The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening national cyber resilience with the launch of the Australian Signals Directorate's new ‘ASD Essentials’, delivering cyber security guidance for a rapidly changing threat environment.

Australian organisations face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats that can disrupt critical networks, compromise sensitive information, and undermine trust.

Announced in Horizon 2 of the government’s Cyber Security Strategy, the new ASD Essentials helps Commonwealth entities, critical infrastructure owners and operators, and large organisations prioritise practical steps to defend against cyber threats and protect their most critical systems and operations.

The advice covers enterprise IT systems, operational technology that runs critical infrastructure and industrial processes, and cloud environments that support modern digital services. Together, they form the foundation of the Essentials series. With AI-specific guidance available, organisations can better understand and manage AI-enabled systems within their existing technology environments.

The ASD Essentials will replace the Essential Eight as the framework for cyber security, providing clear advice and priorities to help organisations stay secure and resilient in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Cyber Security, Tony Burke MP:

“Cyber threats are evolving faster than ever, and Australian organisations need practical advice that keeps pace with increasingly complex technology environments."

"The ASD Essentials give organisations a clear roadmap for strengthening their cyber security, helping leaders understand what matters most, where to focus their efforts, and how to build online resilience."

“Cyber resilience is not achieved through technology alone. ASD Essentials gives organisations the tools to strengthen their human firewall by instilling a greater security culture amongst workers.”

Quotes attributable to the Head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, Stephanie Crowe:

“The cyber threat landscape is changing quickly. I encourage critical infrastructure and large entities to review the ASD Essentials and take action to embed greater resilience across a range of technology environments.

“Good cyber security does not have to be complicated. The ASD Essentials provides practical, prioritised guidance that Australian organisations can use to reduce risk, protect critical systems and strengthen their defences against real-world threats.”

“The ASD Essentials builds on the foundations laid by the Essential Eight, ensuring existing investments continue to deliver value while driving stronger cyber resilience.”