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Comparison between APRA CPS 234 and ASD Essential 8


Overview

APRA CPS 234 and ASD Essential 8 are two sets of standards and guidelines that are designed to help organizations protect their information systems from cyber security threats. Both sets of standards are based on the same core principles of risk management, asset management, access control, monitoring and incident response. However, APRA CPS 234 is more comprehensive and includes additional requirements such as third-party risk management, business continuity and disaster recovery planning, and security awareness training. ASD Essential 8 focuses more on the technical aspects of cyber security and is better suited for organizations with limited resources. Both sets of standards can be used to improve an organization's cyber security posture, but APRA CPS 234 is more comprehensive and should be used by organizations with more resources and complex IT systems.



What is APRA CPS 234?

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) CPS 234 is a set of guidelines that outlines the information security requirements for all entities regulated by APRA. The guidelines are designed to protect customer and other sensitive information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, and destruction. The guidelines require organizations to have in place a comprehensive security program, including risk management, access control, incident response, and monitoring. The guidelines also require organizations to have a well-defined information security policy and to have personnel trained in information security. The guidelines are designed to help organizations protect their information assets and ensure that customer information is kept secure.


What is ASD Essential 8?

The ASD Essential 8 is a set of cybersecurity strategies developed by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) to help organizations reduce the risk of cyber attacks. The Essential 8 consists of eight strategies that organizations can implement to reduce the risk of cyber attacks and protect their data. These strategies include: application whitelisting, patching applications, patching operating systems, restricting administrative privileges, using multi-factor authentication, using application control, using the principle of least privilege, and segmenting networks. By implementing the Essential 8, organizations can reduce the risk of cyber attacks, protect their data, and ensure their systems remain secure.


A Comparison Between APRA CPS 234 and ASD Essential 8

1. Both are security frameworks designed to help organizations protect their data and systems.

2. Both frameworks promote a risk-based approach to security and contain a set of security controls that must be implemented.

3. Both frameworks emphasize the importance of monitoring and responding to security incidents.

4. Both frameworks provide guidance on implementing security measures such as encryption, authentication, access control, and patching.

5. Both frameworks require regular reviews of security policies and procedures.

6. Both frameworks emphasize the need for staff awareness and training.

7. Both frameworks require organizations to document their security processes and procedures.

8. Both frameworks promote the use of security best practices.


The Key Differences Between APRA CPS 234 and ASD Essential 8

1. APRA CPS 234 is focused on cyber security, while ASD Essential 8 is focused on broader security objectives.

2. APRA CPS 234 requires organizations to have a cyber security strategy, while ASD Essential 8 does not.

3. APRA CPS 234 requires organizations to have a risk management framework, while ASD Essential 8 does not.

4. APRA CPS 234 requires organizations to have a cyber incident response plan, while ASD Essential 8 does not.

5. APRA CPS 234 requires organizations to have a cyber security framework, while ASD Essential 8 does not.

6. APRA CPS 234 requires organizations to have a cyber security monitoring and reporting system, while ASD Essential 8 does not.

7. APRA CPS 234 requires organizations to have a cyber security awareness and training program, while ASD Essential 8 does not.

8. APRA CPS 234 requires organizations to have a cyber security governance framework, while ASD Essential 8 does not.