“We’re ISO compliant, so we’re protected, right?”
If that thought has crossed your mind, you might be leaving your Australian business vulnerable to cyber threats that international standards don’t address.
Relying solely on global frameworks creates dangerous blind spots in cybersecurity. Australian companies face unique challenges, from targeted attacks exploiting our regional vulnerabilities to distinct regulatory requirements that international standards often overlook.
With Australian businesses reporting a 23% increase in cyber incidents in one year, it’s clear that local threats demand local solutions. This is why Australian-developed cybersecurity frameworks are essential, providing clear, actionable steps designed specifically for our context.
In this guide, we’ll explore six key Australian cybersecurity frameworks that every business should understand. You’ll discover how these frameworks can strengthen your security posture while ensuring compliance with national regulations. By the end, you’ll have the insights needed to protect your business against Australia’s unique cyber threat landscape.
1. Essential Eight Maturity Model
The Essential Eight Maturity Model is a key framework developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to help businesses prevent cyberattacks, limit their extent if they occur, and ensure data recovery and system availability. The model focuses on eight baseline mitigation strategies that, when effectively implemented, significantly reduce the risk of a cyberattack. These strategies are aligned with a maturity model that helps businesses assess and continuously improve their cybersecurity posture.
Objective 1: Prevent Cyberattacks
The Essential Eight’s primary goal is to prevent cyberattacks. These strategies help defend against the most common and dangerous cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. By applying these controls, businesses can stop different cyberattacks before they occur.
Objective 2: Limit Extent of Cyberattacks
Mechanisms must be in place to limit the impact of a cyberattack. The Essential Eight framework helps businesses contain and minimise the damage caused by an attack, preventing it from spreading across systems or compromising critical data.
Objective 3: Data Recovery and System Availability
No cybersecurity plan is complete without a solid data recovery strategy. In the event of a successful attack, businesses need the ability to recover quickly and restore their systems. The Essential Eight’s controls ensure that data is regularly backed up and that systems remain available and operational even after an incident.
- Level zero: At this level, no cybersecurity controls are implemented, leaving systems and data highly vulnerable to cyber threats and attacks.
- Level one: At this stage, basic controls are in place, but systems may still be exposed to attacks due to inconsistent or incomplete implementation of data recovery and availability practices.
- Level two: Controls are consistently applied across the organisation, ensuring that data recovery plans and system availability protocols are effective and able to withstand common cyber incidents.
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Level three: Cybersecurity practices are fully mature, with ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement of data recovery and system availability to ensure resilience against evolving threats.
The Eight Controls of ACSC:
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Application Control
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Patch Applications
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Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings
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User Application Hardening
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Restrict Administrative Privileges
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Patch Operating Systems
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Cyber risks aren’t slowing down—and neither should your defences. Contact our cybersecurity team and take control of your digital security. Let’s talk.
2. Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM)
The Information Security Manual (ISM), developed by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), provides a complete set of guidelines and controls designed to help Australian government agencies and businesses protect their information technology systems. It’s the foundational security framework for Australian organisations, offering detailed technical advice and strategies to mitigate security risks.
The ISM’s primary objective is to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and systems within Australian government entities and the broader public sector. It achieves this by outlining security measures that can be applied across all levels of an organisation’s technology infrastructure.
Key Controls:
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Access Control: Managing who has access to information.
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Encryption: Encrypting sensitive data to prevent unauthorised access.
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Monitoring & Logging: Continuously tracking system activity to detect threats.
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Network Security: Securing networks with firewalls, IDS, and segmentation.
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Incident Response: Preparing for, detecting, and recovering from security incidents.
ISM is important for businesses that work with government contracts or deal with sensitive data. Compliance ensures that your organisation meets Australian cybersecurity standards and is prepared for cyber threats.
3. Australian Energy Sector Cyber Security Framework (AESCSF)
The AESCSF was developed by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in partnership with industry stakeholders to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of Australia’s energy sector. It’s specifically designed for organisations that operate, manage, or support critical energy infrastructure, including electricity, gas, and energy market participants.
The AESCSF aims to strengthen Australia’s energy sector’s cyber resilience by helping organisations assess their cybersecurity maturity, close gaps, and align with national and international standards to protect critical infrastructure.
The AESCSF was developed in 2018 as a collaborative effort between:
- The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
- The Australian Government
- The Cyber Security Industry Working Group (CSIWG)
- Critical Infrastructure Centre (CIC)
- Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)
Core Areas Assessed:
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Cyber Governance – Board and executive oversight of cyber risk.
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Risk Management – Identifying, analysing, and addressing cyber threats.
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Asset, Identity & Access Management – Securing critical systems and managing user access.
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Security Operations – Continuous monitoring, threat detection, and response.
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Physical Security & Resilience – Protecting infrastructure and ensuring operational continuity.
Organisations are assessed from Initial to Adaptive levels, helping them understand their current state and prioritise improvements.
Aligning with the AESCSF helps any business involved in Australia’s energy supply chain demonstrate cyber accountability, comply with regulatory requirements, and ensure the stability of national energy operations.
Not in the energy sector?
Then AESCSF likely doesn’t apply to you. However, its structure and maturity model can still serve as a reference for other industries managing operational technology or complex supply chains.
Unsure if your cybersecurity setup meets Australian standards? We can assess your current posture and help you close the gaps. Schedule a meeting with us.
4. Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF)
The Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) is a key Australian Government framework that sets out the policies and requirements for managing protective security risks across government agencies—and it’s increasingly referenced by private organisations working with sensitive or classified information.
The PSPF aims to help organisations safeguard people, information, and assets by applying consistent security practices across physical, personnel, and information domains.
Scope:
Applies to all non-corporate Commonwealth entities and is often adopted by contractors or private businesses working with the public sector.
Policy Areas Covered:
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Security Governance – Roles, planning, and risk-based oversight.
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Information Security – Protecting government information from unauthorised access or compromise.
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Personnel Security – Ensuring only trusted people access sensitive resources.
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Physical Security – Safeguarding premises and physical assets.
Five Core Principles:
- Security as a collective responsibility
- Security as an enabler for government operations
- Proactive security measures
- Ownership of security risks
- Evolving security incident response
Following PSPF guidelines can help businesses demonstrate strong cyber security governance principles, meet compliance obligations, and reduce risks—especially when dealing with sensitive or classified information.
5. The Australian Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018
The Australian Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act) is a key piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the security and resilience of Australia’s critical infrastructure sectors. It is designed to protect essential services and assets that are critical to national security and the well-being of the community.
The SOCI Act provides a framework to help secure critical infrastructure from cyber threats, terrorism, and other risks, ensuring the continuity and reliability of vital services.
Scope:
The SOCI Act applies to operators of critical infrastructure across various sectors, with businesses in these areas required to meet stringent security obligations to protect critical assets.
Three Core Obligations:
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Registration of Critical Infrastructure – Entities must register certain critical assets with the Australian Government.
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Cybersecurity Measures – Implementing measures to safeguard infrastructure against cyber threats.
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Reporting and Notification – Reporting any significant incidents or vulnerabilities to relevant authorities.
On December 10, 2020, the Australian government proposed the Security Legislation Amendment Bill, expanding the SOCI Act to include 11 categories of critical infrastructure. This amendment strengthens national security and enhances the protection of vital services.
- Communications
- Data storage and processing
- Defence
- Financial services and markets
- Food and grocery
- Health care and medical
- Transport
- Higher education and research
- Energy
- Space technology
- Water and Sewerage
Worried about staying compliant and protected? Our cybersecurity specialists are ready to help—no jargon, just action. Book a consultation.
6. CPS 234 (APRA)
CPS 234 is a cybersecurity standard issued by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). It applies to APRA-regulated entities, such as banks, insurers, and superannuation funds, and outlines the required cybersecurity measures to safeguard the financial sector.
Key Requirements of CPS 234:
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Governance: Establishing a cybersecurity governance framework.
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Incident Management: Developing and testing incident response plans.
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Risk Management framework: Identifying and managing cybersecurity risks.
CPS 234 is critical for ensuring the security of the Australian financial system. By adhering to the standards, financial institutions can protect their data, systems, and customers from cyber threats. The framework also helps build trust in the financial sector, demonstrating that institutions are taking the necessary steps to secure sensitive financial information.
Do SMEs need to care about CPS 234?
CPS 234 applies only to APRA-regulated entities. However, the principles it’s built on, such as strong governance, incident response, and regular risk assessments, are good practices for any business that handles sensitive data.
Do I need to implement all six cybersecurity frameworks?
Not necessarily. The frameworks you should implement depend on your industry, regulatory obligations, and risk profile. For example, if you’re in the energy sector, AESCSF is vital. If you’re a financial institution, CPS 234 is mandatory. However, adopting foundational frameworks like the Essential Eight and ISM is beneficial for any Australian business.
Also Read: What is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and Why Is It Important?
Other Important Cybersecurity Regulations
While the frameworks mentioned above form the backbone of cybersecurity in Australia, several non-framework regulations provide additional guidance on protecting sensitive data and privacy.
Australian Privacy Principles (APPS)
The Australian Privacy Principles (APPS), outlined in the Privacy Act 1988, govern how Australian businesses handle personal information. These principles set out the requirements for the collection, storage, and protection of personal data, ensuring that companies respect privacy rights and implement robust security measures.
Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) Scheme
The Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme requires businesses to notify individuals if their personal information is involved in a data breach that is likely to cause serious harm. This regulation ensures that companies act quickly to mitigate the damage from breaches and notify affected individuals.
What’s the difference between a framework and a regulation?
A cybersecurity framework provides guidelines, best practices, and tools to manage cyber risks. A regulation, like the APPS or NDB, is a legal requirement that businesses must follow. In short, frameworks guide you—regulations require you.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity in Australia is no longer just about ticking boxes on international standards like the National Institute of Standards and Technology or ISO; it’s about defending against uniquely local threats, regulatory requirements that are uniquely national, and consequences that are uniquely your responsibility.
From the ACSC’s Essential Eight to industry-specific frameworks like the AESCSF and CPS 234, this guide has unpacked six of the most essential cybersecurity frameworks developed or adopted in Australia. Each one plays a critical role in helping organisations build stronger defences, meet legal obligations, and respond effectively to threats.
By understanding and implementing these frameworks, Australian businesses can go beyond surface-level compliance and build a genuinely resilient security posture one that’s fit for purpose, fit for the future, and fit for Australia.
Need help navigating these frameworks or aligning your cybersecurity strategy with Australian standards? Contact our cybersecurity experts today and take the first step towards a safer, more compliant business.
