Aged care providers are increasingly dependent on digital systems — clinical care platforms, medication management systems, resident records, rostering tools, billing systems, and cloud-based email. At the same time, the sector is under growing regulator

Cyber Security for Aged Care: Mapping the Essential Eight the Right Way Aged care providers are increasingly dependent on digital systems — clinical care platforms, medication management systems, resident records, rostering tools, billing systems, and cloud-based email. At the same time, the sector is under growing regulatory scrutiny and remains a prime target for cyber attacks. Implementing cyber security in aged care is not just an IT exercise. It is about protecting vulnerable residents, maintaining continuity of care, and demonstrating governance and accountability. One of the most effective frameworks for aged care cyber uplift is the Essential Eight, published by the Australian Cyber Security Centre. However, applying it in aged care requires careful mapping to clinical and operational realities. Why Aged Care Is a High-Risk Sector Aged care providers face a unique combination of risks: · Highly sensitive personal and health information · 24/7 operational environments where downtime affects resident safety · Legacy clinical and medical systems that cannot be easily patched · Heavy reliance on third-party vendors and cloud platforms · Limited tolerance for system outages or aggressive security controls Ransomware, phishing, unauthorised access to resident records, and third-party breaches are now common threats in the sector. Essential Eight: Not a One-Size-Fits-All Model The Essential Eight is designed to reduce the likelihood and impact of cyber incidents. But in aged care, controls must be mapped carefully to avoid disrupting care delivery. The goal is not to “tick off” controls — it is to reduce risk while keeping clinical services safe and available. Below are the key considerations when mapping each Essential Eight strategy in an aged care environment. 1. Application Control Aged care providers often use specialised clinical software that cannot be easily restricted or whitelisted. Key considerations: · Identify critical clinical and care delivery applications · Avoid blanket application blocking that could disrupt care · Apply stronger controls to non-clinical endpoints first · Ensure vendor-supported applications are prioritised Application control should be risk-based, focusing on preventing unauthorised software while protecting clinical operations. 2. Patch Applications Patching is essential — but many aged care systems rely on vendor-managed or legacy platforms. What matters most: · Maintain an accurate inventory of applications · Understand which systems are vendor-patched and which are not · Apply patches promptly to internet-facing systems · Document patch exceptions with clear risk acceptance Unpatched systems should be known, monitored, and risk-managed, not ignored. 3. Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings Email-based attacks are one of the most common entry points in aged care. Good practice includes: · Blocking macros from the internet by default · Allowing macros only where there is a documented business need · Training staff to recognise suspicious attachments This control significantly reduces phishing-related malware risks with minimal operational impact. 4. User Application Hardening Hardening browsers and PDF readers helps prevent malicious content from executing. In aged care environments: · Disable unnecessary features such as Flash and ads · Focus on staff-facing systems rather than clinical devices first · Test changes before wide rollout to avoid usability issues Small configuration changes can deliver large risk reduction. 5. Restrict Administrative Privileges Over-privileged accounts increase the blast radius of an attack. Aged care providers should: · Separate administrative and standard user accounts · Limit admin access on clinical systems to essential personnel · Regularly review and remove unnecessary privileges This is a governance control as much as a technical one. 6. Patch Operating Systems Operating system patching must balance security and system stability. Best practice includes: · Prioritising workstations, laptops, and internet-facing servers · Scheduling patches around care delivery requirements · Documenting exceptions for medical or legacy systems Clear visibility is more important than perfection. 7. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) MFA is one of the most effective Essential Eight controls, but it must be implemented thoughtfully. In aged care: · Prioritise MFA for email, remote access, and cloud systems · Use user-friendly MFA methods to avoid staff frustration · Exclude shared clinical devices only where justified and documented MFA dramatically reduces the risk of account compromise. 8. Regular Backups Backups are critical for ransomware resilience and continuity of care. Aged care providers must ensure: · Resident and clinical data is backed up regularly · Backups are protected from unauthorised access · Restoration is tested, not assumed A backup that cannot be restored is not a backup. Governance and Board Oversight Are Essential Mapping the Essential Eight is not complete without governance. Boards and executive teams should receive clear visibility on: · Current Essential Eight maturity · Key cyber risks affecting resident care · Accepted risks and documented exceptions · Remediation priorities and timelines Cyber security is now a care quality and safety issue, not just a technical one. Essential Eight Supports Aged Care Compliance While not mandatory, Essential Eight alignment supports: · Better protection of personal and health information · Stronger incident preparedness · Defensible cyber risk management · Improved confidence with regulators, residents, and families It provides a common language for discussing cyber risk at board and executive level. ---------------------- How We Help Aged Care Providers At Cyber Audit Solutions, we help aged care organisations: · Map Essential Eight controls to clinical environments · Identify realistic maturity targets · Manage legacy and vendor-managed systems · Develop clear governance and reporting · Improve cyber resilience without disrupting care Our approach is practical, risk-based, and aligned to aged care realities. If your organisation wants to understand how Essential Eight applies to your aged care environment, contact us for a confidential discussion.