Content complexity Advanced This rating relates to the complexity of the advice and information provided on the page. Introduction The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has developed prioritised mitigation strategies, in the form of the Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents, to help organisations protect themselves against various cyber threats. The most effective of these mitigation strategies are the Essential Eight. The Essential Eight Maturity Model, first published in June 2017 and updated regularly, supports the implementation of the Essential Eight. It is based on the ACSC’s experience in producing cyber threat intelligence, responding to cyber security incidents, conducting penetration testing and assisting organisations to implement the Essential Eight. As the Essential Eight outlines a minimum set of preventative measures, organisations need to implement additional measures where it is warranted by their environment. Further, while the Essential Eight can help to mitigate the majority of cyber threats, it will not mitigate all cyber threats. As such, additional mitigation strategies and security controls need to be considered, including those from the Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents and the Information Security Manual (ISM). Mapping between the Essential Eight and the ISM As Maturity Level Two is considered the baseline for non-corporate Commonwealth entities, a mapping between Maturity Level Two and Maturity Level Three of the Essential Eight Maturity Model to the ISM is outlined below. Maturity Level Two Mitigation Strategy Essential Eight Requirement ISM Controls Application control Application control is implemented on workstations and internet-facing servers. 0843, 1490 Application control restricts the execution of executables, software libraries, scripts, installers, compiled HTML, HTML applications and control panel applets to an organisation-approved set. 1657 Allowed and blocked execution events on workstations and internet-facing servers are logged. 1660, 1661 Patch applications An automated method of asset discovery is used at least fortnightly to support the detection of assets for subsequent vulnerability scanning activities. 1807 A vulnerability scanner with an up-to-date vulnerability database is used for vulnerability scanning activities. 1808 A vulnerability scanner is used at least daily to identify missing patches or updates for security vulnerabilities in internet-facing services. 1698 A vulnerability scanner is used at least weekly to identify missing patches or updates for security vulnerabilities in office productivity suites, web browsers and their extensions, email clients, PDF software, and security products. 1699 A vulnerability scanner is used at least fortnightly to identify missing patches or updates for security vulnerabilities in other applications. 1700 Patches, updates or vendor mitigations for security vulnerabilities in internet-facing services are applied within two weeks of release, or within 48 hours if an exploit exists. 1690 Patches, updates or vendor mitigations for security vulnerabilities in office productivity suites, web browsers and their extensions, email clients, PDF software, and security products are applied within two weeks of release. 1691 Patches, updates or vendor mitigations for security vulnerabilities in other applications are applied within one month of release. 1693 Internet-facing services, office productivity suites, web browsers and their extensions, email clients, PDF software, Adobe Flash Player, and security products that are no longer supported by vendors are removed. 1704 Configure Microsoft Office macro settings Microsoft Office macros are disabled for users that do not have a demonstrated business requirement. 1671 Microsoft Office macros in files originating from the internet are blocked. 1488 Microsoft Office macro antivirus scanning is enabled. 1672 Microsoft Office macros are blocked from making Win32 API calls. 1673 Microsoft Office macro security settings cannot be changed by users. 1489 Allowed and blocked Microsoft Office macro execution events are logged. 1677 User application hardening Web browsers do not process Java from the internet. 1486 Web browsers do not process web advertisements from the internet. 1485 Internet Explorer 11 does not process content from the internet. 1666 Web browser security settings cannot be changed by users. 1585 Microsoft Office is blocked from creating child processes. 1667 Microsoft Office is blocked from creating executable content. 1668 Microsoft Office is blocked from injecting code into other processes. 1669 Microsoft Office is configured to prevent activation of OLE packages. 1542 Microsoft Office security settings cannot be changed by users. 1585 PDF software is blocked from creating child processes. 1670 PDF software security settings cannot be changed by users. 1585 ACSC or vendor hardening guidance for web browsers, Microsoft Office and PDF software is implemented. 1412 Blocked PowerShell script execution events are logged. 1664 Restrict administrative privileges Requests for privileged access to systems and applications are validated when first requested. 1507 Privileged access to systems and applications is automatically disabled after 12 months unless revalidated. 1647 Privileged access to systems and applications is automatically disabled after 45 days of inactivity. 1648 Privileged accounts (excluding privileged service accounts) are prevented from accessing the internet, email and web services. 1175 Privileged users use separate privileged and unprivileged operating environments. 1380 Privileged operating environments are not virtualised within unprivileged operating environments. 1687 Unprivileged accounts cannot logon to privileged operating environments. 1688 Privileged accounts (excluding local administrator accounts) cannot logon to unprivileged operating environments. 1689 Administrative activities are conducted through jump servers. 1387 Credentials for local administrator accounts and service accounts are long, unique, unpredictable and managed. 1685 Privileged access events are logged. 1509 Privileged account and group management events are logged. 1650 Patch operating systems An automated method of asset discovery is used at least fortnightly to support the detection of assets for subsequent vulnerability scanning activities. 1807 A vulnerability scanner with an up-to-date vulnerability database is used for vulnerability scanning activities. 1808 A vulnerability scanner is used at least daily to identify missing patches or updates for security vulnerabilities in operating systems of internet-facing services. 1701 A vulnerability scanner is used at least weekly to identify missing patches or updates for security vulnerabilities in operating systems of workstations, servers and network devices. 1702 Patches, updates or vendor mitigations for security vulnerabilities in operating systems of internet-facing services are applied within two weeks of release, or within 48 hours if an exploit exists. 1694 Patches, updates or vendor mitigations for security vulnerabilities in operating systems of workstations, servers and network devices are applied within two weeks of release. 1695 Operating systems that are no longer supported by vendors are replaced. 1501 Multi-factor authentication Multi-factor authentication is used by an organisation's users if they authenticate to their organisation’s internet-facing services. 1504 Multi-factor authentication is used by an organisation’s users if they authenticate to third-party internet-facing services that process, store or communicate their organisation's sensitive data. 1679 Multi-factor authentication (where available) is used by an organisation’s users if they authenticate to third-party internet-facing services that process, store or communicate their organisation's non-sensitive data. 1680 Multi-factor authentication is enabled by default for non-organisational users (but users can choose to opt out) if they authenticate to an organisation’s internet-facing services. 1681 Multi-factor authentication is used to authenticate privileged users of systems. 1173 Multi-factor authentication uses either: something users have and something users know, or something users have that is unlocked by something users know or are. 1401 Successful and unsuccessful multi-factor authentication events are logged. 1683 Regular backups Backups of important data, software and configuration settings are performed and retained with a frequency and retention timeframe in accordance with business continuity requirements. 1511 Backups of important data, software and configuration settings are synchronised to enable restoration to a common point in time. 1810 Backups of important data, software and configuration settings are retained in a secure and resilient manner. 1811 Restoration of important data, software and configuration settings from backups to a common point in time is tested as part of disaster recovery exercises. 1515 Unprivileged accounts cannot access backups belonging to other accounts. 1812 Privileged accounts (excluding backup administrator accounts) cannot access backups belonging to other accounts. 1705 Unprivileged accounts are prevented from modifying and deleting backups. 1814 Privileged accounts (excluding backup administrator accounts) are prevented from modifying and deleting backups. 1707 Maturity Level Three Mitigation Strategy Essential Eight Requirement ISM Controls Application control Application control is implemented on workstations and servers. 0843, 1490, 1656 Application control restricts the execution of executables, software libraries, scripts, installers, compiled HTML, HTML applications, control panel applets and drivers to an organisation-approved set. 1657, 1658 Microsoft’s ‘recommended block rules’ are implemented. 1544 Microsoft’s ‘recommended driver block rules’ are implemented. 1659 Application control rulesets are validated on an annual or more frequent basis. 1582 Allowed and blocked execution events on workstations and servers are centrally logged. 1660, 1661, 1662, 1663, 1405 Event logs are protected from unauthorised modification and deletion. 1815 Event logs are monitored for signs of compromise and actioned when any signs of compromise are detected. 0109, 1228 Patch applications An automated method of asset discovery is used at least fortnightly to support the detection of assets for subsequent vulnerability scanning activities. 1807 A vulnerability scanner with an up-to-date vulnerability database is used for vulnerability scanning activities. 1808 A vulnerability scanner is used at least daily to identify missing patches or updates for security vulnerabilities in internet-facing services. 1698 A vulnerability scanner is used at least weekly to identify missing patches or updates for security vulnerabilities in office productivity suites, web browsers and their extensions, email clients, PDF software, and security products. 1699 A vulnerability scanner is used at least fortnightly to identify missing patches or updates for security vulnerabilities in other applications. 1700 Patches, updates or vendor mitigations for security vulnerabilities in internet-facing services are applied within two weeks of release, or within 48 hours if an exploit exists. 1690 Patches, updates or vendor mitigations for security vulnerabilities in office productivity suites, web browsers and their extensions, email clients, PDF software, and security products are applied within two weeks of release, or within 48 hours if an exploit exists. 1691, 1692 Patches, updates or vendor mitigations for security vulnerabilities in other applications are applied within one month of release. 1693 Applications that are no longer supported by vendors are removed. 1704, 0304 Configure Microsoft Office macro settings Microsoft Office macros are disabled for users that do not have a demonstrated business requirement. 1671 Only Microsoft Office macros running from within a sandboxed environment, a Trusted Location or that are digitally signed by a trusted publisher are allowed to execute. 1674 Only privileged users responsible for validating that Microsoft Office macros are free of malicious code can write to and modify content within Trusted Locations. 1487 Microsoft Office macros digitally signed by an untrusted publisher cannot be enabled via the Message Bar or Backstage View. 1675 Microsoft Office’s list of trusted publishers is validated on an annual or more frequent basis. 1676 Microsoft Office macros in files originating from the internet are blocked. 1488 Microsoft Office macro antivirus scanning is enabled. 1672 Microsoft Office macros are blocked from making Win32 API calls. 1673 Microsoft Office macro security settings cannot be changed by users. 1489 Allowed and blocked Microsoft Office macro execution events are centrally logged. 1677, 1678, 1405 Event logs are protected from unauthorised modification and deletion. 1815 Event logs are monitored for signs of compromise and actioned when any signs of compromise are detected. 0109, 1228 User application hardening Web browsers do not process Java from the internet. 1486 Web browsers do not process web advertisements from the internet. 1485 Internet Explorer 11 is disabled or removed. 1654 Web browser security settings cannot be changed by users. 1585 Microsoft Office is blocked from creating child processes. 1667 Microsoft Office is blocked from creating executable content. 1668 Microsoft Office is blocked from injecting code into other processes. 1669 Microsoft Office is configured to prevent activation of OLE packages. 1542 Microsoft Office security settings cannot be changed by users. 1585 PDF software is blocked from creating child processes. 1670 PDF software security settings cannot be changed by users. 1585 ACSC or vendor hardening guidance for web browsers, Microsoft Office and PDF software is implemented. 1412 .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) is disabled or removed. 1655 Windows PowerShell 2.0 is disabled or removed. 1621 PowerShell is configured to use Constrained Language Mode. 1622 Blocked PowerShell script execution events are centrally logged. 1664, 1665, 1405 Event logs are protected from unauthorised modification and deletion. 1815 Event logs are monitored for signs of compromise and actioned when any signs of compromise are detected. 0109, 1228 Restrict administrative privileges Requests for privileged access to systems and applications are validated when first requested. 1507 Privileged access to systems and applications is automatically disabled after 12 months unless revalidated. 1647 Privileged access to systems and applications is automatically disabled after 45 days of inactivity. 1648 Privileged access to systems and applications is limited to only what is required for users and services to undertake their duties. 1508 Privileged accounts are prevented from accessing the internet, email and web services. 1175, 1653 Privileged users use separate privileged and unprivileged operating environments. 1380 Privileged operating environments are not virtualised within unprivileged operating environments. 1687 Unprivileged accounts cannot logon to privileged operating environments. 1688 Privileged accounts (excluding local administrator accounts) cannot logon to unprivileged operating environments. 1689 Just-in-time administration is used for administering systems and applications. 1649 Administrative activities are conducted through jump servers. 1387 Credentials for local administrator accounts and service accounts are long, unique, unpredictable and managed. 1685 Windows Defender Credential Guard and Windows Defender Remote Credential Guard are enabled. 1686 Privileged access events are centrally logged. 1509, 1651, 1405 Privileged account and group management events are centrally logged. 1650, 1652, 1405 Event logs are protected from unauthorised modification and deletion. 1815 Event logs are monitored for signs of compromise and actioned when any signs of compromise are detected. 0109, 1228 Patch operating systems An automated method of asset discovery is used at least fortnightly to support the detection of assets for subsequent vulnerability scanning activities. 1807 A vulnerability scanner with an up-to-date vulnerability database is used for vulnerability scanning activities. 1808 A vulnerability scanner is used at least daily to identify missing patches or updates for security vulnerabilities in operating systems of internet-facing services. 1701 A vulnerability scanner is used at least weekly to identify missing patches or updates for security vulnerabilities in operating systems of workstations, servers and network devices. 1702 Patches, updates or vendor mitigations for security vulnerabilities in operating systems of internet-facing services are applied within two weeks of release, or within 48 hours if an exploit exists. 1694 Patches, updates or vendor mitigations for security vulnerabilities in operating systems of workstations, servers and network devices are applied within two weeks of release, or within 48 hours if an exploit exists. 1695, 1696 The latest release, or the previous release, of operating systems are used. 1407 Operating systems that are no longer supported by vendors are replaced. 1501 Multi-factor authentication Multi-factor authentication is used by an organisation's users if they authenticate to their organisation’s internet-facing services. 1504 Multi-factor authentication is used by an organisation’s users if they authenticate to third-party internet-facing services that process, store or communicate their organisation's sensitive data. 1679 Multi-factor authentication (where available) is used by an organisation’s users if they authenticate to third-party internet-facing services that process, store or communicate their organisation's non-sensitive data. 1680 Multi-factor authentication is enabled by default for non-organisational users (but users can choose to opt out) if they authenticate to an organisation’s internet-facing services. 1681 Multi-factor authentication is used to authenticate privileged users of systems. 1173 Multi-factor authentication is used to authenticate users accessing important data repositories. 1505 Multi-factor authentication is verifier impersonation resistant and uses either: something users have and something users know, or something users have that is unlocked by something users know or are. 1401, 1682 Successful and unsuccessful multi-factor authentication events are centrally logged. 1683, 1684, 1405 Event logs are protected from unauthorised modification and deletion. 1815 Event logs are monitored for signs of compromise and actioned when any signs of compromise are detected. 0109, 1228 Regular backups Backups of important data, software and configuration settings are performed and retained with a frequency and retention timeframe in accordance with business continuity requirements. 1511 Backups of important data, software and configuration settings are synchronised to enable restoration to a common point in time. 1810 Backups of important data, software and configuration settings are retained in a secure and resilient manner. 1811 Restoration of important data, software and configuration settings from backups to a common point in time is tested as part of disaster recovery exercises. 1515 Unprivileged accounts cannot access backups belonging to other accounts, nor their own accounts. 1812, 1813 Privileged accounts (excluding backup administrator accounts) cannot access backups belonging to other accounts, nor their own accounts. 1705, 1706 Unprivileged accounts are prevented from modifying and deleting backups. 1814 Privileged accounts (including backup administrator accounts) are prevented from modifying and deleting backups during their retention period. 1707, 1708 Further information The Information Security Manual is a cyber security framework that organisations can apply to protect their systems and data from cyber threats. The advice in the Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents, along with its Essential Eight, complements this framework. Contact details If you have any questions regarding this guidance you can write to us or call us on 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371).
