What is Cyber Security Framework compliance?

The Cyber Security Framework is a set of eight cybersecurity mitigation strategies developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). It is the Australian government recommended baseline for protecting organisations against common cyber threats including ransomware, phishing, and unauthorised access.

How much does Cyber Security Framework compliance cost for small business?

Traditional consultant assessments cost $5,000 to $15,000. CyberSmart360 provides the same assessment, AI-powered analysis, and remediation planning from $49 per month AUD.

Do I need an IT expert to assess Cyber Security Framework compliance?

No. CyberSmart360 translates every Cyber Security Framework control into plain language with industry-specific examples. If you can describe how your business uses technology, you can complete the assessment.

Is Cyber Security Framework compliance mandatory in Australia?

Cyber Security Framework compliance is mandatory for Australian government entities. For private businesses, it is increasingly required for government contracts, cyber insurance applications, and supply chain due diligence.

How long does a Cyber Security Framework assessment take?

Most small businesses complete their first CyberSmart360 assessment in under 2 hours. The assessment auto-saves every 30 seconds, so you can stop and resume at any time.

Essential Eight Compliance Without the $15,000 Consultant

CyberSmart360 is Australia’s first self-service cybersecurity compliance platform. Assess your business against the ACSC Essential Eight framework or ACSC Security Principles, get a plain-language action plan, and produce audit-ready reports — all for $49/month.

Built for Australian small businesses. No cybersecurity expertise required.

Complete your first assessment in under 2 hours

See how it works →

Australian data residency · No credit card required

Written for Your Industry, Not for an IT Department

The Essential Eight framework was designed for government agencies and large enterprises. The language reflects that — technical, dense, and full of assumptions about dedicated IT security teams.

CyberSmart360 translates every control into plain language tailored to your specific industry. When you run an assessment, the questions, examples, and practical tips are written for the way your business actually works — not the way a government department works.

What the Essential Eight framework says: “User application hardening — web browsers are configured to block or disable support for Flash content, web advertisements, and Java from the internet.”
What CyberSmart360 asks a plumbing business: “Do your office computers block pop-up ads and prevent old browser plugins like Flash and Java from running? For example, when your apprentice is on the workshop PC looking up parts, could a dodgy pop-up install something?”
What CyberSmart360 asks an accounting firm: “Are your team’s browsers configured to block ads and disable outdated plugins? For instance, when staff access client portals or ATO online services, are they protected from malicious browser content?”
What CyberSmart360 asks a GP practice: “Are the browsers on your practice computers set to block pop-ups, ads, and old plugins like Java? Think about when reception staff access My Health Record or process Medicare claims online — are those sessions protected?”

How It Works:

Industry-specific language. We don’t just simplify the jargon — we rewrite each control using the terminology, tools, and scenarios your industry deals with every day. A plumber gets plumbing examples. An accountant gets accounting examples.
Real-world analogies. Each control comes with a relatable analogy that connects the cybersecurity concept to something your team already understands. “Application control” becomes “only approved tools on the work truck” for a tradie, or “only authorised software on the practice network” for a GP.
Practical tips you can act on. Every control includes actionable tips written for your business size and industry. Not enterprise-grade recommendations that require a six-figure budget — practical steps you can take this week.

Essential Eight Compliance Shouldn’t Cost More Than Your car

Australian small businesses face a growing problem. Government contracts require Essential Eight compliance. Cyber insurers want evidence of Essential Eight controls before issuing or renewing your policy. And the penalties for getting it wrong — an average of $46,000 per incident — keep climbing

Consultants charge $5,000–$15,000 for a single Essential Eight assessment. That’s a quarter of some businesses’ annual IT budget — gone in a week.

Frameworks are written in technical language designed for enterprise IT teams. “Application control” and “macro hardening” mean nothing to a builder or accountant.

Waiting weeks for a consultant’s schedule, then more weeks for the report. Meanwhile, your contract deadline or insurance renewal is approaching.

There’s a better way to get compliant — and it starts with doing it yourself.

From Sign-Up to Cybersecurity Framework Remediation Plan in Under 2 Hours

CyberSmart360 walks you through the Essential Eight framework step by step, translating every technical control into plain language your team can understand. Our AI analyses your responses against the Essential Eight maturity model and builds a personalised remediation plan — no jargon, no guesswork.

Answer Guided Questions

Work through our 8-step assessment wizard at your own pace. Every question is written in plain language with industry-specific examples. Auto-saves every 30 seconds — close your laptop and pick up where you left off.

Get Your AI-Powered Analysis

Submit your assessment and receive your compliance score, maturity level, and gap analysis in 60 seconds. No waiting for a consultant to write a report.

Follow Your 12-Month Action Plan

Receive a prioritised remediation roadmap with cost estimates, timeframes, and clear guidance on what you can do yourself versus what needs a professional. Track your progress as you go.

$46,000

Average cost of a cyber incident to Australian small businesses (source: ACSC)

$300M

Annual cost of cybercrime across the Australian SMB sector

96%

Cost reduction compared to traditional consultant assessments

< 2 hours

Time to complete your first Essential Eight assessment

Cybersecurity Framework Compliance Tools — Everything You Need to Get and Stay Compliant

Plain-Language Assessments

Technical controls translated into everyday English. We use industry-specific language so a plumber, accountant, or practice manager all understand exactly what’s being asked.

AI-Powered Remediation Guides

Every gap in your assessment comes with a step-by-step “How-To” guide. Know exactly what to fix, in what order, whether you can do it yourself, and roughly what it’ll cost.

Audit-Ready Reports

Generate professional PDF compliance reports in under 30 seconds. Suitable for government contract submissions, cyber insurance applications, and internal board reporting.

Progress Tracking

Track your compliance score over time. See which remediation tasks are done, which are in progress, and where your biggest risks remain. Weekly email summaries keep you on track.

Explore all features →

Stop Guessing. Start Getting Compliant.

Join the Australian small businesses using CyberSmart360 to take control of their cybersecurity compliance. Your first assessment is free for 7 days — no credit card, no commitment.