Why Maturity Level 1 Falls Short in 2025

Here’s why sticking to Maturity Level 1 leaves you exposed:

1. It’s Based on Opportunistic Threats

Level 1 assumes attacks are broad and unfocused. But today’s ransomware actors are doing their homework—targeting specific industries, scanning for known vulnerabilities, and exploiting supply chain weaknesses.

2. It Won’t Satisfy Regulatory Expectations

With new legislation like the Ransomware Reporting Rules now in force, boards and business leaders are more accountable than ever. Authorities are expecting proactive cyber risk management—not a checkbox approach.

3. It Doesn’t Cover Complex Environments

Cloud platforms, hybrid work, BYOD policies—modern business tech stacks are complex. Maturity Level 1 controls simply don’t account for the layered threats these environments face.

Why Maturity Level 2 Is the New Minimum

At Ex-tech Solutions, we recommend all businesses aim for Maturity Level 2 as their new baseline for Essential 8 compliance.

Here’s why:

• It addresses targeted threats, not just opportunistic ones
• It enforces stricter controls like multi-factor authentication, application control, and timely patching
• It aligns with rising cyber insurance expectations
• It future-proofs your IT environment as threat actors evolve

Your Roadmap to Better Essential 8 Compliance

Improving your maturity level doesn’t need to be expensive or disruptive. Our team at Ex-tech Solutions takes a risk-based, staged approach tailored to your business size, industry, and operational needs.

We help you:

• Run a full Essential 8 gap assessment
• Prioritise improvements based on risk exposure
• Align your IT systems with ACSC recommendations
• Embed compliance into everyday workflows

Even small steps—like removing admin privileges or enforcing MFA—can dramatically reduce your attack surface.

Don’t Just Comply—Secure Your Business

Compliance isn’t the end goal. Cyber resilience is.

Maturity Level 1 might check a box, but it won’t stop a breach. By aiming higher, you protect your business, your clients, and your future.

📩 Ready to level up your Essential 8 compliance?
Book a free consultation with our team of cybersecurity specialists.

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Related Reading

• Ransomware Payment Reporting Rules: What You Need to Know

• ACSC Essential 8 Framework Overview