Let's talk about cybersecurity.

You may not want to. But we have to.

You've likely heard the horror stories – businesses crippled by ransomware, customer data leaked, reputations in tatters. It's enough to make anyone want to unplug and go back to pen and paper.

But...

Protecting your business can be simplified down to just a few key steps. And this is what our new series of blog posts will cover.

Enter the ACSC's Essential Eight.

The Essential Eight is a practical, no-nonsense framework developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). It's eight "go to" strategies that, when implemented together, can prevent the vast majority of cybersecurity incidents.

Now, we know you might be thinking "Great, another complicated IT thing I need to worry about". But thankfully, the whole point of the Essential Eight is to reduce down a very complicated problem into just a few practical steps.

Here's a quick run-down on the different areas it covers. You can click through to read more about each of them:

  1. Patch Applications: Keep your software up-to-date to fix those pesky security holes.
  2. Patch Operating Systems: Same deal, but for your computers' core operating system.
  3. Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings: Stop nasty code hiding in seemingly innocent documents.
  4. User Application Hardening: Lock down your everyday software to make it harder for the bad guys.
  5. Restrict Administrative Privileges: Not everyone needs the keys to the kingdom.
  6. Multi-factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security beyond just passwords.
  7. Regular Backups: Because sometimes, you need a plan B (or C, or D).
  8. Application Control: Only run the software you trust.

Each of these strategies is a powerful tool in its own right. But when you use them together? That's when the magic happens.

Remember, cybersecurity isn't about being perfect. Being perfect costs millions, and even then, breaches can (and do) still occur. It's about balancing risk vs cost and targeting your efforts to what matters most. It's also about the peace of mind in knowing you've taken smart steps to protect your business, your customers, and your reputation.

Have a read through each of the posts and if you feel like you need a hand, give us a shout.

Together, we've got this.