All articles in the "Introduction to Cyber Security" series
- Cyber Security. Not What I thought
- Basics of Cyber Security Requirements
- The CIA Triad
- Introducing the ASD
- Introducing the Essential 8
- Mapping Strategies to controls
- Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Risks
- Introduction to Risk and Risk Management
- ICT Assets and Asset Registers
- Cyber Threat Awareness
- Introduction to Cyber Incident Response Plan
- Risk Management and Cyber Controls
- Risk Mitigation Plans
- Implement Security Controls
- Measuring Security
- Exploring Implementation Discrepancy
- CIRP as a Mitigation Strategy
A word from the Australian Gov.
The role of the Australian Signals Directorate in Cybersecurity…not just a spy thing
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, one that protects critical systems, the economy, and the community at large
Protecting a nation begins with protecting its digital backbone. In an era where cyber threats are growing in scale, speed, and sophistication, reactive measures are no longer enough. Australia’s frontline agency for cybersecurity, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), provides clear, practical guidance to help organisations strengthen their defences and build resilience.
The Essential Eight. This is considered the core ASD’s approach to implementing cyber defences. It provides a set of prioritised mitigation strategies designed to counter threats ranging from basic opportunists to highly persistent adversaries. These strategies form a practical roadmap for securing internet-connected systems, helping organisations shift from a reactive to a proactive risk management.
The Essential Eight also adopts a maturity model , allowing organisations to benchmark their implementation, identify gaps, and progressively improve their security posture in line with business needs and risk appetite.
Information Security Manual (
ISM
).
This is a principles based guide that outlines cybersecurity best practices for securing Australian government systems, AS WELL AS any other systems managing sensitive information. Aimed at CISOs, CIOs, and security professionals, it provides a structured set of controls and guidance across governance, risk management, operations, and system design. The ISM complements ASD strategies such as the Essential Eight and forms part of Australia’s broader protective security policy framework.
Cyber Incident Response Plan (CIRP).
The CIRP provides structured guidance for organisations to prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity incidents. It emphasises coordination, communication, and containment to minimise harm and restore operations. While not mandatory, the CIRP supports compliance with ASD’s broader cybersecurity strategies, including the Essential Eight and the Information Security Manual (ISM), and serves as a practical playbook for incident management.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
This is the public-facing arm of the ASD, created to make its, rather extensive, resources accessible to government, business, and individuals. Its portal,
cyber.gov.au
, provides practical tools, guidance, and alerts on emerging threats. For organisations starting their cybersecurity journey, the Essential Eight serves as a practical first step, while the ISM and CIRP provide the depth and structure to build mature, resilient defences.
The ASD’s guidance highlights that cyber security is not just an organisational issue but a matter of national resilience. Strong digital defences within government are vital, yet every business and individual also plays a role in reducing risk and strengthening Australia’s security posture. By adopting the Essential Eight, embedding the ISM, and preparing with the CIRP, organisations participate in a collective defence where each layer of protection supports the nation as a whole.