Skip to content

Comparison between ASD Essential 8 and ISO 27001


Overview

ASD Essential 8 is an Australian Government initiative to protect the security of its information systems, while ISO 27001 is an internationally recognized standard for information security. Both standards are focused on protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems, but they differ in their scope, implementation, and compliance requirements. ASD Essential 8 focuses on specific security controls and is implemented through a set of guidelines, while ISO 27001 is a much broader standard that provides a framework for implementing, monitoring, and improving an organization's information security management system. Compliance with ASD Essential 8 is mandatory for Australian Government entities, while compliance with ISO 27001 is voluntary for most organizations.



What is ASD Essential 8?

The ASD Essential 8 is a set of strategies developed by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) to help organizations protect their systems and data from cyber security threats. The Essential 8 focuses on eight key areas of cyber security: application whitelisting, patching applications, patching operating systems, restricting administrative privileges, applying data loss prevention measures, multi-factor authentication, user education, and monitoring. Each of these areas has specific steps that organizations can take to reduce their risk of cyber security incidents. By following the Essential 8, organizations can reduce their risk of cyber security incidents and protect their data and systems from malicious actors.


What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is an international standard for information security management. It provides a framework for organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an information security management system (ISMS). The standard helps organizations identify and protect their information assets, reduce security risks, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. ISO 27001 is based on a risk management approach, and requires organizations to assess their security risks, implement appropriate controls, and continuously monitor and review their security posture. The standard also includes requirements for information security awareness and training, incident management, and supplier management.


A Comparison Between ASD Essential 8 and ISO 27001

1. Both standards emphasize the importance of risk management.

2. Both standards require the implementation of security controls to protect information assets.

3. Both standards require regular reviews and audits of security controls.

4. Both standards require the implementation of policies and procedures to ensure the security of information assets.

5. Both standards require the implementation of a management system to ensure the security of information assets.

6. Both standards require the implementation of security awareness training for personnel.

7. Both standards require the implementation of measures to protect against unauthorized access to information assets.

8. Both standards require the implementation of measures to protect against malicious software.


The Key Differences Between ASD Essential 8 and ISO 27001

1. ASD Essential 8 is an Australian cybersecurity framework, while ISO 27001 is an international standard.

2. ASD Essential 8 focuses on mitigating the risks of cyber threats, while ISO 27001 focuses on information security management.

3. ASD Essential 8 provides a risk-based approach to cybersecurity, while ISO 27001 provides a more comprehensive approach to information security management.

4. ASD Essential 8 focuses on eight core areas of security, while ISO 27001 has 14 control objectives.

5. ASD Essential 8 is more focused on the implementation of technical controls, while ISO 27001 is focused on the implementation of both technical and organizational controls.

6. ASD Essential 8 is more focused on the prevention of cyber threats, while ISO 27001 is focused on the prevention, detection and response to security incidents.