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Introduction to Essential Eight Passkeys

The Australian Cyber Security Strategy (2023–2030) emphasizes the need for robust security measures, central to which is the Essential Eight framework. Updated in 2023, the framework aims to fortify cyber defenses, with passkeys introduced as a pivotal component. Passkeys are quickly gaining traction, with over 20,000 Australians adopting them within days of their myGov launch.

This article analyzes the Essential Eight framework, its MFA requirements, and the implementation of phishing-resistant authentication using passkeys.

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Understanding the Essential Eight Framework

Purpose of the Essential Eight Framework

The Essential Eight is a set of mitigation strategies devised by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to bolster organizational cyber defenses. It provides a structured approach to implementing crucial security measures, helping organizations of all sizes protect their systems and data from a myriad of cyber threats.

Key Mitigation Strategies

The Essential Eight framework comprises eight fundamental strategies:

1. Application Whitelisting — Allows only approved applications to run.
2. Patching Applications — Regular updates to fix vulnerabilities.
3. Configuring Macro Settings — Disabling or restricting macros in Microsoft Office.
4. User Application Hardening — Securing user applications against vulnerabilities.
5. Restricting Administrative Privileges — Limiting admin access to reduce attack surfaces.
6. Patching Operating Systems — Keeping OS up-to-date with security patches.
7. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) — Enhancing authentication security.
8. Regular Backups — Ensuring data recovery in case of incidents.

Essential Eight Maturity Levels

The framework introduces maturity levels to assess and enhance an organization’s security posture:

• Level 0: No Cyber Hygiene: No or incomplete security measures.
• Level 1: Basic Cyber Hygiene: Minimal security practices for small businesses or startups.
• Level 2: Enhanced Security Measures: Advanced measures for medium-sized enterprises or regulated industries.
• Level 3: Advanced Security Posture: Comprehensive security for large enterprises and critical infrastructure (e.g. myGov, Superannuation funds).

The Importance of Multi-Factor Authentication in Essential Eight

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Requirements

MFA is critical for protecting authentication processes. It requires multiple authentication factors from different categories:

• Knowledge — Something the user knows (password, PIN).
• Possession — Something the user has (token, smartphone).
• Inherence — Something the user is (biometrics).

The Essential Eight mandates diverse and secure MFA methods, moving away from easily compromised factors like security questions.

Phishing-Resistant MFA: The New Standard

Phishing-resistant MFA has become essential, driven by the adoption of passkeys. Passkeys offer robust protection against phishing by combining strong cryptographic authentication with user convenience. They leverage biometric data, making them highly secure and user-friendly.

Implementing Phishing-Resistant MFA with Passkeys

Steps to Implement Phishing-Resistant MFA

1. Register Passkeys— Focus on cross-device authentication and gradual rollout.
2. Login with Passkeys — Embed passkey seamlessly for user convenience.
3. Fallback and Recovery — Ensure reliable fallback mechanisms and integrate them with customer support for smooth MFA recovery.

Recommendations for Effective Implementation

• *Start Early *— Early adoption helps familiarize with the technology and prepares for future updates.
• Risk Management — Develop strategies to mitigate rollout risks and conduct A/B testing.
• User Engagement — Educate users on the benefits of passkeys to drive adoption.
• Robust Support Systems — Integrate support for MFA recovery and ensure users can quickly regain access if needed.

Conclusion: Strengthening Security with Essential Eight Passkeys

The Essential Eight framework is a cornerstone of Australia’s cyber security strategy, providing a comprehensive approach to mitigating cyber threats. By adopting phishing-resistant MFA through passkeys, organizations can enhance their security posture and resilience. Implementing these strategies is crucial for safeguarding systems and data, aligning with the framework’s emphasis on strong authentication.