Government Advisory
ASD Seeks Input on the Next Stage of the Essential Eight
ACSC · 2 Sept 2026
Key Takeaway
Keep applying the Essential Eight as it stands today, and watch ACSC updates so you can adjust your approach when changes are confirmed.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has announced a consultation on how the Essential Eight cyber security framework should evolve. The consultation involves ASD network partners.
According to the ACSC, the aim is to increase flexibility in the framework and support stronger cyber resilience. The summary does not set out what specific changes are being considered, so it is too early to say how the Essential Eight might look once the process is complete.
Many Australian small businesses use the Essential Eight as a reference point for their security practices. Any future changes are worth watching, and it makes sense to follow ACSC announcements for details as they are released.