The Essential Eight cybersecurity framework, developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), helps organisations defend themselves against cyber threats. Achieving Maturity Level 3 of the Essential Eight is the ultimate goal for many organisations, as it offers the highest level of protection and minimises vulnerabilities. In last week’s article about understanding compliance options for IT security, we discussed how the Essential Eight could be a framework to start establishing compliance and explored other various compliance options and how different they are.
Understanding the Differences between Essential Eight Maturity Levels
Organisations have several options when it comes to implementing the Essential Eight:
- In-house IT team: Companies with a knowledgeable IT team can leverage their expertise to implement the Essential Eight controls. This option is cost-effective, but it may require additional training and resources for the IT team.
- Hire IT security resources: Organisations can hire dedicated IT security professionals to implement the Essential Eight. This option ensures a focused approach to cybersecurity but can be more expensive due to the additional headcount.
- Outsource to a specialist: Companies can outsource the implementation of the Essential Eight to cybersecurity specialists like Onsite Helper. This option provides access to expert knowledge and resources, and it can be a cost-effective and efficient way to achieve the desired security maturity level.
When to Choose the Direct Approach to Essential Eight Level 3
Organisations should consider opting for the direct approach to Level 3 in the following scenarios:
- Advanced cybersecurity expertise: Companies with a knowledgeable cybersecurity team may be better equipped to implement the most effective measures for all eight controls without the need for a gradual progression.
- Sufficient resources: organisations with ample financial resources can invest in advanced tools and technologies required to achieve Level 3 directly. This can help minimise vulnerabilities from the start, reducing the likelihood of cyberattacks.
- High-risk industries: Companies operating in industries that are prone to cyberattacks, such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, may prioritise achieving Level 3 directly to minimise the risk of breaches and maintain regulatory compliance.
- Large-scale operations: Large enterprises with complex IT environments may prefer to implement Level 3 directly to ensure the highest level of security across all operations and reduce the potential impact of cyber threats on their vast networks.
When to Choose the Gradual Approach through Levels 1, 2, and 3
Organisations should consider a gradual approach to Level 3 in the following scenarios:
- Limited cybersecurity expertise: Companies with limited cybersecurity knowledge or experience may benefit from a gradual approach, as it allows them to build a solid foundation and progressively improve their security posture.
- Budget constraints: organisations with budget limitations can follow the gradual approach to spread the costs of implementation over a longer period, investing in more affordable tools at each level.
- Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs): SMBs may not have the same resources or risk factors as larger enterprises, making a gradual approach more suitable. As they grow, they can continue to strengthen their cybersecurity measures.
- Lower-risk industries: Companies in lower-risk industries may not require the highest level of security immediately. A gradual approach allows these organisations to balance their security needs with other business priorities.
The Role of Complexity in Choosing the Right Path
The complexity of a company’s IT environment plays a significant role in determining the appropriate path to Essential Eight Maturity Level 3. The following factors contribute to this complexity:
- Number of systems and devices: Companies with a larger number of systems and devices may require a more comprehensive approach to security, making the direct path to Level 3 more suitable.
- Regulatory compliance: organisations subject to strict regulatory compliance may need to implement more advanced security measures quickly, prompting a direct approach to Level 3.
- Remote workforce: Companies with a significant remote workforce may face increased security challenges, making the direct path to Level 3 a more appropriate choice to ensure robust protection across a distributed environment.
- Mergers and acquisitions: Companies involved in mergers or acquisitions may need to align their cybersecurity practices quickly to maintain a consistent security posture across the newly combined organisation. In such cases, a direct approach to Level 3 might be more efficient.
Conclusion
Choosing the right path to Essential Eight Maturity Level 3 depends on an organisation’s cybersecurity expertise, available resources, company size, and the complexity of its IT environment. By understanding these factors and considering the unique circumstances of their organisation, companies can make an informed decision on whether to adopt a direct approach or a gradual approach through Levels 1 and 2. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen the organisation’s cybersecurity posture and minimise the risk of cyber threats, regardless of the chosen path. Taking the time to evaluate these factors and making a well-informed decision will help organisations build a robust cybersecurity strategy and protect their critical assets in the ever-evolving threat landscape.
If you would like more information or are interested in implementing the Essential 8 for your organisation, then please get in touch with us via email [email protected] or call 1300 889 839.
