Essential Eight Explained: Enhancing Cyber Security with HID DigitalPersona

Essential Eight Explained: Enhancing Cyber Security with HID DigitalPersona

A blog by IDW Technologies - Published: 30/08/2023

In today's interconnected digital landscape, the threat of cyberattacks has the potential to affect individuals and organisations alike. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) recognised this vulnerability and in response developed a comprehensive framework known as the Essential Eight. 

This blog covers the significance of the Essential Eight in protecting cybersecurity and how HID DigitalPersona can assist your workplace with the implementation of these strategies.

Understanding the Essential Eight: Building Stronger Defence

The Essential Eight is comprised of eight critical mitigation strategies that serve as the frontline of defence against cyber threats. Tailored to safeguard Microsoft Windows-based internet-connected networks, these strategies are a roadmap for organisations to protect their private data and secure information.

The Essential Strategies: Protecting Your Organisation

1. Application Control

The first line of defence involves regulating the applications that run within your network. By whitelisting approved applications and blocking unapproved ones, organisations prevent unauthorised access and execution of malicious software.

2. Patch Applications

Unpatched software serves as an open invitation to cybercriminals. Regularly updating both applications and operating systems mitigates known vulnerabilities and minimises the risk of exploitation.

3. Configure Microsoft Office Marco Settings

Cyber attackers often exploit the macros in Microsoft Office for malicious purposes. Configuring macro settings effectively reduces the possibility of intrusion.

4. User Application Hardening

Empowering users with the knowledge to recognise and avoid potential threats is as crucial as technical defences. Educating users about safe online practices and suspicious activities strengthens workplace cybersecurity.

5. Restrict Administrative Privileges

Limiting administrative access to only those who require it reduces the attack surface. Cyber threats find it far more challenging to infiltrate a network when administrative privileges are restricted.

6. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA provides an additional layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access. This obstructs unauthorised access, even in the event of compromised passwords.

7. Patch Operating Systems

Like applications, operating systems must be diligently updated to avoid vulnerabilities. Regular patches ensure that cyber criminals find no backdoor entry points.

8. Regular Backups

In the unfortunate event of a cyber incident, having up-to-date backups ensures that data can be restored without letting in dangerous ransomware.

Empowering Essential Eight with HID DigitalPersona

Implementing the Essential Eight Model into the workplace can be an intricate process that demands the right tools and solutions. HID DigitalPersona is an essential ally that can assist along with the Essential Eight. Built with cutting-edge technology, HID DigitalPersona assists to streamline the implementation of these strategies:

Authentication Excellence

HID DigitalPersona revolutionises authentication with biometric technologies, eliminating reliability solely on passwords. This aligns seamlessly with the multi-factor authentication strategy, adding a physical dimension to security.

Privilege Management

Restricting administrative privileges becomes more effective with HID DigitalPersona's granular access controls. It allows organisations to allocate privileges based on roles, ensuring only authorised personnel have significant control.

Endpoint Security

The platform's comprehensive security features enable organisations to harden user applications and enforce macro settings across endpoints, reducing potential threats at their inception.

Back to You

In an ever-changing digital landscape, the Essential Eight cybersecurity framework provides guidance to maintain and grow an organisation's defence. By adopting these strategies and enhancing them with the capabilities of HID DigitalPersona, organisations can boost their security in order to combat potential cyber threats.

Reference: Essential Eight Explained | Cyber.gov.au 2023, Australian Government, Canberra.