Essential Eight MF-ML2.9Cyber security events are analysed to identify incidents timely
Official control statement
Cybersecurity events are analysed in a timely manner to identify cybersecurity incidents.
Quoted as published. Everything else on this page is written by Control Stack.
In plain English
Timely analyse cyber security events to identify incidents quickly.
What this means in practice
This control is about quickly looking at suspicious online activities to find any problems or attacks. By doing this quickly, you can stop bad things like hackers stealing data or damaging systems before they cause too much harm.
Framework
ASD Essential Eight
Control effect (Control Stack)
Detective
E8 mitigation strategy
Multi-factor authentication
Classifications
N/A
Official last update
N/A
Control Stack last updated
29 Sept 2026
E8 maturity levels
ML2
Why it matters
Delayed analysis of cyber security events can miss incidents, prolong attacker access, and increase data loss, system damage and recovery costs.
Operational notes
Monitor logs continuously and triage alerts within defined SLAs; correlate events and escalate suspected incidents promptly for investigation.
Implementation tips
- IT Team: Set up systems to automatically collect logs from all your internet-facing servers. Use software that can track activity like login attempts and data access.
- Security Officer: Regularly check these logs to spot unusual patterns, like repeated failed login attempts or accessing data at odd hours. Use software that highlights suspicious activity.
- System Administrator: Ensure that log files are protected. Set permissions so that only authorised personnel can view or change them to prevent tampering.
- IT Team: Use alerts to notify the security team immediately when potential incidents are detected. This could involve setting thresholds for certain activities that, when exceeded, trigger an alert.
Audit / evidence tips
- AskHow are logs from internet-facing servers collected and managed?
- Look atExamine system configurations and logging setups on servers
- GoodLogs are automatically collected, securely stored, and reviewed regularly for signs of incidents
- AskHow quickly are cyber security events analysed?
- Look atReview the timeline of recent incidents to see analysis times
- GoodThe organisation analyses events within hours of occurrence and has evidence of timely identification of incidents
- AskWhat measures are in place to protect log integrity?
- Look atCheck access control settings and audit trails for log files
- GoodLog files have restricted access and any changes are logged and monitored
Cross-framework mappings
How E8-MF-ML2.9 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ISO 27001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
sync_altPartially overlaps(3)expand_less | ||
| Annex A 5.7 | Annex A 5.7 requires organisations to collect and analyse information about information security threats to produce actionable threat int... | |
| Annex A 5.25 | E8-MF-ML2.9 requires cyber security events to be analysed in a timely manner to identify cyber security incidents | |
| Annex A 8.16 | E8-MF-ML2.9 requires cyber security events to be analysed in a timely manner to identify incidents | |
handshakeSupports(1)expand_less | ||
| Annex A 8.15 | E8-MF-ML2.9 requires cyber security events to be analysed in a timely manner to identify incidents | |
ISO 42001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
sync_altPartially overlaps(1)expand_less | ||
| Annex A 6.2.6 | Annex A 6.2.6 requires documented processes for ongoing operation of an AI system, including system/performance monitoring and support | |
ASD ISM
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
equalEquivalent(1)expand_less | ||
| ISM-1228 | E8-MF-ML2.9 requires cyber security events to be analysed in a timely manner to identify cyber security incidents | |
layersPartially meets(5)expand_less | ||
| ISM-1907 | E8-MF-ML2.9 requires timely analysis of cyber security events to identify incidents | |
| ISM-1960 | E8-MF-ML2.9 requires timely analysis of cybersecurity events to identify incidents | |
| ISM-1961 | E8-MF-ML2.9 requires cyber security events to be analysed promptly to identify incidents | |
| ISM-1986 | E8-MF-ML2.9 requires timely analysis of cyber security events to identify incidents | |
| ISM-1987 | E8-MF-ML2.9 requires timely analysis of cyber security events to identify incidents | |
extensionDepends on(4)expand_less | ||
| ISM-1213 | ISM-1213 requires enhanced post-remediation monitoring until there is evidence-based confidence the adversary has been eradicated and has... | |
| ISM-1526 | ISM-1526 requires system owners to continuously monitor each system's security and manage associated threats, risks and controls within d... | |
| ISM-1536 | ISM-1536 requires central logging of all software database queries and the resulting crash or error messages | |
| ISM-1906 | E8-MF-ML2.9 requires timely analysis of cyber security events to identify incidents | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.
Related Essential 8 controls in Multi-factor authentication
See all Multi-factor authentication controls, or browse the full ASD Essential Eight library.