to achieve that level across all eight Essential Eight controls before advancing to the next stage.
- Level Zero: Organisations at this level have weak security postures, making them easy targets for basic cyberattacks. Their data is highly vulnerable to compromise through common hacking techniques.
- Level One: These organisations can defend against opportunistic attacks by leveraging widely available tools and methods. They have implemented measures to protect against common threats like social engineering and malware.
- Level Two: Organisations at this level can resist more sophisticated attacks that involve advanced techniques and user impersonation. They possess stronger security controls to thwart these threats.
- Level Three: These organisations are equipped to handle skilled adversaries who employ advanced tools and in-depth research to identify vulnerabilities. They maintain robust security measures to detect and prevent such attacks.
Implementing the Essential Eight with Zoho’s integrated security solutions
The Essential Eight framework offers a strong cybersecurity plan for companies to protect their digital resources. Zoho’s suite of integrated security solutions offers a comprehensive approach to implementing some of these critical controls. Let’s delve into how Zoho empowers businesses to fortify their defences.
We have also recommended a few solutions from our sister division, ManageEngine.
Application control
Application control prevents unauthorised software execution. Zoho Directory simplifies application control for businesses through a centralised platform, integrating user, app, device, and network management. This allows organisations to assign and manage applications efficiently, ensuring appropriate access for employees. With conditional access and routing policies, IT admins can also automate access management without the fear of security breaches.
User application hardening
Application hardening blocks unnecessary and potentially malicious content, minimising internet-based threats. Ulaa’s machine learning-powered phishing detection and crypto mining prevention capabilities provide robust protection against malicious online activities. By eliminating intrusive advertisements and web tracking, Ulaa significantly enhances user privacy and productivity.
Restricting administrative privileges
Restricting administrative privileges ensures that only trusted users can access sensitive data and perform critical tasks. By limiting user permissions to only what is necessary, organisations can greatly reduce their risk of security breaches. Zoho Directory provides precise control over user permissions, authenticates employees, authorises access to cloud apps and devices, and manages interactions to enhance security.
To further enhance security, ManageEngine PAM360 provides a detailed inventory of administrative privileges, enabling organisations to identify and mitigate potential risks. By regularly auditing and managing these privileges, businesses can ensure that only authorised individuals have access to critical systems.
Complementing these solutions, Zoho Vault offers a secure, centralised repository for managing sensitive credentials and enforces role-based access restrictions, reducing the chance of unauthorised access. Implementing these solutions allows organisations to minimise their attack surface effectively and bolster their security posture.
Multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication reduces the potential for attacks and safeguards organisations by requiring a higher level of identity verification. Zoho OneAuth offers robust multi-factor authentication capabilities, protecting your organisation from unauthorised access. Features like Restrict Sign-in, App-Lock, and Remote Logout provide an additional layer of security, making it significantly harder for attackers to compromise accounts.
Regular backups
Robust data backup is essential for swift recovery from cybersecurity incidents. Organisations must implement comprehensive backup strategies for critical data to minimise downtime and potential financial losses. Zoho Vault offers a proactive approach by periodically sending encrypted copies of your stored passwords to your preferred email or cloud account. This safeguard ensures that even in the face of a security breach, your valuable credentials remain accessible and protected.
Beyond the Essential Eight: Passkeys
While the Essential Eight is a solid security foundation, passkeys offer a quantum leap in protection. Unlike passwords, they provide unmatched security. Zoho is committed to your data safety. That’s why we’ve implemented passkey authentication for Zoho Accounts and expanded its use to unlock Zoho Vault. Experience faster, more secure access across your entire Zoho ecosystem.
The bottom line
The Essential Eight framework provides a clear roadmap for Australian organisations to enhance their cybersecurity posture. Zoho offers robust protection against key threats, but a layered approach, including solutions from our sister division, ManageEngine, is recommended. In a landscape marked by increasing cyberattacks, proactive measures and continuous vigilance are essential to safeguard your business.
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