ASD Essentials for Cloud: Practical Security Checks for Australian SMEs

Australian businesses are increasingly dependent on software-as-a-service and platform-as-a-service systems. That makes cloud security a business responsibility as well as a provider responsibility.

What ASD Essentials for cloud changes

The Australian Signals Directorate has introduced an Essentials series that expands on the familiar Essential Eight approach. The cloud chapter is designed for organisations that consume technology as SaaS and PaaS, where the provider operates much of the infrastructure but the customer still controls important decisions about identity, data, configuration, applications, integrations and supplier assurance.

Seven practical checks for an SME

1. Map critical cloud services. List email, finance, CRM, file storage, websites, customer portals and operational platforms.
2. Review identity. Use strong MFA, separate administrator accounts, prompt offboarding and tested recovery methods.
3. Classify data. Record what each service stores, where it is processed and who can access it.
4. Check configuration. Review sharing, external access, logging, backups, retention and default settings.
5. Control integrations. Keep a register of APIs, connectors, browser extensions and automation accounts, with only the permissions each task needs.
6. Assess the provider. Understand security commitments, incident notification, data location, subcontractors and what remains your responsibility.
7. Test recovery. Confirm that the business can restore important information, switch to a fallback process and revoke access if a service or account is compromised.

Start with one workflow

Choose one business-critical workflow this week, such as invoicing or customer records. Document its owner, data, access, integrations, backup and recovery steps. Fix the highest-risk gap first, then repeat the exercise for the next workflow.

Cloud security is not a one-off settings review. It is a practical operating habit that helps Australian SMEs keep control of their information and business continuity as services change.

Sources

• ASD Essentials for cloud
• ASD: evolving cyber security resilience
• Cyber.gov.au: using AI securely in business