The Essential Eight cyber security strategies explained
What is Application Control
one of the eight key cybersecurity strategies outlined in the Essential Eight. It involves restricting the applications that can run on your organization’s systems and preventing the execution of unauthorized software. By implementing application control, you can reduce the risk of malware infections and other security incidents caused by unapproved or malicious software. This can be achieved through various methods, including
whitelisting, which allows only authorized applications to run, and blacklisting, which blocks the execution of known malicious software. Implementing application control can be challenging, as it requires a comprehensive understanding of your organization’s software environment and IT infrastructure. However, it is an essential component of an effective cybersecurity strategy and can help protect your organization’s critical systems and data from cyber threats. This can be achieved by the use of various tools such as MS Intune, Sentinel one, Threat locker and so fourth.
What is Application Patching
One of the most important strategies in the Essential Eight cybersecurity framework is patch management. This strategy involves keeping software and applications up to date with the latest security patches to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting vulnerabilities. Patching applications is a critical part of this strategy because many cyber attacks are targeted at known software vulnerabilities that can be easily exploited. Regularly patching applications can help organizations reduce their attack surface and mitigate the risk of cyber attacks. To effectively manage patching, organizations should prioritize patches based on severity and impact, test patches before deployment to avoid potential issues, and automate the patching process wherever possible to ensure
consistent and timely application. By implementing a robust patch management process, organizations can strengthen their overall cybersecurity posture and better protect themselves from cyber threats.
What are Office Macros?
Microsoft Office macros are small programs that can automate tasks in Microsoft Office applications. However, they can also be used by cybercriminals to deliver malware to a victim’s computer. To mitigate this risk, the ASD recommends configuring Microsoft Office macros so that they only run from trusted locations, such as a specific folder or network share. By doing so, it reduces the risk of malicious macros being executed and helps to protect the organization from malware infections. Additionally, the Essential Eight recommends disabling macros entirely if they are not required for business operations.
What is User Application hardening?
It involves hardening the applications that users have access to, such as web browsers and email clients, to reduce the risk of cyber attacks. This includes implementing measures such as disabling unnecessary features and plugins, enabling sandboxing and virtualization, configuring security settings, and restricting administrative privileges. By hardening user applications, organizations can prevent or limit the impact of attacks such as drive-by downloads, phishing emails, and other malicious content that can be delivered through web-based or email-based channels. By implementing user application hardening as part of their cybersecurity strategy, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to cyber threats.
Which Admin privilege’s should be restricted?
In the Essential Eight framework, it is recommended to restrict administrative privileges as part of user application hardening. This involves limiting the number of users with administrative access to only those who require it to perform their job functions. Additionally, organizations should implement the principle of least privilege, which means granting users only the minimum level of access required to complete their tasks. By restricting administrative privileges, organizations can reduce the risk of cyber attacks such as malware infections, unauthorized data access, and privilege escalation. Some specific admin privileges that should be restricted include the ability to install or uninstall software, modify system settings, and change user permissions. It is important to note that proper planning and testing should be conducted before implementing any changes to administrative privileges to ensure that business operations are not negatively impacted.
How frequently should you patch operating systems?
The ACSC recommends applying security patches to operating systems within two days of release. This ensures that any vulnerabilities are addressed promptly and reduces the risk of exploitation by cyber attackers. It is also important to regularly check for and apply any updates or patches to third-party applications to ensure that they are up-to-date and secure. The frequency of patching may vary depending on the type and severity of vulnerabilities, but regular and timely patching is essential for effective cyber security in line with the Essential Eight strategies.
What is MFA and why is it important?
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an important component of the Essential Eight strategies because it adds an extra layer of security to protect against unauthorized access to sensitive information and systems. MFA requires users to provide multiple forms of authentication, such as a password and a verification code sent to their mobile device, before granting access to a system or application. This makes it much more difficult for cyber attackers to gain access to an account, even if they manage to obtain a user’s password through a data breach or phishing attack. By implementing MFA, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to their systems and data, protecting sensitive information and minimizing the potential impact of cyber attacks.
Why are daily backups an important part of the essential eight?
Daily backups are an important part of the Essential Eight because they ensure that critical data is protected and can be recovered in the event of a cyber incident or system failure. Without backups, data loss can occur, which can have serious consequences for businesses, including financial loss, reputational damage, and legal implications. By regularly backing up data, businesses can minimize the impact of a cyber attack or system failure, allowing them to quickly recover lost data and resume operations. Daily backups are recommended as they ensure that the most up-to-date data is protected and can be recovered in a timely manner.
