Essential 8 & SMB1001 Specialists
Australian Frameworks
ISO 27001 Certified
We Walk the Talk
12-Month Structured Engagement
Guidance At Your Pace
Brisbane-Based Security Advisors
Local Team, Local Expertise
Stop Guessing About Your Cybersecurity Priorities
Get strategic guidance from experienced cybersecurity specialists who guide you month-by-month through proven frameworks like Essential Eight and SMB1001.
The Cyber Concierge Program gives you what you really need: ongoing access to a cybersecurity advisor who helps you build genuine security maturity at your own pace.
The Problem: Every Decision Feels Like a Guess
You know you should improve your cybersecurity. That’s not the question.
The real challenge is knowing what to prioritise. Should you spend on the firewall upgrade first? Invest in user training? Finally act on that audit report that’s been sitting on your shelf for months?
Without an in-house cybersecurity expert, every security decision feels like a gamble. You’re piecing together advice from various sources—your IT provider (who might not specialise in security strategy), vendors (who are naturally selling their solutions), and compliance frameworks (which tell you what to do but not where to start or how to sequence it).
Meanwhile, the pressure builds. Clients are asking if you’re Essential Eight compliant. Insurance renewals depend on demonstrating security maturity. Tender responses require certification evidence. Your board wants assurance that you’re managing cyber risk appropriately.
You need someone who can cut through the complexity and guide you through systematic improvement—not someone trying to sell you the next security product, but a genuine advisor helping you make confident decisions month after month.
That’s exactly what the Cyber Concierge Program provides.
What Is the Cyber Concierge Program?
Think of it as having a cybersecurity advisor on your team—except without the six-figure salary, recruitment hassle, or risk of them leaving just when you need them most.
The Cyber Concierge Program is a structured initial 12-month engagement where our cybersecurity specialists guide you through a cybersecurity program especially tailored for your business using relevant proven security frameworks — specifically Essential Eight and SMB1001. These aren’t arbitrary standards; they’re Australian Government-endorsed frameworks that provide clear, achievable pathways to meaningfully better security, implemented at a pace that suits your budget and capacity for change.
This isn’t a one-off audit that produces a report destined for your filing cabinet. It’s ongoing strategic guidance delivered through monthly advisory meetings, with continuous progress tracking, control verification, and evidence collection. You work at a pace that suits your business, with expert oversight ensuring you’re building real security maturity rather than just ticking boxes.
We meet with you every month to review what’s been achieved, discuss what’s next, solve problems that have emerged, and plan priorities for the coming month. Between meetings, we’re available to answer questions, verify implementations, and provide guidance as needed.
By the end of your initial program, you’ll have measurably improved security, documented evidence for audits and compliance requirements, and—crucially—the strategic understanding to maintain and build on your progress. Ongoing engagement options are available from there.
What's Included in Your Monthly Investment
Monthly Advisory Meetings
Regular 60-90 minute sessions with our cybersecurity specialists to review progress, discuss challenges, and plan priorities. These aren’t status update meetings—they’re working sessions where we provide strategic guidance on the decisions you’re facing.
Cyber Maturity Tracking & Reporting
Clear visibility into your security posture with ongoing tracking against Essential Eight or SMB1001 frameworks. You’ll receive regular reports showing exactly where you stand, what’s improved, and what’s still in progress. No ambiguity, no guessing.
Framework Control Verification
As you implement security controls—whether through us, your IT provider, or internal resources—we verify they meet framework requirements. This ensures you’re not just doing something, you’re doing it to the standard required for compliance.
Audit Evidence Collection
We systematically collect and organise the documentation you’ll need to demonstrate compliance. When it’s time for formal audits, insurance assessments, or client security reviews, you’ll have organised evidence ready rather than scrambling to piece it together.
Remediation Scoping & Oversight
When gaps are identified, we help you understand what’s actually required to close them. We scope the work appropriately (avoiding both under-specification and gold-plating), recommend approaches, and oversee implementation to ensure it meets the standard.
Unlimited Email & Phone Guidance
Between monthly meetings, you have direct access to your advisor for questions, quick guidance, or discussion of emerging issues. This isn’t a helpdesk ticketing system—it’s genuine advisory access.
12-Month Minimum Engagement
The initial program is 12 months because genuine security maturity can’t be built in a few weeks. However, the pace of improvement is entirely set by your business. We work within your budget constraints and capacity for change.
How the Program Works: Your 12-Month Journey
Month 1: Foundation & Assessment
We begin with a comprehensive assessment of your current security posture, reviewing existing controls and identifying framework gaps. Together, we determine whether Essential Eight or SMB1001 is the more appropriate framework for your situation. We build your 12-month roadmap—not a rigid plan, but a flexible guide that will evolve as we learn more about your environment and constraints.
Months 2-4: Priority Foundations
We focus on the highest-priority gaps first—typically foundational controls that provide the most security value and enable other improvements. This might include password policies, multi-factor authentication deployment, patch management processes, or backup verification. We guide implementation, verify controls are working correctly, and begin collecting compliance evidence.
Months 5-8: Systematic Improvement
With foundations in place, we work through the remaining framework controls systematically. This is where the monthly rhythm really delivers value—each meeting reviews what's been completed, discusses any challenges, and plans the next incremental improvements. Progress becomes visible and momentum builds.
Months 9-11: Refinement & Documentation
Month 12: Certification Readiness & Forward Planning
By month 12, you're in a strong position for formal certification (if pursuing SMB1001) or can confidently assert Essential Eight maturity. We help you prepare for external audits if required, document your security posture for stakeholders, and discuss options for maintaining momentum beyond the initial engagement.
Who the Cyber Concierge Program Is For
It's perfect for:
Businesses with compliance requirements but no in-house security expertise
You’re facing Essential Eight, SMB1001, or client-mandated security requirements but don’t have the internal capability to navigate them confidently.
Organisations who've had an audit and need implementation guidance
You’ve paid for an Essential Eight audit or security assessment, received the report, and now need help actually closing the gaps in a sensible order.
Leadership teams who want strategic visibility
Your board or senior management wants regular reporting on cyber maturity improvements, not just assurances that “IT is handling it.”
Businesses preparing for growth
You’re planning expansion, pursuing larger clients, or seeking investment—all of which require demonstrable security maturity.
Companies facing insurance challenges
Your cyber insurance premiums are climbing, or coverage is conditional on demonstrating specific security controls.
IT teams who need security expertise
Your IT provider is capable with infrastructure and support, but security strategy and compliance frameworks aren’t their core expertise.
It's not right for:
Businesses wanting a one-off audit report
If you’re looking for a point-in-time assessment without ongoing guidance, our standalone Essential Eight Audit service is more appropriate.
Organisations expecting instant transformation
Genuine security maturity takes time. If you need to demonstrate compliance next month, we should discuss accelerated options rather than this program.
Companies unwilling to invest in implementation
The program provides guidance and oversight, but actual implementation (whether through us, your IT provider, or internal resources) requires investment beyond the advisory fee.
What Makes This Different
vs A One-Off Security Audit
An audit identifies gaps. The Cyber Concierge Program guides you through closing them—month by month, with expert oversight ensuring you’re building real security maturity rather than just checking boxes.
An audit delivers a report. The Cyber Concierge Program delivers ongoing partnership—we’re there every month to answer questions, verify progress, and help you make informed decisions.
An audit is a point in time. The Cyber Concierge Program is continuous improvement with regular progress tracking and evidence collection.
vs. Your IT Support Provider
IT support—including ours—focuses on operational excellence. The Cyber Concierge Program provides the strategic layer above implementation—helping you determine which solutions you actually need and in what order.
IT support keeps systems running day to day. The Cyber Concierge Program proactively guides you through structured improvement, anticipating what’s needed next.
IT support teams are typically focused on operational reliability. The Cyber Concierge Program is delivered by ISO 27001 certified specialists focused specifically on cybersecurity frameworks.
Already a Grassroots IT managed client? This applies even when we’re your IT provider. Your managed IT service keeps things running safely day to day—that’s your operational security foundation. Cyber Concierge adds a strategic advisory layer on top: helping you build measurable maturity against recognised frameworks at a pace that suits your budget and capacity. Monthly progress reports mean you always know where you stand.
Think of it this way: Managed IT keeps the lights on securely. Cyber Concierge builds strategic security maturity.
vs. Hiring a Security Manager
A security manager costs $120K-180K+ annually plus recruitment, onboarding, ongoing development, and leave coverage. The Cyber Concierge Program delivers strategic guidance at a fraction of the cost.
A security manager might lack specific framework expertise. Our specialists guide clients through Essential Eight and SMB1001 regularly—it’s our core focus.
A security manager could leave. The Cyber Concierge Program provides continuity and institutional knowledge maintained by our team.
vs. Security Consulting Projects
Consulting projects have defined scope and end dates. The Cyber Concierge Program provides ongoing partnership that adapts as your needs evolve.
Consulting projects bill hourly. The Cyber Concierge Program provides fixed monthly investment with unlimited guidance within scope.
Consulting projects typically lack implementation oversight. The Cyber Concierge Program stays with you through implementation, verifying controls and collecting evidence.
The Outcomes You Can Expect
Measurably Improved Security Posture
At the end of the initial program, you’ll have documented progress through Essential Eight or SMB1001 frameworks, with verified controls and evidence of compliance. This isn’t just perception—it’s measurable improvement that can be demonstrated to auditors, insurers, and clients.
Strategic Understanding, Not Just Compliance
Your leadership team will understand why certain controls matter, what risks they’re addressing, and how to maintain your security posture going forward. This knowledge endures beyond the program.
Audit & Certification Readiness
Systematically collected evidence means you’re prepared for formal audits, insurance assessments, or client security reviews. No scrambling to piece together documentation—it’s been organised progressively.
Confident Decision Making
When the next security question emerges, you’ll have the context and understanding to evaluate it properly. The program builds capability, not dependency.
Reduced Insurance Premiums
Many businesses see cyber insurance premium reductions after demonstrating improved security maturity through Essential Eight or SMB1001 compliance.
Competitive Advantage in Tenders
Tender responses that can cite Essential Eight maturity levels or SMB1001 certification carry significantly more weight than vague assurances about “taking security seriously.”
Clear Technology Investment Roadmap
You’ll have a documented roadmap of what needs investment and when, allowing you to plan cybersecurity spending strategically rather than reactively.
Peace of Mind for Leadership
Your board, senior management, or business owners will have regular, meaningful reporting on cyber maturity rather than just hoping security is handled appropriately.
Investment & Commitment
Monthly Investment
The Cyber Concierge Program operates on a fixed monthly fee that covers all advisory services, tracking, verification, and guidance included in the program.
What’s Included in the Monthly Fee:
- Monthly advisory meetings (typically 60-90 minutes)
- Cyber maturity tracking and reporting
- Framework control verification
- Audit evidence collection and organisation
- Remediation scoping and oversight
- Unlimited email and phone guidance between meetings
- Progress documentation and reporting
What’s Additional:
- Actual implementation work (whether performed by us, your IT provider, or internal resources)
- Technology purchases (firewalls, security software, etc.)
- External audit fees (if pursuing formal certification)
- Staff security awareness training (available separately through our Learning Essentials program)
12-Month Minimum Engagement
The initial program is 12 months. This isn’t arbitrary—genuine security maturity simply cannot be built in a few weeks. However, the pace of improvement is entirely flexible and set by your business constraints and capacity for change.
Flexible Beyond 12 Months
Many businesses continue beyond the initial program with:
- Ongoing monthly engagement for businesses with evolving compliance requirements
- Quarterly check-ins to maintain momentum and address emerging needs
- Annual reviews for mature businesses wanting periodic validation
Get Specific Pricing
Program investment varies based on your organisation’s size, current maturity level, and chosen framework. Book a consultation to discuss your specific situation and receive transparent pricing.
Getting Started
Step 1: Book Your Consultation
We begin with a no-obligation consultation to understand your current situation, compliance requirements, and security maturity goals. This typically takes 45-60 minutes and can be conducted in person (if you're in Brisbane) or via video conference.
Step 2: Receive Your Proposal
Based on our discussion, we'll provide a clear proposal outlining the program structure, investment, and expected outcomes specific to your situation.
Step 3: Initial Assessment
Once engaged, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of your current security posture and build your 12-month roadmap together.
Step 4: Monthly Advisory Begins
Your first advisory meeting sets priorities and launches your systematic improvement journey.
Next Steps
Ready to Stop Guessing About Security Priorities?
Book a Cyber Concierge consultation to discuss your specific situation. We’ll review your current security posture, discuss your compliance requirements, and explore whether the program is right for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to be a Managed IT Support client to access the Cyber Concierge Program?
No. The Cyber Concierge Program works alongside your existing IT arrangements, whether you’re our managed client, work with another provider, or have internal IT resources. If you are already a Grassroots IT managed client, Cyber Concierge adds dedicated strategic security advisory on top of your existing operational IT support—it’s designed to complement, not duplicate, what you’re already receiving.
What if we don't know whether Essential Eight or SMB1001 is right for us?
That’s exactly the kind of decision we help you make in the initial assessment. We’ll review your industry, compliance requirements, current maturity, and goals to recommend the most appropriate framework.
Can you implement the required security controls for us?
Yes, we can implement controls as part of the program or separately. Alternatively, your existing IT provider can implement while we provide strategic oversight and verification. We’re flexible based on what works best for your situation.
What happens after the initial 12 months?
Most businesses continue in some capacity—either ongoing monthly engagement, quarterly check-ins, or annual reviews. However, there’s no automatic renewal. We’ll discuss options as you approach month 12 based on your needs at that time.
How much time do we need to commit?
Beyond the monthly advisory meeting (60-90 minutes), your time commitment depends on your pace of implementation. Some businesses tackle improvements aggressively, others prefer slower steady progress. The program adapts to your capacity.
What if we're already partway through Essential Eight improvements?
Perfect. We assess where you currently stand, verify existing controls meet requirements, identify remaining gaps, and guide you through completion. You don’t start from zero.
Do you provide the monthly reports to our board?
Yes. We provide clear progress reports suitable for board presentation, showing maturity improvements, completed controls, and planned next steps. Many clients use these reports directly in board packs.
Can we pause the program if circumstances change?
The initial 12 months is a continuous engagement, but we can adjust the pace of improvement if business circumstances require slowing down. The monthly advisory continues to maintain momentum and visibility.
What credentials do your Cyber Concierge advisors hold?
Our advisors are ISO 27001 certified practitioners with extensive experience in Essential Eight and SMB1001 implementations. We practice what we preach—our own information security management is certified to ISO 27001.
