Rapid Essential Eight Compliance Uplift for a Defence SME
Sector: Defence Industry SME | Capability: Essential Eight Compliance & Risk Reduction
Problem
A Defence industry SME was required to achieve Essential Eight (E8) Maturity Level 2 to meet contractual requirements with Defence. However, the company had no clear understanding of its current security posture or how to achieve compliance. Without uplift, the organisation risked being unable to execute Defence contracts, exposing it to operational and financial risk.
Solution
Calexi staff delivered an end-to-end compliance solution, beginning with a rapid assessment and progressing to technical uplift and stakeholder engagement. Key actions included:
- Rapid baseline assessment using a compliance survey and technical review.
- Immediate compliance changes, achieving Maturity Level 3 in Office macros, MFA, and backups, with no operational downtime.
- Broad uplift to Maturity Level 1 across all eight areas within four weeks.
- Draft compliance roadmap, enabling early negotiation with Defence stakeholders on risks, priorities, and timelines.
Results
The program achieved both short-term compliance and long-term assurance:
- Successful DISP membership gained.
- Defence contract executed with confidence in compliance.
- Substantial reduction in cyber risk across the business.
- Audit-ready position established early, with compliance artefacts prepared in advance.
Related Services
Cyber Security
Implementing Essential Eight controls, SOCI and ISM compliance programs, and secure-by-design frameworks for Defence, government, and SME clients.
Systems Administration
Managing secure Windows and Linux environments with patching, endpoint hardening, and continuous monitoring to maintain compliance.
Project Management
Coordinating security uplift projects end-to-end. From assessment through remediation ensuring milestones, budgets, and outcomes stay on track.
Proof Points
✓ 4-week uplift to Maturity Level 1 across all eight areas
✓ Maturity Level 3 achieved in Office macros, MFA, and backups
✓ DISP requirements satisfied within 3 months
✓ Risk reduced from very high to low/medium across all areas
✓ Contract executed with Defence satisfaction
Need to meet Defence compliance fast?
Calexi helps SMEs achieve Essential Eight compliance rapidly, reducing risk and ensuring DISP and contract readiness. Schedule a consultation today.