· By Nicholas “Nick” O'Sullivan, Townsville
Meet ASD Essentials: a fresh approach to cyber security
The Australian Signals Directorate has launched ASD Essentials, building on the Essential Eight with chapters covering enterprise IT, cloud and operational technology. Read ASD’s announcement.
The framework follows a straightforward structure: principles explain the security outcomes to achieve, actions explain what needs doing, and domains identify the business functions and assets those actions apply to. Explore ASD’s framework overview.
At Suburban Secure, we welcome that clarity. Our practical starting point remains understanding what your organisation depends on, who is responsible for it and which improvements deserve attention first.
The guidance is aimed primarily at government, critical infrastructure and larger organisations. For smaller businesses, charities and community groups, our interest is in translating relevant guidance into proportionate, manageable improvements.
Already working with the Essential Eight? ASD will maintain both frameworks during the transition. Our advice is to build on your existing security work and review the new guidance against your organisation’s systems and priorities.
Suburban Secure founder Nick O’Sullivan has also shared his first impressions of the refresh on his personal blog.
