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A glowing digital shield symbolising Defence assurance stands at the centre, surrounded by four illuminated pillars. Each pillar features an icon representing a DISP domain: governance, physical security, personnel security, and information & cyber security. The image uses blue and teal tones with subtle circuitry patterns to convey trust, structure, and compliance.

DISP & Essential Eight Uplift

Defence compliance shouldn’t break your budget.

We help Defence industry SMEs achieve DISP membership and Essential Eight maturity through practical, cost-effective solutions. Calexi combines deep Defence experience with a risk-based approach that gets you compliant without unnecessary complexity.

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DISP Overview

For small and medium Defence suppliers, meeting the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) and Essential Eight requirements can be daunting. Complex frameworks, limited resources, and evolving security standards often create barriers to entry.

At Calexi, we simplify the process.
Our consultants have worked across Defence, government, and industry, helping Australian SMEs navigate DISP accreditation and achieve Essential Eight Maturity Level 2 or 3 through smart, risk-based uplift activities.

We focus on practical outcomes implementing controls that make sense for your business, align with DISO and the Defence Security Principles Framework (DSPF), and are backed by clear evidence and documentation ready for audit or review.

Chrome padlock embossed with the Southern Cross constellation on a dark navy background, symbolising Australian sovereign security and Defence Industry assurance.

Our Approach

Every organisation’s journey to DISP and Essential Eight compliance is different.
That’s why we tailor our services to meet you where you are whether you’re preparing your first application or strengthening existing accreditation.

Our process includes:

  • Gap Analysis & Risk Assessment – Identify what’s required to meet DISP and Essential Eight standards.
  • Policy & Documentation Support – Develop or refine your governance artefacts, including risk registers, ICT security plans, and control evidence.
  • Configuration & Operational Uplift – Implement practical security hardening and control improvements using affordable, proven technologies.
  • Evidence Collection & Submission Support – Prepare audit-ready artefacts to demonstrate compliance and maturity.
  • Ongoing Compliance Management – Maintain, monitor, and continuously improve your maturity level through managed services or periodic reviews.

Whether project-based or ongoing, our approach adapts to your organisation’s size, budget, and capability maturity.

Why Calexi

Calexi’s Defence heritage sets us apart.
Our team has delivered security uplift programs, accreditation support, and ICT hardening across Defence, CIOG, and critical-infrastructure projects, giving us a first-hand understanding of what DISP and Essential Eight success looks like in practice.

We specialise in:

  • Risk-based remediation that targets the highest-impact improvements first.
  • Cost-effective solutions that maximise existing licences and leverage open-source security tools.
  • Audit-ready documentation that satisfies DISP and DSPF requirements.
  • Human-centred delivery, ensuring your team understands, adopts, and sustains the improvements we implement.

Proven Capability in the Field

We’ve helped multiple Defence SMEs achieve DISP membership and Essential Eight maturity uplift within tight budgets and timeframes.
Our work has improved client security postures, reduced overlapping technologies, and established sustainable, evidence-based compliance processes.

  • cyber lights and padlock as well as a handshake of trust

    ASX Hybrid Cloud

    An ASX-listed critical infrastructure company faced major risks from an aging, non-compliant ICT environment. Calexi staff delivered a hybrid cloud transformation during COVID-19, enabling 100% remote work, achieving E8 compliance in under a month, and ensuring no staff layoffs while strengthening security and scalability.

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  • A glowing digital shield symbolising Defence assurance stands at the centre, surrounded by four illuminated pillars. Each pillar features an icon representing a DISP domain: governance, physical security, personnel security, and information & cyber security. The image uses blue and teal tones with subtle circuitry patterns to convey trust, structure, and compliance.

    DISP – Defence Industry Security Program Uplift

    A Defence SME needed DISP compliance but faced limited resources and low security maturity. Calexi delivered a full uplift within 6 months, achieving Maturity Level 2, Defence approval, and cost savings all while improving security culture and posture.

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  • A glowing digital shield with a central padlock symbol, surrounded by eight evenly spaced turquoise-blue nodes connected in a circular pattern. The background features a dark blue gradient with subtle circuit lines, symbolizing cyber security, Essential Eight compliance, and Defence-level protection.

    SME Essential Eight Compliance

    A Defence industry SME required Essential Eight compliance to execute a Defence contract. Calexi delivered a full uplift in just four weeks, achieving ML1 across all areas, ML3 in key controls, and DISP membership within 3 months — reducing risk from very high to low/medium.

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Get in Touch

Achieving DISP and Essential Eight compliance doesn’t have to be complicated or costly.
Whether you’re applying for membership or need to strengthen your current maturity level, Calexi can help you navigate every step with clarity and confidence.

Contact Us