Clear Essential Eight help and audits from Forde Consulting
Protect Your Business with the ASD Essential Eight
Cyber-attacks can stop your work. They can expose private data. They can also harm trust. The ASD Essential Eight helps lower these risks. Forde Consulting helps businesses in Perth and across Western Australia. We assess, set up and review the eight controls.
What is the ASD Essential Eight?
The ASD Essential Eight is a set of eight cyber safety steps. It is made for IT systems that connect to the internet. The steps help stop attacks. They also limit harm and help you recover. The eight steps are:
- control which apps can run
- patch apps
- set safe Microsoft Office macro rules
- make user apps safer
- limit admin access
- patch operating systems
- use multi-factor sign-in
- make and test backups.
The model has four levels. They run from Level Zero to Level Three. Your target should match your risks and needs. It should also match your legal and contract duties. ASD says you should reach the same level for all eight steps. Do this before you move to a higher level. This helps stop weak gaps.
Why Expert Help Matters
The Essential Eight is not just a checklist. Each step must fit your business. It must be set up in the right way. It must also be tested. You need proof that it works. Common gaps include old software and slow patching. Other gaps include too much admin access and weak app control. Backups may also be untested.
Forde Consulting makes the work clear. We explain each step in plain English. We check what applies to your systems. We then focus on the biggest gaps first. You get a clear action plan. You do not get a report full of jargon.
Essential Eight Help and Audit Services
Gap Check and Level Review
We check your controls against the latest ASD model. We talk with your team. We read key policies. We test your systems and check your proof. You then see your current level. You also see the gaps and the work needed to meet your goal.
Action Plan and Setup Help
You get a clear action plan. It lists each task, owner and due date. It also shows the proof you need. We can guide your staff and IT partner. We can help with Microsoft 365, Intune, Entra ID and Windows. We can also help with patching, admin access, app control, macros and backups.
Independent Essential Eight Audit
An audit checks that your controls work. We test the setup and review your proof. We write each finding in plain business words. Our report can help leaders and boards. It may also help with tenders, cyber insurance and supply deals.
Why Choose Forde Consulting?
- Perth-based Essential Eight skills
- advice that fits Australian firms
- clear proof for audit needs
- fair findings and clear priorities
- help from the first check to later reviews.
You may be starting at Level Zero. You may be aiming for Level One, Two or Three. Forde Consulting can help at each stage. Our work is clear and useful. It fits your business and your risk.
Want to make your business safer? Contact Forde Consulting. Ask about an ASD Essential Eight check, action plan or audit. We help clients in Perth and across Western Australia.