Essential 8 Cyber Security for Australian Organisations

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and it’s crucial for organisations to stay ahead of the curve to protect themselves from cyber threats. The Essential 8 is a set of mitigation strategies developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to help organisations reduce their exposure to cyber threats. Implementing the Essential 8 cyber security strategies is essential for safeguarding your organisation and achieving Essential 8 compliance.

Download your security checklist
Nexon End to End Digital Solutions Integrated end-to-end digital solutions for business success
Nexon Cyber Security - Essential 8 Checklist

Download your complimentary Essential 8 cyber security checklist today

By following these mitigation strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of cyber attacks and protect critical information assets.

Download now
Whitepaper

Nexon Security Checklist

The ACSC's Essential 8 explained

ACSC’s Essential 8 framework consists of eight strategies to mitigate cyber security incidents. These strategies are what we use to help measure your essential 8 cybersecurity posture and identify where the weaknesses and vulnerabilities lie in your organisation. Here’s a detailed look at each strategy:

Nexon Essential 8 - Application control
Application control

The level of control and constraints you have over users’ applications.

Patch application

Refers explicitly to updating third-party applications. It focuses on applying security updates and patches as quickly as feasible.

Nexon Essential 8 - Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings
Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings

This refers to the amount of freedom your users have to run macros in Microsoft Office applications.

Nexon Essential 8 - User Application Hardening
User Application Hardening

Refers to the limitations in place on users’ applications. For example, ads should not be processed from web browsers and users should not be able to change these settings.

Nexon Security and Risk Management audits
Restrict Administrative Privileges

Place limits on access to systems and applications, meaning only privileged users will have Admin rights.

Nexon Essential 8 - Patch application
Patch Operating Systems

To ensure that OS patches, updates, and security mitigations for internet-facing services are applied within two weeks of release – or within 48 hours if an exploit exists.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

This section involves enforcing MFA for all privileged access. Maturity starts by enforcing MFA for all users before they access internet-facing services and third-party providers.

Nexon Essential 8 - Daily Backups
Daily Backups

Ensure critical systems and information is securely backed up and readily available.

Essential eight services to give you peace of mind

We collaborate with your organisation to define and meet your current and future information security needs. As a trusted cyber security partner, our essential eight services include:

  • Cyber security posture audits
  • Risk assessments and Essential 8 compliance reviews
  • Security strategy development
  • Training and educational resources

We help detect and prevent threats, reduce vulnerabilities, and maintain visibility and control over your environment. Nexon’s security services are fully modular and scalable, tailored to meet your specific needs. We provide you with the tools to forewarn and forearm against potential threats.

Discover how Nexon can help secure your organisation in the digital age with our Essential 8 cyber security services based on the ACSC’s Essential 8. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive cyber security solutions.

Learn more
Nexon's security services provide you with peace of mind.

Why choose Nexon for Essential 8 cyber security?

As one of Australia’s established cyber security partners, Nexon helps mid-market and government organisations navigate the Essential 8 framework with confidence. Our team delivers end-to-end essential eight services — from maturity assessment through to remediation and ongoing compliance management.

Certified expertise

CISSP, CISM, CEH, and OSCP-certified professionals with deep knowledge of the Essential 8 framework and broader security standards including NIST and ISO 27001.

Australian-based security operations

Our security team operates from Australia, providing local expertise in regulated environments and government compliance requirements.

End-to-end delivery

From initial Essential 8 assessment to remediation, implementation, and managed security services, you have one partner across your entire cybersecurity journey.

Proven in complex environments

Serving 1,000+ Australian organisations across healthcare, government, financial services, and not-for-profit sectors.

Frequently asked questions

What does an Essential 8 assessment involve?

An Essential 8 assessment evaluates your organisation’s current security posture against each of the eight mitigation strategies across three maturity levels. Nexon’s assessment identifies gaps, prioritises remediation actions, and provides a clear roadmap to improve your Essential 8 compliance — presented in a format suitable for board-level stakeholders and executive decision-makers.

Essential 8 compliance is mandatory for Australian federal government entities under the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF). While not legally required for private sector organisations, it is increasingly expected by cyber insurers, regulators, and enterprise clients as a baseline security standard. Many mid-market organisations adopt the Essential 8 framework proactively to reduce risk, satisfy procurement requirements, and strengthen their overall essential 8 cyber security posture.

As an experienced digital & IT service provider Nexon goes beyond the essential eight assessments. We serve as a long-term security partner, delivering essential eight services from initial assessment through to remediation, implemented, managed security operations, and ongoing maturity uplift. Our Australian-based team holds CISSP, CISM, and CEH certifications, and we support 1,000+ organisations across regulated and complex environments.

The Essential 8 framework defines three maturity levels. Maturity Level One provides baseline protection against commodity threats. Maturity Level Two targets organisations facing more targeted adversaries. Maturity Level Three is designed for environments facing sophisticated threats, such as government and critical infrastructure. Nexon’s Essential 8 assessment measures your current maturity and provides a prioritised remediation roadmap tailored to your risk profile.