How DNX Can Help You Boost your Cybersecurity with Essential 8

With cyberthreats getting more sophisticated by the day, cybersecurity isn’t optional; it’s essential. At DNX Solutions, we’re committed to helping Australian businesses adopt strong cyber defences, starting with the Essential Eight framework. 

Here’s why the Essential Eight matters and how DNX Solutions can guide you through this crucial journey.

Understanding the Essential Eight

The Essential Eight (Essential 8), developed by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), is a set of cybersecurity strategies to protect organisations from digital threats. These strategies focus on:

• Preventing malware from getting into systems

• Reducing the impact of cyber incidents

• Supporting data recovery and keeping systems accessible

The Essential 8 is highly adaptable, designed for any industry that values data security or is part of critical infrastructure. This framework provides a foundation that can be built upon with additional security measures for better defence against cyberattacks.

SOC2, ISO 27001, and Essential 8: What’s the Difference?

A question we get asked a lot: We’re SOC2 or ISO 27001-compliant, aren’t we already covered?  

Maybe, but let’s quickly examine the differences between a compliance framework control and Essential 8. While SOC2 and ISO 27001 focus on compliance frameworks, Essential 8 emphasises practical security measures that protect you from real-time cyber threats. 

Let’s break it down so you can understand the differences—and why every business should adopt Essential 8 even if they already comply with SOC2 or ISO 27001.

SOC2 Compliance – What Is It?

• Purpose: SOC2 ensures service providers manage data securely to protect customer privacy.
• Focus: Internal controls related to trust principles like security, availability, and confidentiality.
• Example: Ensuring policies for secure handling of customer data and access controls for employees.
• Key Takeaway:  SOC2 proves you follow policies and procedures for secure data handling, which helps build trust with customers but doesn’t actively protect against real-time cyber threats.

ISO 27001 – What Is It?

• Purpose: ISO 27001 sets an international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), helping companies manage risks to data security.
• Focus: Establishing a risk management framework to protect information assets.
• Example: Companies identify risks (e.g., unauthorised access) and create processes to manage those risks, such as restricting access to critical systems.
• Key Takeaway:  ISO 27001 focuses on managing information security risks through documented processes. Like SOC2, it ensures good practices are followed but doesn’t focus on immediate threat protection.

Essential 8 – What Is It and How It Differs?

While SOC2 and ISO 27001 address policies, procedures, and risk management, Essential 8 goes a step further by providing specific actions you must take to prevent, detect, and recover from cyberattacks.

Essential 8 helps organisations reduce the risk of real-time threats like malware, ransomware, and unauthorised access. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about proactive cybersecurity.

Why You Need Essential 8 Even If You’re SOC2 or ISO 27001 Compliant

Being compliant with SOC2 or ISO 27001 doesn’t mean you’re fully protected from cyber threats. Here’s why:

Compliance frameworks don’t actively block threats.

Compliance shows that you follow good practices, but it doesn’t necessarily prevent an attack. For example, having a policy that says you must patch your systems doesn’t guarantee that your systems are always up to date.

Essential 8 provides actionable steps to reduce real-world risks.

It focuses on the security measures you need right now—like ensuring patches are applied regularly or that only authorised applications can run in your environment.

Threat landscapes are constantly evolving.

Compliance frameworks are often slow to evolve with new threats. Essential 8, however, offers specific, practical strategies to counter these evolving risks.

Compliance can still leave gaps.

For example, you might pass a SOC2 audit by documenting a patching process, but if patches aren’t applied on time, you’re still vulnerable. Essential 8 ensures that these security tasks are actively managed and enforced.

Think of it this way:

SOC2 and ISO 27001 are like having the rules and processes to keep your house in order. Essential 8 is about locking the doors, installing cameras, and setting alarms to stop intruders from getting in.

Even if you’re compliant with SOC2 or ISO 27001, adopting Essential 8 ensures you have strong security measures in place to defend against today’s cyber threats. This is why every organisation needs Essential 8—it’s the missing piece that turns compliance into real cyber resilience. 

While comprehensive, implementing this framework can be challenging. That’s where DNX Solutions comes in—to streamline the process and ensure a smooth, effective rollout of Essential 8 across your systems.

The DNX Solutions Advantage

As an AWS Premier Consulting Partner with a deep understanding of cloud security, we bring a unique blend of expertise to Essential 8 implementation, even aligning it with your compliance goals:

1. Comprehensive Assessment: We begin by thoroughly evaluating your security posture and identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.
2. Tailored Implementation Strategy: Every organisation is unique. We develop a customised roadmap that aligns with your business goals and risk profile.
3. Technical Excellence: Our team of certified experts excels in implementing complex security measures, from application control to multi-factor authentication.
4. Cloud-Native Approach: As cloud specialists, we ensure your Essential 8 implementation is optimised for cloud environments, particularly AWS.
5. Continuous Improvement: We help you achieve compliance and continually partner with you to enhance your security posture.

The Business Case for Essential 8

Investing in Essential 8 implementation through DNX Solutions offers significant returns:

1. Cost Savings: While there’s an upfront investment, preventing even one major cyber incident can save millions. The average data breach cost in Australia is $4.26 million (IBM, 2024).
2. Reputation Protection: We help safeguard your brand value by significantly reducing the risk of reputation-damaging cyber incidents.
3. Operational Efficiency: Our approach enhances security and often improves overall IT efficiency, reducing downtime and IT-related issues.
4. Competitive Advantage: Essential 8 compliance can open new business opportunities, especially in government and highly regulated sectors.

Our Proven Process

At DNX Solutions, we’ve refined our Essential 8 implementation process to ensure maximum value for our clients:

1. Initial Consultation and Assessment 
2. Strategy Development and Planning 
3. Phased Remediation Testing and Validation 
4. Training and Knowledge Transfer 
5. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement 

Why Choose DNX Solutions?

• Expertise: As an AWS Premier Consulting Partner, we bring cloud-native security expertise to Essential 8 implementation.
• Proven Track Record: We’ve successfully guided numerous Australian businesses through Essential 8 adoption and many other frameworks to include CDR, IRAP, ISO, SOC, and more. 
• Holistic Approach: We consider your entire business ecosystem, not just technical requirements.
• Ongoing Support: Our relationship doesn’t end at implementation—we’re your long-term security partners.