For Australian organisations pursuing Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) membership or government contracting, Essential Eight compliance is mandatory. At CSP Global, we've pioneered a Microsoft-native approach that leverages security capabilities already built into your Microsoft ecosystem—implementing six of the eight controls entirely with Microsoft technologies.

Understanding Essential Eight and DISP Requirements

The Australian Cyber Security Centre's Essential Eight framework addresses the most critical mitigation strategies against cyber threats. For DISP members, Maturity Level 2 is the minimum requirement. The eight strategies are:

1. Application Control
2. Patch Applications
3. Configure Microsoft Office Macros
4. User Application Hardening
5. Restrict Administrative Privileges
6. Patch Operating Systems
7. Multi-Factor Authentication
8. Regular Backups

The Microsoft-Native Advantage

Six of the eight Essential Eight controls can be implemented entirely using Microsoft's native security features. This approach reduces complexity, lowers costs, and improves integration.

Native Microsoft Implementation (6 of 8 Controls)

Patch Applications & Operating Systems Microsoft Intune and Windows Update for Business provide comprehensive, automated patching across your entire estate.

Configure Microsoft Office Macros Microsoft 365's native macro controls combined with Attack Surface Reduction rules in Defender for Endpoint provide granular control without additional products.

User Application Hardening Microsoft Edge security features, Application Guard, and SmartScreen Filter deliver robust browser hardening through Intune application policies.

Restrict Administrative Privileges Microsoft Entra ID Privileged Identity Management provides just-in-time administrative access with approval workflows and comprehensive audit logging.

Multi-Factor Authentication Entra ID includes enterprise-grade MFA with conditional access policies and risk-based authentication exceeding Essential Eight requirements.

Regular Backups Microsoft 365 Backup, Azure Backup, and System Center DPM provide cloud-native backup solutions meeting Essential Eight requirements.

Strategic Third-Party Integration

For Application Control, we deploy ThreatLocker's industry-leading allowlisting technology. As Australia's largest ThreatLocker reseller, CSP Global delivers Zero Trust application control including Ringfencing™, Storage Control, and Elevation Control.

Essential Eight Maturity Levels

Maturity Level 1: Basic cyber hygiene protecting against opportunistic attacks. Insufficient for DISP membership.

Maturity Level 2: Required for DISP membership and government contracting. Enhanced protection against sophisticated targeted attacks with automated patching, comprehensive allowlisting, and enhanced MFA coverage.

Maturity Level 3: Maximum protection against advanced persistent threats and nation-state actors with comprehensive logging and advanced monitoring.

CSP Global's Implementation Methodology

Our proven seven-phase approach ensures successful DISP compliance:

1. Current State Assessment - Comprehensive gap analysis identifying priorities
2. Microsoft Security Stack Optimization - Maximize existing investments before adding solutions
3. ThreatLocker Application Control - Deploy Zero Trust platform with minimal disruption
4. Policy Configuration & Testing - Systematic implementation with thorough testing
5. Training & Documentation - Comprehensive training and audit-ready documentation
6. Validation & Reporting - Verify compliance with detailed reporting
7. Ongoing Support - Maintain effectiveness as threats evolve

Real-World Results

A typical mid-sized defence contractor (150 employees, Microsoft 365 E3) achieved:

• Essential Eight ML2 within 90 days
• DISP membership approval
• 40% reduction in security product licenses
• Improved security posture with simplified operations
• Access to new defence contracting opportunities

Why the Microsoft-Native Approach Works

Reduced Complexity: Single-vendor solutions with unified management and consistent policies.

Lower Total Cost: Maximize existing Microsoft 365 E3/E5 investments, reducing additional licensing costs.

Better Integration: Native features work together seamlessly—Entra ID conditional access integrates with Intune compliance and Defender threat detection.

Simplified Auditing: Microsoft's comprehensive logging provides evidence auditors need.

The ThreatLocker Difference

While Microsoft excels at most Essential Eight controls, application control requires specialized solutions. ThreatLocker provides:

• Default-deny application control with comprehensive visibility
• Ringfencing™ technology preventing exploit of approved applications
• Storage Control and Elevation Control for comprehensive protection
• Learning Mode for streamlined policy creation

As Australia's largest ThreatLocker reseller, we ensure robust security without operational disruption.

Common Implementation Challenges

Balancing Security and Productivity: Our phased deployment ensures security doesn't compromise operations.

Managing Patching at Scale: Intune automation meets Essential Eight timelines with proper configuration.

Administrative Privilege Management: Just-in-time access and privileged workstations require careful planning and training.

Backup Validation: We implement automated testing ensuring recovery capabilities meet compliance.

Documentation and Evidence: Comprehensive documentation satisfies DISP assessor requirements.

Beyond Compliance: Real Security Benefits

• Reduced Attack Surface through application control and user hardening
• Faster Patch Management reducing vulnerability windows
• Limited Blast Radius from restricted administrative privileges
• Improved Resilience with tested backup procedures
• Enhanced Visibility through comprehensive logging and monitoring

Getting Started

Step 1: Understand Your Target Determine required maturity level. DISP requires ML2; consider ML3 for enhanced protection.

Step 2: Conduct a Gap Analysis CSP Global offers complimentary Essential Eight gap assessments.

Step 3: Optimize Existing Investments Maximize current Microsoft licensing before adding new solutions.

Step 4: Implement Systematically Phased approach ensures thorough implementation without disruption.

Step 5: Validate and Document Comprehensive testing and documentation provide confidence for assessors.

Why Choose CSP Global

Microsoft Expertise: Gold Security Partner status demonstrating deep Microsoft security expertise.

DISP Experience: Dozens of successful DISP membership applications.

ThreatLocker Leadership: Australia's largest reseller delivering expert application control.

Proven Methodology: Structured approach refined through real-world projects.

Ongoing Support: Managed security services ensure continued compliance and effectiveness.

Take the Next Step

Ready to start your Essential Eight journey? CSP Global offers complimentary gap assessments to develop a clear roadmap to DISP compliance.

Contact our team today to schedule your Essential Eight gap analysis and discover how our Microsoft-native approach simplifies compliance while strengthening your security posture.

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CSP Global is a Microsoft Gold Security Partner and Australia's largest ThreatLocker reseller, specializing in Essential Eight implementation and DISP compliance for defence contractors and government suppliers.