Cyber security for local businesses.
We protect Mid North Coast businesses from ransomware, email scams and data loss, using the Australian Government's Essential Eight as our checklist. We are a partner of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, and every engagement starts with a free audit.
- ACSC partner
- Built on the Essential Eight
- Free cyber security audit
An ACSC partner
We are part of the Australian Cyber Security Centre's partnership program. That means we get the ACSC's threat alerts and advice as it is released, and we use their Essential Eight framework to secure every business we look after.
Eight controls that stop most attacks
The ACSC's Essential Eight is the Australian Government's baseline for protecting computers and data. We put each one in place for you, check it every day and report on it every month.
- 1
Patch applications
Keep browsers, Office, PDF readers and other software up to date, and remove programs that no longer get security fixes.
- 2
Patch operating systems
Install Windows and macOS security updates quickly and replace systems that are out of support.
- 3
Multi-factor authentication
Ask for a second check, like a phone app prompt, when people sign in to email, cloud apps and remote access.
- 4
Restrict admin privileges
Only give admin rights to the people who need them, keep them on separate accounts and review them regularly.
- 5
Application control
Only let approved programs run, so a malicious download or email attachment cannot start.
- 6
Microsoft Office macros
Block macros in Office files from the internet, a common way ransomware gets in.
- 7
User application hardening
Lock down web browsers and Office so they cannot run risky content like old Java or web ads with code.
- 8
Regular backups
Back up important data and settings, keep copies away from the network and test that they restore.
How does your business measure up?
Answer eight quick questions and see your Essential Eight score in about two minutes. No sign-up needed.
What we look after
Security is built into our managed IT plans, so it is watched every day rather than checked once a year.
Enterprise anti-virus
Business-grade protection on every computer, updated hourly and checked daily by our team.
Encrypted offsite backups
Daily backups kept away from your network, so ransomware cannot reach them, with test restores.
Multi-factor sign-in
A second check on Microsoft 365, email and remote access, so a stolen password is not enough.
Patching
Windows and app updates installed and checked centrally, with daily health checks on every PC.
Admin rights locked down
Everyday accounts without admin rights, and admin access kept to a few separate, reviewed accounts.
Fast response
If something looks wrong we aim to respond in under 10 minutes, isolate the problem and restore from backup.
What the free audit covers
- 1
We look
We review your computers, Microsoft 365 or email accounts, backups, WiFi and network, on site or remotely.
- 2
We score
You get an Essential Eight snapshot showing what is in place, what is partly done and what is missing.
- 3
We prioritise
A short, plain-English list of what to fix first and what it costs. No obligation to go ahead with us.
Cyber security questions
What is the Essential Eight?
A set of eight security controls published by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC): patching applications, patching operating systems, multi-factor authentication, restricting admin privileges, application control, restricting Office macros, user application hardening and regular backups. Together they stop most of the attacks Australian businesses see.
Do small businesses really need it?
Yes. Small businesses are hit every day by automated scams and ransomware searching for an easy way in, while larger businesses can also be targeted directly. The Essential Eight closes the most common ways in. Insurers and larger customers are also asking for it more often.
What does being an ACSC partner mean?
We are part of the Australian Cyber Security Centre partnership program, so we receive their alerts and guidance as it is released and pass the relevant parts on to our clients.
Is the audit really free?
Yes. We review your setup and give you a prioritised list of what to fix. There is no obligation to have us do the work.
What happens if we get hit by ransomware?
Call us straight away. We aim to respond in under 10 minutes, isolate affected computers, and restore your data from offsite backups. Managed IT clients get urgent support 24/7.
Is the online self-check a formal assessment?
No. It is a quick guide to where you stand. A formal Essential Eight maturity assessment looks at evidence on every computer, which is what our audit starts.
Find out where you stand
Book a free cyber security audit. We will check your computers, accounts, backups and network, and give you a plain-English list of what to fix first.