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
Mapping Essential 8 Strategies to ISM Controls
The Essential Eight provides a progressive baseline of strategies for organisations to adopt in achieving a desired cybersecurity maturity level. The Information Security Manual (ISM) is a detailed framework of security controls that guide in implementing these strategies. By mapping the Essential Eight to the ISM principles and controls, organisations have a structured, standards-based approach in achieving maturity level targets and improving thier security posture.
This approach delivers three key benefits:
- Progression: Organisations have guidance on how to mature from ad-hoc security to structured, measurable practices.
- Alignment: Mapping to recommended controls ensures Essential Eight strategies are not standalone but integrated into broader security framwork.
- Outcomes driven improvement: Organisations move beyond “ticking a box” to effective, prioritised and measurable evidence of compliance their own plan.
What does this look like?
Example Mapping: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
| Maturity Level | Essential Eight MFA Focus | Aligned ISM Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | No MFA implemented. | No relevant ISM controls applied. |
| Level 1 | MFA enabled for remote access to email and VPN. | ISM controls on remote access and authentication requirements. |
| Level 2 | MFA extended to privileged accounts. | ISM controls on administrative access management and identity assurance. |
| Level 3 | MFA applied comprehensively across all users, systems, and applications. | ISM controls requiring strong, multi-layered authentication mechanisms across environments. |
Additional Examples
Patch Applications
| Maturity Level | Essential Eight Patch Applications Focus | Aligned ISM Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | Applications not patched or updates not managed. | No patch management controls applied. |
| Level 1 | Security patches for internet-facing applications applied within 2 weeks. | ISM controls on vulnerability management and system patching timelines. |
| Level 2 | Security patches for all applications applied within 2 weeks. | ISM controls on application security maintenance and change management. |
| Level 3 | Patches tested, validated, and deployed rapidly (within 48 hours if needed). | ISM controls requiring continuous vulnerability management and risk-based prioritisation. |
Restrict Administrative Privileges
| Maturity Level | Essential Eight Admin Privilege Focus | Aligned ISM Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | Users have unnecessary admin rights. | No restrictions enforced. |
| Level 1 | Admin privileges restricted to some users, with limited oversight. | ISM controls on basic access restrictions and user role management. |
| Level 2 | Privileged accounts strictly controlled, logged, and reviewed. | ISM controls on privileged access management, system integrity monitoring, and audit logging. |
| Level 3 | Just-in-time admin access with strong MFA and continuous monitoring enforced. | ISM controls requiring strong authentication, separation of duties, and real-time monitoring. |
Why This Matters
These tables illustrate the progressive nature of the Essential Eight. Each strategy begins with basic implementation (Level 1) and builds toward comprehensive maturity (Level 3). By aligning each level to ISM controls, organisations gain a repeatable method for tracking progress, demonstrating compliance, and prioritising investment.
Mapping the Essential Eight to ISM controls bridges high-level strategy with detailed technical and governance requirements. It helps organisations progress maturity in a measurable way, ensures alignment with national standards, and reinforces that security is not a one-off project but a continual improvement journey.
This structured, outcome-focused mapping transforms cybersecurity from reactive firefighting into proactive resilience building.