The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)’s Essential 8 security controls exist to help you protect your business. But due to vague wording, it can be difficult to understand precisely what they mean. One strategy that is often poorly understood is application control, and this can result in it being neglected. However, this is a mistake.
So what is Essential 8 application control? And how can your business implement it effectively?
Application Control: Essential 8 Strategies and Why They Matter
The ACSC’s Essential 8 controls were developed for one purpose: to protect businesses from modern cyber threats, regardless of size or resources. To this end, they are built from the ground up with accessibility and cost-effectiveness in mind. These security controls emphasise a proactive approach to security that will reduce your risk of experiencing a cyber-attack.
Application control focuses on restricting unauthorised applications, which helps prevent threat actors from running malicious code on company devices. This minimises the attack surface and makes it harder to breach sensitive systems or data.
Aligning Your Business With Essential 8 Security Controls
In addition to application control, Essential 8 strategies include the following:
Patch Applications: Regularly update software and apply security patches to address known vulnerabilities.
Configure Microsoft Office Macros: Implement security settings to block or restrict macros from the internet.
User Application Hardening: Disable or restrict features such as Flash, Java, and advertisements in web browsers.
Restrict Administrative Privileges: Limit administrative access to only those who need it, and review it regularly.
Patch Operating Systems: Apply updates to operating systems to fix security flaws promptly.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require multiple methods of verification to access systems and data.
Regular Backups: Perform daily backups of important data, and store them securely offline.
Already, it is easy to see how many of these strategies fit together. Application patching, for example, works alongside application control to create a more thorough defence. To properly align your business with the ACSC’s Essential 8 controls, you must implement each strategy while keeping the others in mind.
Implementing Essential 8 Application Control Effectively
Effective application control involves the following steps:
Create an Allowlist: Identify and compile a list of trusted applications essential for your operations.
Use Application Control Tools: Leverage endpoint protection software or operating system features to enforce the allowlist.
Review and Update Regularly: Periodically assess the allowlist to ensure it reflects current business needs, adding or removing applications as required.
Test Changes: Conduct testing before deploying updates, to avoid disruptions to systems or workflows.
Monitor Activity: Continuously monitor for attempts to execute unauthorised programs, as these could indicate potential security threats.
Educate Staff: Ensure users understand the purpose of application control and report any issues with blocked applications promptly.
Patch Management Practices
As well as implementing the above measures, it is crucial to adopt strong patch management practices. This will prevent threat actors from exploiting known vulnerabilities within old versions. Key steps include:
Identifying Vulnerabilities: Regularly scan systems for outdated applications.
Prioritizing Patches: Focus on high-risk vulnerabilities to address critical threats first.
Testing Updates: Test patches in a controlled environment to avoid compatibility issues.
Deploying Patches: Rollout updates systematically to minimize disruptions.
Documenting Progress: Maintain detailed records to track patching activities and ensure compliance.
Read more: How to Reach Regulatory Compliance: 5 Key Elements
Upgrade Your Essential 8 Compliance and Prevent Cyber-Attacks
Essential 8 strategies such as application control are a crucial part of cyber security, allowing your business to stay ahead of modern threats and protect sensitive data. By addressing common vulnerabilities and prioritising a proactive approach, you will be able to significantly reduce your business’ risk of experiencing a breach.
Don’t leave your sensitive data to chance. iCare Cyber specialises in the Essential 8, and can help you develop a strategy to reach full compliance with their security controls. Speak to an expert to learn more about how you can protect your business.