What Every Business Needs to Know About DISP, Essential Eight, and ISO 27001

Whether you're chasing a defence contract, working with government, or just trying to protect your business from cyber threats, understanding the key compliance frameworks is no longer optional, it's essential.

For many small and medium businesses, the challenge isn’t a lack of intent, it’s knowing where to start. Three common frameworks come up again and again: DISP, Essential Eight, and ISO 27001. Each plays a different role, and getting your head around them can mean the difference between winning a contract and missing out.

Here’s what every business needs to know.

ISO 27001: The Global Gold Standard for Information Security

An international framework that helps you establish, implement, and maintain an effective information security management system (ISMS).

Why is ISO2001 Important?

• Recognised globally, especially in B2B and enterprise environments

• Shows that you take data protection and risk seriously

• Often a prerequisite for working with large corporates or entering new markets

ISO 27001 is about building trust at scale. It’s comprehensive and ideal for businesses looking to grow confidently and credibly.

Essential Eight: The Australian Cybersecurity Baseline

A set of eight baseline strategies from the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) to help mitigate cyber threats.

Why are the Essential 8 Important?

• Designed specifically for Australian organisations

• Practical and scalable for SMEs

• Increasingly required for any business in a government or critical infrastructure supply chain

Essential Eight is a must-have foundation for cyber hygiene. If you’re not doing it, you’re exposed.

DISP: Defence Industry Security Program

A framework from the Australian Department of Defence that ensures suppliers meet strict security and governance standards.

Why is DISP Important?

• Required for businesses working with Defence or Defence contractors in Australia

• Covers cyber security, personnel vetting, physical security, and governance

• As of 2024, requires uplift from Top 4 to Essential Eight maturity

Key takeaway: DISP is your ticket to the Defence supply chain and demonstrates high operational maturity across the board.

So… Which One Do You Need?

Framework	Who It's For	Focus Area
ISO 27001	Global businesses, tech companies	Information security management
Essential Eight	Any Australian business, especially in regulated or high-risk industries	Cyber threat mitigation
DISP	Defence contractors and suppliers	Holistic security for Defence work

How ORCA Opti Helps You Get There Faster and Keeps You There!

Understanding these frameworks is one thing, implementing and maintaining them is another. ORCA Opti simplifies the journey by:

• Mapping your policies and procedures to each standard

• Identifying gaps and giving you a step-by-step action plan

• Automating documentation, updates, and evidence collection

• Offering expert advice through AI co-pilots and real human consultants

Whether you're just getting started or need help staying compliant as you grow, ORCA Opti brings clarity, speed, and support.

Want to know where your business stands today?

Send us a message! hello@orcaopti.ai