Intrusted Technology’s Post

The final Essential 8 criteria is often overlooked - testing backups. While backups are usually set up, they're rarely tested. Regular tests should be conducted by your internal team or service provider, with results shared to ensure they work when needed most.

Understanding the Essential 8: Restrict Administrative Privileges Limiting administrative access is a crucial step in safeguarding systems from cyberattacks. By ensuring only the necessary personnel hold these privileges, we reduce the risk of privilege escalation attacks—where attackers attempt to gain elevated permissions to move across networks or cause damage. Many cyberattacks thrive on this tactic. Implementing restricted admin access helps contain potential threats, safeguarding sensitive data, and keeping your business systems secure. If you'd like to know more - contact us on our website intrusted.com.au

Operating systems, especially unsupported ones are a surefire way to make your business vulnerable to the ever growing cyber threats. Upgrading your Operating systems is something that should be planned for minimal business impact - Reach out should you have any questions on this topic.

Understanding the Essential 8: Operating System Patching Just like application patching, making sure your operating system is always up to date with the latest patches is critical in preventing attackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities. Unpatched operating systems provide an easy target for cybercriminals, leaving your business exposed. Keeping your OS current helps close security gaps, reduces your exposure to threats, and ensures the overall health of your IT infrastructure. With Windows 10 nearing End of Life (EOL), it's crucial for businesses to start planning their upgrade to Windows 11. Staying on an unsupported OS could leave you vulnerable to emerging cyber threats. If you haven’t already upgraded to Windows 11 by now, making plans to do so would be advisable so you aren’t caught using the End of Life software and putting your business at risk. Contact us at intrusted.com.au for more information on how we can assist you with this transition. 

Generally another area easily missed before the Essential 8 shed light on the matter. Easy wins on strengthening your IT environments security.

Understanding the Essential 8: User Application Hardening User application hardening is an important practice in cybersecurity. It involves measures like preventing web browsers from processing Java or web ads from the internet, and ensuring that users cannot change browser security settings. These actions help reduce the attack surface and limit vulnerabilities to threats like ransomware. Leveraging your IT department can be key in understanding and applying these principles effectively, ultimately strengthening your organisation's security posture. If you would like to learn more about User Application Hardening please reach out on our website intrusted.com.au

Understanding the Essential 8: Restrict Microsoft Office Macros Cybercriminals often use Microsoft Office macros to deliver malware through seemingly legitimate documents. Restricting macros—especially from untrusted sources—can dramatically reduce the risk of infection. Macros are a common tool in spear-phishing attacks, allowing malicious code to run once opened. By involving your IT department to implement these restrictions, you ensure only safe macros are allowed, while blocking potential threats. This Essential 8 control helps protect sensitive data, secure internal collaboration, and strengthen your organisation’s overall cybersecurity defenses. Any questions on the essential 8 or macros in general, contact us on our website at intrusted.com.au

One often overlooked aspect of the Essential 8 can make a big difference in your cybersecurity. By addressing this, you add an extra layer of protection for your organisation

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and protecting your business means taking proactive measures. One of the key strategies in the Essential 8 is Multifactor Authentication (MFA), also known as 2FA.

Understanding the Essential 8: Multifactor Authentication (MFA) MFA strengthens security by requiring multiple forms of verification to access accounts. It typically combines something you know (like a password) with something you have (such as a fingerprint or facial recognition). Even if passwords are compromised, MFA acts as an additional barrier to protect your data. By using apps like Microsoft Authenticator, you add that extra layer of defense. The app can securely store your MFA credentials, making it easier and more efficient to protect accounts across apps, websites, and programs. Given its simplicity and effectiveness, MFA is a critical component of the Essential 8, ensuring your business stays one step ahead of cyber threats. If you would like to learn more contact us at intrusted.com.au