The Essential Eight: Secure Your Business & Win Government Contracts
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be as dull as an uncharged laptop. The Australian Cyber Security Centre’s “Essential Eight” is a smart, practical guide to staying safe from cyber threats—and a reminder that a few good habits can save a lot of trouble. Here’s a breakdown of the government’s Essential Eight strategies. By implementing these strategies, not only do you help protect your business from potential cyber mishaps, you’ll also help make your company a more appealing government partner.
1. Patch Applications
Ever been nagged by update alerts? Turns out, updating isn’t just annoying—it’s essential! Cybercriminals love exploiting outdated software with known vulnerabilities. By patching, you’re essentially fixing the leaky holes in your security wall. Make updating your new favourite habit.
2. Patch Operating Systems
Your operating system is like the foundation of your digital fortress. Keeping it patched and up-to-date helps avoid cyber vulnerabilities. Remember, outdated software is like an unlocked door, just waiting for someone to stroll in.
3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is the digital equivalent of locking a door and adding a bolt. It requires users to provide two or more pieces of evidence (like a password plus a texted code) to gain access. Sure, it takes an extra moment, but it makes breaking in exponentially harder.
4. Restrict Administrative Privileges
Admin privileges are like superpowers in the IT world. Not everyone should have them. Limit admin access to only essential personnel—preferably those who won’t “accidentally” install a risky app. This simple step keeps your system safer from internal (and accidental) mishaps.
5. Application Control
Imagine you’re the bouncer of an exclusive club. Only specific, known applications get in; the rest are stuck outside. Application control works the same way, keeping unknown software and sketchy apps from entering your system. By only allowing approved software to run, you keep digital riffraff at bay.
6. Configure Microsoft Office Macros
Macros—those handy little programs automating tasks in files like Excel—are great, but they’re also often exploited by hackers. The fix? Configure them to run only in trusted documents. It’s like allowing only your most-trusted friends to access your drinks fridge.
7. Daily Backups
Imagine losing all your business data because of one ransomware attack. Backing up daily means that even if disaster strikes, your information is secure, and you can be up and running again with minimal downtime.
8. User Application Hardening
Just like doing crunches hardens your abs, disabling certain features hardens your apps. Hackers love exploiting Flash, ads, or Java (just to name a few). Fewer vulnerabilities mean fewer ways in for attackers, so this is about giving your system some digital body armour.
Why Compliance with the Essential Eight matters for Government work
Following the Essential Eight isn’t just a wise choice—it’s often necessary for businesses that want to win government contracts in Australia. Essential Eight compliance signals that your company takes security seriously, making you a more trustworthy, competitive partner in the government’s eyes. By adopting these practices, you’re not only protecting your assets but potentially opening doors to new business opportunities
The Essential Eight is about making small changes that pay big dividends in security. For more information and detailed guidance on these strategies, check out the full guide on the Australian Cyber Security Centre's website.
(And as a cheeky little plug – it goes without saying that Essential Eight compliance is included with NQIT’s Managed IT Service).
Years In Business
Years of Experience
Customer Satisfaction
Loyal Customers
We only Partner with the best
Get In Touch
Locations
TOWNSVILLE
Suite 1, 179-181 Ross River Rd.
Mundingburra, QLD 4812
View Map
MT. ISA
56 Marian St.
Mount Isa City, QLD 4825