Genetec meets Australian Essential Eight cybersecurity standards

Genetec, a global provider of enterprise physical security software, has announced that it has been assessed to align with the Australian Cyber Security Centre's (ACSC) Essential Eight cybersecurity framework.

The assessment and verification were conducted by Australian cybersecurity consultancy CyberCX.

The ACSC's Essential Eight framework outlines a set of mitigation strategies developed in partnership with the Australian Government. It is designed to provide organisations with practical guidance to reduce the risk of cyberattacks. The framework sets out eight baseline strategies intended to prevent malware delivery and execution, limit the extent of cybersecurity incidents, and recover data and system availability in the event of an attack.

These strategies include application control, patching of applications and operating systems, restriction of administrative privileges, multi-factor authentication, and regular backups, among others. Adopting and implementing these controls helps organisations to reduce their exposure to cyber threats and improve overall IT system security.

Genetec's successful alignment with the framework was confirmed through an Essential Eight Maturity Assessment. This evaluation demonstrates how the company protects sensitive information and integrates cybersecurity controls into its operations. According to Genetec, this achievement further strengthens its credibility as a provider of advanced physical security solutions to Australian government agencies, private enterprises, and critical infrastructure operators.

"Today, every organisation's risk and compliance strategy must integrate advanced cybersecurity measures where both IT departments and the C-suite are confident in their providers' physical security posture," said George Moawad, Country Manager for Oceania, Genetec Inc.

"The technology that underpins this stance is paramount and must match and/or exceed policy mandates," he added.

Moawad noted that meeting the requirements of the Essential Eight allows Genetec customers to have increased assurance in the company's approach to cybersecurity and compliance.

"Essential Eight alignment means that our customers can now be even more confident in the cybersecurity posture of Genetec," he said.

"However, just as the Essential Eight continues to evolve, so must preventative measures. By implementing controls such as those detailed in the Essential Eight, enterprises and government organisations can reduce the likelihood of falling victim to an attack."

Genetec also emphasised its commitment to supporting Australian customers through its local presence and regulatory compliance.

"Genetec is committed to supporting Australian customers through its nationwide team, network of accredited channel partners, adherence to regulatory standards, and collaboration with Australian government agencies," the company stated.

This achievement comes as Australian public- and private-sector organisations face growing pressure to ensure the resilience of their systems and services in the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. By demonstrating alignment with the Essential Eight, Genetec offers assurance to its clients that its physical security products are underpinned by a robust cybersecurity posture.

The company's portfolio includes video management systems, access control solutions, and automatic licence plate recognition (ALPR) technology.

These systems are built on open architecture and are designed with cybersecurity considerations from the outset. Genetec also provides intrusion detection, intercom systems, and digital evidence management solutions, supporting a broad range of security needs for diverse industries.

With a history spanning more than 25 years, Genetec is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, and operates in more than 159 countries. The company serves over 42,500 customers globally through a wide-reaching network of accredited channel partners and consultants.

While the Essential Eight is not a mandatory requirement for all organisations, it is widely recognised as a benchmark for good cybersecurity practices, particularly for Australian government departments and agencies.

Genetec's alignment with the framework therefore signals a proactive approach in meeting high standards for cybersecurity readiness.

The company's continued collaboration with Australian government agencies and industry partners supports its stated goal of delivering secure, compliant, and effective physical security solutions.