Case Study

Providing innovative engineering solutions for over 20 years

APD Engineering is a leading provider of engineering solutions. With a team of over 300 professionals across 12 offices in Australia and New Zealand, the company delivers a comprehensive array of engineering services, including Renewable Energy Connections, Telecommunications, Power Generation, and Land Development.

Business Objectives

• Become Essential Eight compliant
• Improve cyber security posture
• Minimise operational risks

Executive Summary

APD became Essential Eight compliant with OSIT

APD wanted to integrate the Essential Eight mitigation strategy into their operations. Despite having a robust cyber security service with OSIT, APD recognised the potential benefits of enhancing their security measures. This initiative would help them reduce risks and enhance their security posture. Becoming Essential Eight compliant was the optimal strategy to accomplish these business objectives.

So, they got together with their OSIT team to chat about how they could go about becoming Essential Eight compliant.

The Challenges

An intricate process that resulted in a 12-month journey

While the Essential Eight is a mitigation strategy strongly endorsed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), its implementation can present significant challenges. For APD, a comprehensive evaluation was necessary due to the complexity of their operations.

As an engineering firm, APD employs intricate processes and specialised tools. Therefore, a thorough assessment of each process and tool is essential in formulating a strategy to achieve Essential Eight compliance and enhance their maturity levels.

The Solution

Implement Essential Eight using OSIT’s cyber security products and services

APD needed a plan that would back up their growing dedication to cyber security and boost their security posture.

The OSIT team presented APD with a tailored Essential Eight implementation strategy that will serve as a stepping stone for each pillar and set up the controls to achieve a maturity level. Every internal process and tool at APD was carefully inspected and paired with the right OSIT security product to ensure they met the Essential Eight standards.

The Results

Essential Eight Compliant and improved security posture

By achieving Essential Eight compliance in conjunction with their existing cybersecurity services provided by OSIT, APD has significantly enhanced their security posture and minimised operational risks. This implementation has considerably fortified the safety of their data, personnel, services, and clients against the repercussions of cyber-related incidents.

Their teams now function within an IT infrastructure that is both more secure and efficient. Additionally, this has bolstered their reputation as a reliable organisation for both vendors and clients.

At present, OSIT is actively monitoring their systems to ensure they maintain continuous compliance with Essential Eight strategy across all maturity levels.