Drive integrity and innovation in your business with
the managed IT cloud solutions Australia trusts.
We partner with the best in industry to empower organizations of all sizes to operate more efficiently, securely, and with greater agility. We’re experts at implementing managed cloud solutions Australia-wide, providing end-to-end support well beyond your move to cloud.
Winthrop Australia simplify cloud management so you can focus on achieving your business goals.
Proactive management that optimizes performance and enhances efficiency.
Achieve flexibility with custom managed cloud solutions that fit your business and people.
Protect sensitive data with best-in-class security and compliance measures.
The Essential 8 is a cybersecurity framework developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to help organizations protect against common cyber threats. It outlines eight critical security strategies designed to strengthen your defences, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
Adopting the Essential 8 is vital for maintaining the integrity and availability of your business operations, safeguarding sensitive data, and building resilience against evolving threats.
For most Australian businesses, moving to cloud environments and aligning with the Essential 8 is necessary.
Essential 8 Strategy | Cloud Services Benefits | Onsite Hardware Challenges |
---|---|---|
Application WhitelistingStrong control over which applications run, reducing the risk of unauthorized code execution. | Easily enforced with cloud-based security policies like Azure Security Center Application Controls or AWS GuardDuty. | Difficult to implement and maintain manually. Requires dedicated tools and frequent updates. |
Patch ApplicationsConsistent application patching with minimal manual intervention, ensuring compliance. | Automated patching for all applications using Azure Update Management or AWS Systems Manager. | Manual patch management is resource-intensive. Often results in unpatched applications due to oversight. |
Patch Operating SystemsPatch Operating Systems High dependency on local IT staff for testing, deployment, and monitoring. Risk of missing critical updates. Automated OS patching and compliance reporting through Azure Update Management or AWS Patch Manager. Regular OS updates minimize vulnerability exposure and ensure a secure environment. | Automated OS patching and compliance reporting through Azure Update Management or AWS Patch Manager. | High dependency on local IT staff for testing, deployment, and monitoring. Risk of missing critical updates. |
Restrict Administrative PrivilegesAccess reduces privilege misuse and limits the impact of compromised accounts. | Fine-grained control over permissions using IAM and Conditional Access policies. Just-In-Time access minimizes risk. | Hard to control in traditional environments, especially for remote and external users. |
Configure Microsoft Office Macro SettingsPrevents malicious macros from executing, reducing phishing and malware risks. | Macros can be centrally managed and restricted through Microsoft 365 Admin Center or Conditional Access. | Complex to enforce consistently across multiple endpoints and user accounts. |
User Application HardeningSimplified security hardening reduces attack surface and prevents exploitation. | Security baselines and hardening templates applied automatically through Azure Security Center or AWS Security Hub. | Requires multiple configurations and regular monitoring to disable risky features. Prone to human error. |
Multi-Factor AuthenticationStrengthens account security and protects against credential-based attacks. | MFA is built-in and can be easily enforced using Azure AD MFA or AWS IAM MFA across all accounts. | MFA often requires additional hardware or software setups, making adoption slow. |
Daily BackupsReliable data protection and fast recovery minimize downtime and loss from ransomware. | Automated daily backups with geo-redundant storage and automated testing for recovery. Reduced risk of human error. | Backups need to be managed, stored offsite, and tested regularly. Manual handling can lead to data loss. |
Cloud services grow with your business, scaling resources up or down as needed, eliminating capacity concerns.
Industry-leading encryption and compliance ensure your data stays protected and meets strict regulations.
Pay only for what you use. Avoid upfront hardware costs and reduce maintenance expenses.
Experienced support makes transitions seamless, minimizing disruptions.
Optimized infrastructure enhances speed, availability, and reliability.
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