How To Achieve ACSC Essential 8 Maturity Level 3
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity has emerged as a paramount concern for organizations worldwide. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s imperative for businesses to adopt robust security measures to safeguard their critical assets. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), a pivotal entity in the nation’s cybersecurity domain, has meticulously curated the Essential Eight — a suite of mitigation strategies designed to fortify organizations against a myriad of cyber threats. These strategies, while foundational, offer a comprehensive approach to bolstering an organization’s cyber resilience.
Achieving Maturity Level 3 within the Essential Eight framework signifies an advanced state of cybersecurity readiness, where an organization not only implements the core strategies but also optimizes them for maximum efficacy. This level of maturity ensures that the organization is well-equipped to thwart advanced persistent threats and is proactive in its approach to cybersecurity. The significance of Maturity Level 3 cannot be understated, especially in an era where cyber threats can have far-reaching implications, from financial repercussions to reputational damage.
This article delves deep into the technical nuances of implementing the Essential Eight to achieve Maturity Level 3. Drawing insights from industry experts and leveraging best practices from leading cybersecurity frameworks, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide that serves as a beacon for organizations striving for excellence in cybersecurity.
Control | Features | Mitigations | Business Benefits |
---|---|---|---|
Application Control & Whitelisting (AWL) | – Only approved applications run – Dynamic trust modeling | – Prevents execution of malicious software and scripts | – Enhanced system integrity – Reduced risk of malware infection |
Patch Applications | – Regular updates of software – Prioritization based on vulnerability severity | – Fixes known vulnerabilities – Reduces potential exploit avenues | – Improved software performance – Reduced risk of breaches |
Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings | – Block macros from the internet – Only allow vetted macros | – Prevents macro-based malware | – Secure document handling – Reduced risk from email attachments |
User Application Hardening | – Disable unnecessary features – Block web ads and Java on the internet | – Reduces attack surface – Protects against application-based threats | – Enhanced application performance – Improved user security |
Restrict Administrative Privileges | – Principle of least privilege – Separate admin accounts | – Prevents misuse of admin rights – Limits damage from breaches | – Improved system integrity – Reduced insider threat risk |
Patch Operating Systems | – Regular OS updates – Prioritized patching | – Addresses OS vulnerabilities – Protects against known threats | – Enhanced system performance – Improved stability and security |
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | – Multiple authentication methods – Adaptive authentication | – Protects against credential theft – Enhances login security | – Secure access to business data – Enhanced trust and compliance |
Daily Backups | – Automated daily data backups – Off-site storage options | – Enables data recovery – Protects against ransomware | – Business continuity assurance – Reduced data loss risks |
1. Application Control & Whitelisting (AWL)
Overview
Application Control or Application Whitelisting (AWL) is a cybersecurity strategy that permits only a specific set of approved applications to run within an organization’s network. By allowing only vetted applications to execute and blocking all others by default, AWL provides a robust defense against unauthorized or malicious software.Benefits:
- Enhanced Security: AWL significantly reduces the risk of malware, ransomware, and other malicious software from executing, as only pre-approved applications are allowed to run.
- Reduced Attack Surface: By limiting the applications that can execute, the potential avenues for cyberattacks are minimized.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many regulatory frameworks recommend or mandate the use of AWL to ensure a secure environment.
Technical Implementation for Maturity Level 3:
- Dynamic Whitelisting: Instead of a static list, use dynamic whitelisting solutions that can adapt to changes in the IT environment. This approach considers the constantly evolving nature of software and updates.
- Trust-based AWL: Implement trust-based solutions that allow applications to run based on trusted sources or digital signatures. For instance, applications signed by recognized vendors can be automatically trusted.
- Centralized Management: Use centralized AWL management tools to maintain and update the whitelist across the organization. This ensures consistency and eases the administrative burden.
- Regular Reviews: Periodically review the whitelist to remove outdated or unnecessary applications and add new required ones. This ensures the list remains current and relevant.
- Monitoring and Alerts: Implement monitoring solutions to detect and alert on any AWL violations. This provides real-time insights into any attempts to run unauthorized applications.
- Integration with Threat Intelligence: Integrate AWL solutions with threat intelligence platforms to stay updated on the latest threats and adjust the whitelist accordingly.
- User Training: Educate users about the importance of AWL and the risks of downloading and running unauthorized applications. A well-informed user base can act as an additional layer of defense.
Challenges and Considerations:
- Initial Setup: Setting up AWL can be labor-intensive initially, as it requires a thorough inventory of all applications running in the environment.
- Maintenance: As new applications are introduced or existing ones are updated, the whitelist needs regular maintenance to remain effective.
- Potential Disruptions: If not implemented carefully, AWL can disrupt legitimate business operations by blocking necessary applications. Proper testing and phased rollouts can mitigate this risk.
Conclusion
While AWL is a powerful tool in the cybersecurity arsenal, its effectiveness hinges on meticulous implementation and regular maintenance. When executed correctly, it offers a robust defense mechanism against a wide array of cyber threats.
2. Patch Applications
Overview
Patching applications refers to the process of updating software to address vulnerabilities, improve functionality, or enhance performance. Regularly patching applications is crucial to protect systems from known vulnerabilities that cyber adversaries could exploit.Benefits:
- Enhanced Security: Regular patching addresses known vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of exploitation by malicious actors.
- Improved Performance: Patches often come with performance improvements, ensuring software runs optimally.
- Bug Fixes: Apart from security vulnerabilities, patches also fix bugs that might affect the software’s functionality.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many regulatory frameworks mandate regular patching to ensure a secure and compliant environment.
Technical Implementation for Maturity Level 3:
- Automated Patch Management: Implement automated patch management tools that can detect, test, and deploy patches across the organization. Tools like WSUS for Windows or Satellite for Red Hat can be beneficial.
- Vulnerability Assessment Integration: Integrate patch management with vulnerability assessment tools to prioritize patching based on the severity and exploitability of vulnerabilities.
- Patch Testing: Before deploying patches organization-wide, test them in a controlled environment to ensure they don’t introduce new issues or conflicts.
- Rollback Capabilities: Ensure that there’s a mechanism to roll back patches if they cause issues. This provides a safety net in case of problematic patches.
- Regular Patching Schedule: Establish a regular patching schedule, ensuring that high-risk vulnerabilities are patched within a day, as per Maturity Level 3 requirements.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor the patching process and generate reports to track patch levels, successful installations, and any issues encountered.
- End-User Communication: Inform end-users about upcoming patches, especially if they require system restarts or application downtime. This ensures minimal disruption to business operations.
Challenges and Considerations:
- Compatibility Issues: Some patches might introduce compatibility issues with other software or configurations. Thorough testing can help identify such issues before widespread deployment.
- Operational Disruptions: Patching might require system restarts or application downtime, which can disrupt business operations if not planned properly.
- Missed Patches: With a myriad of software applications in use, there’s a risk of missing patches for less common applications. An integrated vulnerability assessment can help identify such gaps.
Conclusion
Patching applications is a fundamental cybersecurity practice, but it requires a structured and diligent approach. By prioritizing patches based on risk, testing them thoroughly, and deploying them systematically, organizations can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture while minimizing potential disruptions.
3. Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings
Overview
Macros are scripts that can automate tasks in Microsoft Office documents. While they can be powerful tools for productivity, malicious macros have become a common vector for malware distribution. Configuring macro settings in Microsoft Office is essential to prevent the execution of malicious macros while allowing legitimate ones to run.Benefits:
- Protection Against Malware: By restricting or disabling macros from untrusted sources, organizations can prevent a common malware distribution method.
- Controlled Execution: Proper configuration allows organizations to benefit from legitimate macros while blocking potentially harmful ones.
- Reduced Attack Surface: Limiting macro execution to trusted documents reduces the potential avenues for cyberattacks.
Technical Implementation for Maturity Level 3:
- Block Macros from the Internet: Use Group Policy settings to block macros in Office documents that originate from the internet. This prevents users from inadvertently running macros from untrusted sources.
- Allow Vetted Macros: Implement a process to vet and approve macros that are necessary for business operations. Once approved, these macros can be whitelisted.
- Use Digital Signatures: Digitally sign approved macros. Configure Office settings to allow macros that are digitally signed by a trusted publisher while blocking others.
- Disable All Macros with Notification: This setting will disable all macros but notify the user when a document contains macros. It gives users the awareness without the ability to inadvertently run a potentially malicious macro.
- User Education: Train users about the risks associated with macros. Inform them about the notifications they might receive and the actions they should take.
- Regularly Review Macro Settings: As the threat landscape evolves and business needs change, regularly review and update macro settings to ensure they remain effective and relevant.
Challenges and Considerations:
- Business Needs vs. Security: Some business processes might rely heavily on macros. Striking a balance between security and functionality is crucial.
- User Bypass: Technically savvy users might attempt to bypass restrictions. Continuous monitoring and user education can mitigate this risk.
- Maintaining the List of Approved Macros: As business needs evolve, the list of approved macros will change. Regularly updating this list is essential to ensure that users have the tools they need without compromising security.
Conclusion
Configuring Microsoft Office macro settings is a critical step in protecting against macro-based threats. While macros can enhance productivity, they can also introduce risks. A balanced approach that combines technical controls with user education can help organizations harness the power of macros safely.
4. User Application Hardening
Overview
User Application Hardening involves configuring software applications to reduce their attack surface and vulnerability to threats. This process involves disabling unnecessary features, functions, and services in applications, thereby limiting the potential points of exploitation.Benefits:
- Reduced Attack Surface: By disabling unnecessary features and functions, the potential avenues for cyberattacks are minimized.
- Protection Against Exploits: Many cyberattacks target vulnerabilities in software features. Disabling these features can prevent such exploits.
- Improved Performance: Disabling unnecessary features can also lead to improved application performance and reduced resource consumption.
Technical Implementation for Maturity Level 3:
- Web Browsers:
- Disable Unnecessary Plugins and Extensions: Many browser-based attacks target plugins like Flash or Java. Disabling these, unless explicitly required, can significantly enhance security.
- Block Ads: Use ad-blockers or configure browsers to block ads, as they can be a source of malware.
- Configure Security Settings: Increase security settings to block pop-ups, disable automatic downloads, and restrict sites from accessing the microphone or camera without explicit permission.
- Email Clients:
- Disable Automatic Download of External Content: This prevents potential malicious content from being automatically downloaded and executed.
- Block Unnecessary Email Attachments: Configure email servers or clients to block attachments with potentially harmful file types (e.g., .exe, .scr).
- Office Applications:
- Macro Settings: As discussed in the previous section, configure macro settings to block macros from untrusted sources.
- Protected View: Enable Protected View for documents originating from the internet. This allows users to preview the document without enabling active content.
- Operating Systems:
- Disable Unnecessary Services: Many OS services run in the background and can be potential points of exploitation. Disable services that are not required for business operations.
- Configure User Access Controls: Ensure that users operate with the least privileges necessary for their tasks.
- Regular Audits and Reviews: Periodically review application configurations to ensure they align with the latest best practices and organizational requirements.
Challenges and Considerations:
- Operational Impact: Some hardening measures might impact application functionality. It’s crucial to test configurations in a controlled environment before widespread deployment.
- Keeping Up with Updates: As applications receive updates, their features and configurations might change. Regular reviews ensure hardening measures remain effective.
- User Training: Users might be unfamiliar with hardened application settings. Training can help them understand the changes and the reasons behind them.
Conclusion
User Application Hardening is a foundational step in cybersecurity. While it offers significant protection against threats, it requires a careful balance between security and functionality. Regular reviews, combined with user training, can help organizations maintain this balance while achieving a robust security posture.
5. Restrict Administrative Privileges
Overview
Restricting administrative privileges involves limiting the number of users with elevated permissions in an IT environment. By ensuring that only necessary personnel have administrative access and that they use these privileges judiciously, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of accidental or deliberate misuse of these powers.Benefits:
- Mitigation of Insider Threats: By limiting the number of users with elevated privileges, the potential damage from insider threats is reduced.
- Protection Against External Threats: If a user’s account is compromised, the damage an attacker can inflict is limited if the account doesn’t have administrative privileges.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many regulatory frameworks mandate the principle of least privilege, which involves giving users only the permissions they need to perform their tasks.
Technical Implementation for Maturity Level 3:
- Principle of Least Privilege: Ensure that users have only the permissions they need. Regularly review user permissions and revoke unnecessary privileges.
- Separate Administrative Accounts: Users should have separate accounts for their regular tasks and administrative tasks. This ensures that administrative privileges are used only when necessary.
- Use of Privileged Access Management (PAM) Solutions: Implement PAM solutions that provide a centralized platform for managing and monitoring administrative access. Tools like CyberArk or Thycotic can provide granular control over administrative privileges.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Administrative Accounts: Ensure that all administrative accounts require MFA for access. This adds an additional layer of security, ensuring that even if credentials are compromised, attackers can’t gain access without the second factor.
- Regular Audits: Periodically audit the use of administrative privileges. Investigate any anomalies or unauthorized use of these privileges.
- User Training: Train users with administrative privileges about the risks associated with their elevated access. Ensure they understand the importance of using these privileges responsibly and securely.
Challenges and Considerations:
- Operational Efficiency: Restricting administrative privileges can sometimes hinder operational efficiency, especially in situations that require rapid responses. It’s essential to strike a balance between security and operational needs.
- Legacy Systems: Some older systems might not support granular permission settings, making it challenging to restrict administrative privileges effectively.
- User Resistance: Users who are accustomed to having administrative privileges might resist having them revoked. Clear communication about the reasons for these restrictions can help mitigate this resistance.
Conclusion
Restricting administrative privileges is a critical aspect of cybersecurity. While it offers significant protection against both insider and external threats, its implementation requires careful planning and regular monitoring. By combining technical controls with user training, organizations can ensure that administrative privileges are used securely and responsibly.
6. Patch Operating Systems
Overview
Patching operating systems involves updating the OS to address known vulnerabilities, enhance functionality, or improve performance. Given that the operating system serves as the foundation for all other applications and processes on a device, ensuring its security is paramount to safeguarding the entire system.Benefits:
- Enhanced Security: Regularly patching the OS addresses vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors, thereby reducing potential points of entry.
- Improved Performance: OS patches often come with performance enhancements, ensuring the system operates optimally.
- Stability: Patches can fix bugs or issues that might cause system crashes or instability.
Technical Implementation for Maturity Level 3:
- Automated Patch Management: Implement automated patch management tools that can detect, test, and deploy OS patches across the organization. Solutions like Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) for Windows or Red Hat Satellite for Linux can be instrumental.
- Vulnerability Assessment Integration: Integrate patch management with vulnerability assessment tools. This allows for the prioritization of patches based on the severity and exploitability of the associated vulnerabilities.
- Patch Testing: Before deploying patches organization-wide, test them in a controlled environment. This ensures they don’t introduce new issues or conflicts with existing applications.
- Rollback Capabilities: Ensure there’s a mechanism to roll back patches if they cause unforeseen issues. This provides a safety net in case of problematic patches.
- Regular Patching Schedule: Establish a regular patching schedule. For Maturity Level 3, high-risk vulnerabilities should be patched within a day of discovery.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor the patching process and generate reports to track patch levels, successful installations, and any issues encountered.
- End-User Communication: Inform end-users about upcoming patches, especially if they require system restarts. This ensures minimal disruption to business operations.
Challenges and Considerations:
- Compatibility Issues: Some patches might introduce compatibility issues with other software or configurations. Thorough testing can help identify such issues before widespread deployment.
- Operational Disruptions: Patching might require system restarts, which can disrupt business operations if not planned properly.
- Missed Patches: With the variety of OS versions and configurations in use, there’s a risk of missing patches for less common setups. An integrated vulnerability assessment can help identify such gaps.
Conclusion
Patching operating systems is a foundational cybersecurity practice. It requires a structured approach to ensure that patches are deployed timely and effectively. By prioritizing patches based on risk, testing them thoroughly, and deploying them systematically, organizations can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture while minimizing potential disruptions.
7. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Overview
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security mechanism that requires users to provide multiple types of identification before gaining access to an account or system. Instead of relying solely on something the user knows (like a password), MFA adds additional layers of authentication, such as something the user has (a token or smartphone) or something the user is (a fingerprint or facial recognition).Benefits:
- Enhanced Security: MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if a malicious actor obtains a user’s password.
- Protection Against Phishing: Even if a user’s credentials are compromised in a phishing attack, MFA can prevent unauthorized access.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many regulatory frameworks mandate or recommend the use of MFA to ensure a secure environment.
Technical Implementation for Maturity Level 3:
- Universal Implementation: Implement MFA across all systems and applications, not just for external or remote access. This ensures a consistent security posture.
- Diverse Authentication Methods: Offer multiple methods of authentication, such as SMS codes, authentication apps (like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator), hardware tokens, and biometrics.
- Adaptive MFA: Implement solutions that adjust authentication requirements based on user behavior and risk. For example, a user accessing from a new location might be prompted for additional authentication.
- Integration with Single Sign-On (SSO): Combine MFA with SSO solutions to ensure a balance between security and user convenience.
- Regularly Update and Review MFA Methods: As technology evolves, some MFA methods might become less secure. Regularly review and update the offered methods to stay ahead of potential threats.
- User Training: Educate users about the importance of MFA and guide them through the setup and usage process. A well-informed user base can act as an additional layer of defense.
Challenges and Considerations:
- User Resistance: Some users might find MFA cumbersome or disruptive. It’s essential to communicate the security benefits and provide training to ease the transition.
- Recovery Mechanisms: Ensure there are secure mechanisms for users who lose their authentication device or cannot access their second factor. This might include backup codes or helpdesk verification.
- Technical Issues: Issues like delays in receiving SMS codes or synchronization problems with hardware tokens can pose challenges. Having multiple authentication options can help mitigate these issues.
Conclusion
Multi-Factor Authentication is a critical layer of defense in the modern cybersecurity landscape. While it adds an additional step to the login process, the enhanced security it provides far outweighs the minor inconvenience. By implementing MFA diligently and educating users about its importance, organizations can significantly bolster their defense against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
8. Daily Backups
Overview
Daily backups involve creating copies of data at regular daily intervals to ensure that information can be restored in the event of data loss, corruption, or cyber incidents. These backups serve as a safety net, allowing organizations to recover and restore operations with minimal disruption.Benefits:
- Data Recovery: In the event of data loss due to hardware failures, software issues, or human error, daily backups ensure that the most recent data can be restored.
- Protection Against Ransomware: If an organization falls victim to ransomware, having up-to-date backups allows for data restoration without paying the ransom.
- Operational Continuity: Backups ensure that operations can continue or be quickly restored after a disruptive event.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many industries have regulations that mandate regular data backups to protect sensitive information.
Technical Implementation for Maturity Level 3:
- Automated Backup Solutions: Implement automated tools and solutions that perform daily backups without manual intervention. Solutions like Veeam, Acronis, or native cloud backup services can be utilized.
- Off-site and On-site Backups: Maintain both on-site backups for quick recovery and off-site backups to safeguard against site-specific disasters like fires or floods.
- Encryption: Ensure that backup data is encrypted both in transit and at rest. This protects the backup data from unauthorized access or breaches.
- Backup Verification: Regularly test backups to ensure they are complete and can be successfully restored. This can be done through automated integrity checks or periodic restoration tests.
- Retention Policies: Define and implement data retention policies. Determine how long backups should be kept based on regulatory requirements and business needs.
- Versioning: Maintain multiple versions of backups. This allows for recovery from a specific point in time, which can be crucial if a slow-burning threat like malware has been present in the system for a while.
- User Training: Educate users about the importance of backups and the role they play in data protection. Ensure they understand the backup process, especially if they have a role in it.
Challenges and Considerations:
- Storage Costs: As data volumes grow, the cost of storing backups can increase. Organizations need to balance the need for comprehensive backups with storage costs.
- Backup Windows: Backing up large volumes of data daily can be time-consuming. It’s essential to define backup windows during off-peak hours to minimize operational disruptions.
- Data Sovereignty: When using cloud-based backup solutions, consider where the data is stored, especially for organizations subject to data sovereignty regulations.
Conclusion
Daily backups are a cornerstone of a robust cybersecurity and disaster recovery strategy. While they represent an investment in storage and infrastructure, the value they provide in ensuring data integrity and operational continuity is invaluable. By implementing a comprehensive backup strategy and regularly testing and verifying backups, organizations can ensure they are well-prepared to handle data loss scenarios.
Continuous Monitoring and Improvement
Overview
Continuous Monitoring and Improvement is a proactive approach to cybersecurity that involves regularly assessing and enhancing security measures, systems, and practices. This approach ensures that an organization’s security posture is not only maintained but also continuously adapted to evolving threats and changing business needs.Benefits:
- Proactive Threat Detection: Continuous monitoring allows for the early detection of potential security threats or vulnerabilities.
- Adaptability to Changing Threat Landscape: Regularly reviewing and updating security measures keeps an organization’s defenses aligned with the latest threats.
- Compliance Assurance: Continuous improvement helps maintain compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
- Enhanced Incident Response: Continuous monitoring enables quicker identification and response to security incidents, reducing potential damage.
Technical Implementation for Maturity Level 3:
- Implement Monitoring Tools: Deploy tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and network monitoring solutions to continuously monitor for suspicious activities or anomalies.
- Regular Vulnerability Assessments: Conduct regular vulnerability scans and assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses in the IT environment.
- Penetration Testing: Periodically engage in penetration testing to simulate cyberattacks and assess the effectiveness of security measures.
- Feedback Loops: Establish feedback loops that incorporate insights from monitoring activities into security policies and practices. This ensures that lessons learned from monitoring are applied to enhance security.
- Automated Alerts and Responses: Set up automated alerts for unusual activities and predefined responses for certain types of incidents. This can help in quickly mitigating threats.
- Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls and identify areas for improvement.
- Training and Awareness Programs: Regularly update and conduct cybersecurity training and awareness programs for employees to keep them informed about the latest threats and best practices.
Challenges and Considerations:
- Resource Intensive: Continuous monitoring and improvement require significant resources, both in terms of technology and personnel. Balancing these resources with other business needs is crucial.
- Data Overload: Monitoring tools can generate a large volume of data. Effectively filtering and analyzing this data to identify genuine threats is a challenge.
- Keeping Pace with Threats: The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving. Staying abreast of the latest threats and adapting security measures accordingly can be demanding.
Conclusion
Continuous Monitoring and Improvement is an essential strategy for maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture. It requires a commitment to ongoing assessment, adaptation, and enhancement of security measures. By embracing this approach, organizations can ensure that their defenses remain effective against an ever-changing threat landscape and that they are well-prepared to respond to and recover from security incidents.
The Business Case for Achieving Maturity Level 3
In the realm of cybersecurity, achieving a higher maturity level is not just a technical endeavor but a strategic business decision. Striving for Maturity Level 3 (ML3) in the ACSC Essential 8 framework offers a plethora of benefits that extend beyond just enhanced security.
- Business Continuity and Resilience: At its core, achieving ML3 ensures that an organization is better equipped to handle cyber threats, reducing potential downtimes and ensuring smoother business operations. In an era where cyber threats are evolving and becoming more sophisticated, having robust defenses is crucial for uninterrupted business continuity.
- Financial Prudence: While there might be an initial investment involved in ramping up to ML3, the long-term savings from potential data breaches, ransomware attacks, and system downtimes can be substantial. It’s a classic case of “prevention is better (and often cheaper) than cure.”
- Enhanced Reputation and Trust: In a digital-first world, customers, partners, and stakeholders value organizations that prioritize cybersecurity. Achieving ML3 can serve as a badge of trust, showcasing the organization’s commitment to protecting stakeholder data and ensuring secure transactions.
- Regulatory Compliance and Reduced Legal Risks: Many industries and regions are becoming stringent about cybersecurity regulations. Being at ML3 can ensure that the organization is not just compliant but also ahead of the curve, reducing potential legal risks and penalties.
- Competitive Advantage: In a market where businesses are vying for customer trust and stakeholder confidence, having a higher cybersecurity maturity level can be a unique selling point, setting the organization apart from its competitors.
The Case for Directly Aiming for Maturity Level 3:
While the ACSC Essential 8 framework outlines incremental maturity levels, there’s a compelling case for organizations to aim directly for ML3 rather than progressing sequentially through each level.
- Efficiency and Speed: Trying to achieve each level sequentially can be time-consuming. By setting ML3 as the target, organizations can streamline their efforts, ensuring that they are always working towards the highest standard.
- Avoiding Redundancies: Some measures and controls that might be implemented at lower maturity levels could become redundant or require modifications as the organization progresses. Aiming for ML3 from the outset ensures that every action and investment is aligned with the end goal, reducing potential redundancies.
- Future-Proofing: The cyber threat landscape is dynamic. What might be considered secure today could become vulnerable tomorrow. By aiming for the highest maturity level, organizations ensure that they are not just secure for today but are also prepared for future threats.
- Holistic Approach: ML3 provides a comprehensive view of cybersecurity, ensuring that all aspects, from technical controls to user training, are covered. Aiming for this level ensures a holistic approach to cybersecurity rather than a piecemeal one.
While achieving Maturity Level 3 in the ACSC Essential 8 might seem like a daunting task, the business benefits it offers are substantial. Moreover, aiming directly for ML3, rather than progressing sequentially, can offer efficiencies and ensure that the organization is always aligned with the highest cybersecurity standards. In a world where cyber threats are ever-present, making the leap to ML3 is not just a technical decision but a strategic business one.
Technical Controls
If you’re trying to work out the technical control mapping – Here is a starting point. Contact your Gadget Access team to work through the mapping in more detail.
Control | Technical Control | Tool/Module |
---|---|---|
Application Whitelisting (AWL) | – Dynamic trust modeling – Real-time monitoring of approved applications | Application Whitelisting Solution |
Patch Applications | – Automated patch deployment – Vulnerability assessment integration | Automated Patch Management Solution, Vulnerability Assessment Tool |
Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings | – Block macros from the internet – Allow only vetted macros | Group Policy (GPO), Office Security Settings |
User Application Hardening | – Disable unnecessary features – Block web ads and Java on the internet | Application Control Solution, Web Content Filtering Tool |
Restrict Administrative Privileges | – Principle of least privilege – Separate admin accounts – Session monitoring and recording | Privileged Access Management (PAM) Solution, Session Recording Tool |
Patch Operating Systems | – Regular OS updates – Prioritized patching | OS Patch Management Solution |
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | – Multiple authentication methods – Adaptive authentication | Multi-Factor Authentication Solution |
Daily Backups | – Automated daily data backups – Off-site storage options – Encryption of backup data | Backup and Recovery Solution, Encryption Tool |
Continuous Monitoring and Improvement | – Real-time monitoring of network traffic – Anomaly detection – Regular vulnerability scans | Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) System, Intrusion Detection System (IDS), Vulnerability Scanning Tool |
Continuous Compliance | – Real-time compliance monitoring – Automated compliance reporting | Continuous Compliance Monitoring Solution, Compliance Reporting Tool |
Automated Patch Management | – Automated patch deployment – Integration with vulnerability assessment | Automated Patch Deployment Solution, Integration Module with Vulnerability Tools |
Vulnerability Management and Scanning | – Regular vulnerability scans – Prioritization of vulnerabilities based on risk | Vulnerability Management Solution, Vulnerability Scanning Tool |
Asset Management | – Discovery and tracking of all IT assets – Real-time asset inventory updates | IT Asset Discovery Tool, Asset Management Solution |
And if you need to map the control frameworks, here’s starting point:
ISO27002:2022 Control | Essential 8 ML3 Control | ISM Control | NIST CSF Control | SOC 2 Control |
---|---|---|---|---|
Access Control Policy | Restrict Administrative Privileges | User Access Management | PR.AC: Access Control | Common Criteria: Logical and Physical Access Controls |
System Acquisition, Development, and Maintenance | Patch Applications & Patch Operating Systems | System Development and Maintenance | PR.PT: Protective Technology | Common Criteria: System Operations and Availability |
Information Security Incident Management | Continuous Monitoring and Improvement | Incident Management and Reporting | DE.CM: Continuous Monitoring | Common Criteria: Incident Response |
Cryptographic Controls | Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | Cryptographic Techniques | PR.DS: Data Security | Common Criteria: Logical and Physical Access Controls |
Backup | Daily Backups | Backup and Restoration | PR.IP: Information Protection Processes and Procedures | Common Criteria: System Operations and Availability |
Network Security Management | User Application Hardening | Network and Communications Security | DE.AE: Anomalies and Events | Common Criteria: Network Protection |
Malware Protection | Application Whitelisting (AWL) | Malicious Code Protection | DE.MA: Malware Analysis | Common Criteria: System Operations and Availability |
Information Security Awareness and Training | Continuous Monitoring and Improvement | Security Awareness and Training | PR.AT: Awareness and Training | Common Criteria: Organizational and Administrative Controls |
Vulnerability Management | Vulnerability Management and Scanning | Vulnerability Assessment and Management | DE.VC: Vulnerability Coordination | Common Criteria: Risk Management |
This table provides a general mapping between ISO27002:2022, Essential 8 ML3, ISM, NIST CSF, and SOC 2 controls. As with the previous mapping, this is a high-level overview and might not capture all the details of each standard. For a detailed and accurate mapping, a thorough review of each standard and control is recommended.