‘Essential Eight’ Made Easy: How Microsoft 365 Business Premium ensures cybersec compliance

Cybercrime threatens organisations of all sizes, causing financial and operational risks, with potential billion-dollar costs and damaged client relationships. Security breaches often lead to client attrition as customers seek more secure providers.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) aims to protect against cybersecurity threats, through the eight essential strategies. This set of strategies defend against 85% of targeted attacks. While a multi-layered security approach is recommended, it’s suggested for organisations to implement the Essential Eight as a baseline, customising maturity levels according to their risk profile.

The Essential Eight framework, developed by the Australian Signals Directorate, offers a proven security strategy suitable for organisations of any size. They consist of right strategies, sorted in three key categories of cybersecurity strategies:

Prevent Attacks

• Application Whitelisting: establishes a secure environment by allowing only IT-approved applications to run in the system
• Patching Applications: ensures continuous software security by implementing timely updates and fixes
• Configuring Microsoft Office Macros: protects against macro-based threats by implementing strict control over document automation
• User Application Hardening minimizes potential attack surfaces by optimizing application security settings

Limit Attack Impact

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) strengthens access security by requiring multiple verification methods for user authentication
• Patching Operating Systems maintains system integrity through consistent security updates.
• Restricting Admin Privileges controls system access by implementing strict administrative privilege management

Data Recovery

• Regular Backups safeguards business continuity by maintaining reliable data recovery options.

What does Microsoft Business Premium contain?

Microsoft 365 Business Premium is a comprehensive solution that addresses Essential Eight requirements while enhancing business productivity. It combines productivity tools with security features, ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking to improve cybersecurity.

The suite includes core Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Access) with cloud storage through OneDrive (1TB per user), SharePoint, and Teams for collaboration. Exchange Online provides email hosting with 50GB mailboxes and custom domains, plus calendar features for scheduling.

For security, Microsoft Intune manages devices and enforces security policies, Microsoft Defender offers advanced security, and Azure Active Directory manage identities and access.

Additional features include Clipchamp for video editing, Bookings and Planner for business management, and built-in Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Information Governance for Da at Protection and Compliance. To top it all off, the Microsoft 365 Admin Centre and Support Portal provides ongoing support and updates.

Strengthening Essential Eight Compliance with Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Microsoft 365 Business Premium supports compliance with the Essential 8 cybersecurity strategies through its integrated security and management features. Let's explore how Microsoft 365 Business Premium aligns with each of the Essential Eight strategies to enhance your organization's security posture.

Application Control and Updates

Microsoft Defender provides robust application whitelisting capabilities, ensuring only verified and safe applications can run in your environment. The platform's Update Management system keeps both Office applications and operating systems current with security patches, protecting against known vulnerabilities.

Security Configuration and Hardening

Administrators can configure Microsoft Office Security Settings to control macro execution and prevent malicious code. Security baselines are provided for Office applications, allowing you to minimize potential attack surfaces by disabling unnecessary features.

Access Control and Authentication

Azure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an essential layer of security beyond passwords, while Azure Active Directory (AAD) manages user roles and permissions with precision through conditional access policies.

System Updates and Data Protection

Windows Update for Business automates operating system updates, ensuring your systems stay protected. For data security, OneDrive for Business and SharePoint Online provide comprehensive backup solutions with versioning and recovery options, safeguarding your valuable business information.

By leveraging these features, Microsoft 365 Business Premium helps organizations implement and maintain the Essential 8 cybersecurity strategies, improving overall security posture and resilience against cyber threats.

Next-Level Security with Microsoft 365 Business Premium Advanced Features

Beyond these core capabilities, Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers several advanced features that enhance security and compliance for small businesses. These additional tools and capabilities found in Microsoft 365 Business Premium support comprehensive compliance with the Essential 8 strategies, further strengthening an organization's overall security framework and compliance posture.

Microsoft Intune provides comprehensive device and application management, allowing businesses to enforce security policies and control access across all company devices. The built-in Compliance Centre offers essential tools for risk assessment, policy management, and audit logging, ensuring your business meets regulatory requirements.

For advanced security monitoring, Microsoft Sentinel acts as your security information and event management (SIEM) system, continuously monitoring your Microsoft 365 environment for potential threats. Additionally, Microsoft Purview helps protect your sensitive data through advanced classification, labeling, and retention policies, making data governance straightforward and effective.

Expert Guidance for Your Business Security Journey

Microsoft 365 Business Premium provides a robust foundation for Essential Eight compliance, but implementing these tools effectively requires expertise and careful planning.

At CICT Solutions, our cybersecurity specialists can help you maximize your investment while ensuring proper alignment with Essential Eight requirements. Ready to strengthen your security posture?

Contact us today for a personalized consultation on leveraging Microsoft 365 Business Premium for your business.