Security · Essential Eight
Essential Eight uplift, one practical step at a time
Measure your maturity against the Australian Signals Directorate’s Essential Eight and lift it in a planned, low-disruption way — using the Microsoft tools you already have.
Sound familiar?
What we hear from customers
The framework
The eight strategies
Each strategy is assessed at Maturity Level Zero to Three. ASD recommends reaching the same level across all eight before going higher.
Architecture
How Microsoft tools map to the Essential Eight
Most of the eight strategies can be met with Microsoft 365 Business Premium or E3/E5 — properly configured.
Where AI helps
Practical AI, switched on with care
AI tools can speed up parts of the work — but evidence of controls is what counts.
With Security Copilot
Faster policy work
Copilot in Intune and Entra can summarise policies and suggest Conditional Access improvements for review.
Built in
Automatic attack disruption
Microsoft Defender can automatically contain compromised accounts and devices during an attack.
Our approach
Evidence, not claims
Maturity is demonstrated with configuration evidence and testing, following ASD’s assessment guidance.
How it works
A clear path from start to finish
- Weeks 1–2AssessCurrent maturity measured for each strategy with evidence.
- Week 3PlanTarget level agreed and a staged roadmap built around your business.
- ImplementUpliftControls rolled out in pilot groups first, then everyone.
- OngoingMaintainRe-assessment and evidence kept up to date.
What you get
- Maturity assessment per strategy
- Target maturity and roadmap
- Pilot-tested control rollout
- Configuration evidence
- Updated maturity report
- Staff communication plan
FAQ
Common questions
Is the Essential Eight mandatory for us?
It is mandatory for non-corporate Commonwealth entities, which must meet Maturity Level Two. For private businesses it is best practice, but often required by contracts, tenders or insurers.
We heard the Essential Eight is being replaced — should we wait?
No. In 2026 ASD announced plans to replace it with a new series over the next two years, and said the new guidance is expected to align closely with existing controls. The current maturity model still applies, so uplift work is not wasted.
Will application control and removing admin rights break things?
Not if it is done properly. We start in audit mode, test with pilot groups and handle exceptions before enforcing for everyone.
Related services
Need to reach Maturity Level One or Two?
Book a free consultation and we will map out the steps.