Why We Are Different?

Cybersecurity software solutions are tailored to distinct needs: Audit software rigorously examines an organization’s security controls, confirming regulatory compliance and highlighting risks or necessary corrective actions. Assessment software, by contrast, takes a holistic view of security, identifying vulnerabilities and risks and offering guidance to bolster defenses beyond formal compliance. Health check software provides routine snapshots of security measures, quickly flagging areas requiring immediate attention. Self-assessment tools empower organizations to evaluate their security readiness independently, following a structured framework without external oversight—ideal for internal monitoring. SecurE8 distinguishes itself as the only solution specifically designed to conduct a full Essential Eight audit, offering unparalleled accuracy in compliance assessment and delivering actionable insights to strengthen your cybersecurity defenses.

Audit
Assessment
Health Check
Self-Assessment
SecurE8 Auditor
Introspectus Assessor
Huntsman E8
Apollo Secure
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Description SecurE8 Auditor audits an organisation’s Essential Eight compliance per the Protective Security Policy Framework, generating a detailed compliance document. It continuously monitors security posture and provides device-specific remediation advice, making it the only simple, intuitive, agentless Essential Eight auditor on the market. This software validates ISM controls at the device level and assesses organisational maturity but cannot fully audit against Essential Eight requirements. Introspectus Assessor offers real-time security posture assessments with executive-level reporting and remediation advice. However, unlike SecurE8, it lacks artifact capture, detailed findings reports, and advanced testing beyond simple setting verification. While Huntsman's agentless approach is beneficial, the Essential Eight Auditor lacks endpoint artifact collection and does not assess certain Essential Eight strategies that typically require an agent. For instance, it doesn’t test Application Control, verify virus scanner functionality via EICAR, or assess ad-blocking capabilities. Huntsman provides a basic compliance percentage but lacks details on its calculation. This intuitive platform provides auditors with an efficient checklist, enabling them to evaluate and report their compliance status as "partially compliant," "compliant," or "non-compliant" with each control of the framework. However, it is crucial to note that Apollo Secure does not require users to gather or submit evidence as part of their assessment and does not audit the computers using technology or automated methods.
Purpose Systematic examination to verify the organisation's implementation of the ACSC Essential Eight, ensuring compliance and identifying gaps or non-conformance with the strategies. Evaluates the effectiveness of the organisation’s implementation of the Essential Eight, identifies vulnerabilities, and suggests improvements to align with best practices. Quick, high-level review to check if the basic controls of the Essential Eight are in place and functioning as intended, identifying any immediate risks or issues. Internal evaluation by the organisation to assess its own alignment with the Essential Eight, identifying strengths and areas needing improvement, often as a preparatory step for more formal evaluations.
Scope Focused and standardised. Includes a thorough review of each of the Essential Eight strategies, such as application whitelisting, patch management, and user access controls, with a detailed check against compliance requirements. Broader and more flexible. Can be tailored to specific areas of the Essential Eight that are most relevant or where the organisation feels less confident, providing a more comprehensive understanding of overall cybersecurity posture. Limited and high-level. Focuses on the most critical or easily observable elements of the Essential Eight, such as ensuring operating systems and applications are patched or that multifactor authentication is enabled. Very broad and informal. Often focuses on self-identified areas of concern within the Essential Eight, such as user training on phishing attacks or the regularity of backups.
Methodology Highly structured. Involves formal processes such as documentation review, testing of controls, and potentially external validation through penetration testing or vulnerability assessments specific to the Essential Eight. Less formal. May include an analysis of system logs or configurable settings to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the Essential Eight. Informal. Uses basic tools or observations to ensure that the key elements of the Essential Eight, such as patch management and backup procedures, are in place. May involve automated tools or simple checklists. Informal and subjective. Relies on self-reporting, reflection on current practices, and basic checks against the Essential Eight strategies, with no external oversight.
Outcome Results in a formal report or certification indicating the organisation’s level of compliance with the Essential Eight, including specific findings, gaps, and remediation requirements. Provides recommendations for enhancing the implementation of the Essential Eight, addressing identified vulnerabilities, and improving overall security. May include a strategic plan for improvement. Identifies potential gaps or areas where the Essential Eight are not fully implemented, focusing on ensuring critical controls are functioning correctly. May suggest areas for further action. Offers insights into the current implementation of the Essential Eight, highlighting areas that require attention or improvement. Results in self-directed actions to address identified weaknesses before any formal evaluation.