Several public sector entities in Queensland and New South Wales, including local government bodies, engaged OCM to enhance their cyber security posture by implementing the Australian Cyber Security (ACSC) Essential Eight framework. Designed to boost the cyber resilience of Australian businesses, the Essential Eight focuses on three key objectives – preventing attacks, limiting attack impact, and ensuring data availability.
THE PROJECT
Our client sought to strengthen their cyber security posture by implementing the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Essential Eight framework. The key challenge was determining their current maturity level and developing a roadmap for improvement, prioritising strategies to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
The assessment included several critical components. First, we conducted a self-assessment to evaluate the client’s current implementation of the Essential Eight, identifying areas that required further development. Next, we created an improvement roadmap, providing a clear path for enhancing their security posture based on the maturity level assessment. Finally, we benchmarked their security practices against industry standards and regulatory obligations to ensure alignment and compliance.
OUR ROLE
OCM worked closely with clients to conduct an Essential Eight assessment, starting with a high-level threat and vulnerability assessment to understand their unique risk profile. We helped clients to identify the appropriate maturity level based on their individual risk appetite and operational needs.
During our engagement, several key actions were undertaken. First, we conducted a thorough assessment of the current implementation of the Essential Eight controls, providing a clear baseline for their security measures, regardless of maturity level. Next, through collaborative discussions and comprehensive risk evaluations, we worked closely with the client to determine their target maturity level. Once established, OCM assisted in developing a strategy to mitigate cyber security risks, offering a holistic view of their security posture aligned with the agreed maturity level.
As a result, our client gained a comprehensive risk profile, which included a detailed assessment of their Essential Eight maturity level. This was aligned with the organisation’s specific risk landscape and vulnerabilities. We also provided an actionable roadmap outlining the necessary security controls and strategies required to improve their cyber security. Finally, OCM delivered a holistic cyber security strategy, ensuring the client was equipped not only for Essential Eight compliance but also with broader strategies to mitigate cyber security incidents and meet regulatory requirements.
Benefits of Implementing the Essential Eight:
- Prevention of Cyber Attacks: The client effectively implemented strategies that reduced their vulnerability to the majority of cyber threats.
- Cost Savings: Prioritising controls resulted in significant cost savings by lowering the likelihood and impact of cyber incidents.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to the Essential Eight framework helped the client meet critical regulatory and legal requirements for cyber security.
Through this assessment, our clients not only improved their Essential Eight compliance but also fortified their overall security posture, providing them with the confidence to mitigate future risks while supporting business growth.