Cybercriminals continue to target critical infrastructure for substantial financial gain while also strategically attacking third-party vendors. And because, like any enterprise, they aim to maximize the returns on their investments in these attacks, their approach is both aggressive and persistent. To effectively defend themselves from these campaigns, businesses need to proactively manage their cyber risk to reduce the implications of a cyberattack, including revenue loss, loss of intellectual property, brand erosion, reputation damage, upstream and downstream victims, and even regulatory fines and penalties.

The Essential Eight framework, developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), is a set of strategies explicitly designed to help organizations protect their IT networks against today's relentless cyberthreats.

A Symbiotic Relationship

Fortinet's commitment to cybersecurity closely aligns with the Essential Eight strategies. We employ a mix of advanced technologies and strategic methodologies to effectively address each element of the framework. Our solutions enhance the Essential Eight strategies, featuring specialized tools for application and operating system patching, strong multi-factor authentication (MFA) systems, and strict controls over administrative privileges and application usage. Our approach goes well beyond compliance, embedding these strategies deep within the cybersecurity framework itself.

A Closer Look at the Essential Eight Strategies

The Essential Eight framework includes the following key strategies for cybersecurity:

1. Patching applications:This fundamental step in your cybersecurity strategy involves identifying and fixing vulnerabilities in software applications to prevent attackers from exploiting known weaknesses. Automating this process ensures efficiency and comprehensiveness, acting as a proactive defense.
2. Patching operating systems:This strategy complements application patching by regularly updating operating systems, a crucial defense layer that works alongside application patching to secure against potential exploitation.
3. Using MFA:With systems fortified through patches, MFA adds a robust barrier at the user authentication level. Requiring additional verification methods, like biometrics or codes, significantly enhances protection against unauthorized access.
4. Restricting administrative privileges:This strategy is a vital part of the broader security plan, focusing on internal risk management. Limiting administrative access reduces the chances of internal misuse and mitigates the risk of extensive damage if an account is compromised.
5. Implementing application controls:This step involves strict management of permissible applications on your network, a key element in defending against malware. It ensures that only safe, vetted applications are used, filtering out unauthorized or harmful software.
6. Restricting Microsoft Office macros:This specific tactic involves disabling or tightly controlling macros in Microsoft Office, preventing their misuse for malicious purposes and complementing overall application control.
7. Hardening user applications:This involves enhancing the security of applications, particularly web browsers, to reduce their threat exposure. It includes the disabling of certain exploitable features to effectively block potential entry points for attackers.
8. Conduct regular backups:The final element of your security arsenal is regularly and securely backing up critical data. This contingency plan ensures data safety and recoverability in the event of threats like ransomware. Regular backup testing is vital to ensuring reliability in emergencies.

These practices form a cohesive, comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, creating a multilayered defense system that is robust, dynamic, and capable of handling a variety of cyberthreats.

The Fortinet Security Fabric

The Fortinet Security Fabric embodies a proactive approach to cybersecurity designed to anticipate and neutralize evolving cyberthreats. This dynamic system continuously adapts to new challenges while offering a holistic view and seamless integration and management of cybersecurity measures. Our approach closely aligns with the Essential Eight principles, focusing not only on best practices and advanced threat mitigation but also on strategic preparation for future challenges, ensuring a robust and resilient cybersecurity posture.

Looking Ahead

We invite you to explore how Fortinet's advanced solutions, combined with the Essential Eight framework, result in a robust protection system for your organization. It's about creating a cohesive, interconnected defense network, not just individual security measures. This strategic, integrated approach empowers organizations with a fortified cybersecurity posture, preparing them to face new and emerging cyberthreats.

For a deeper understanding of this vital security approach, download our comprehensive ebook.

Book a Workshop: Master the Essential Eight Framework

For an even more effective process, let us help you with the initial planning stages of your implementation, evaluate your existing cybersecurity defenses, and assess your Essential Eight maturity level by booking a workshop with one of our Fortinet Essential Eight experts.