# Cliffside Cybersecurity — Full Site Reference > ISO 27001 certified cybersecurity consultancy. Assessment-first, vendor-neutral advice for Australian organisations. Cliffside Cybersecurity is a Sydney-based cybersecurity consultancy founded in 2014, delivering assessment-first, risk-driven security services across Australia. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified. Microsoft Partner. Consultants hold OSCP, OSWE, OSCE, OSWP, CREST, and Lead Auditor credentials. Website: https://www.cliffside.com.au --- ## Company Information - **Name**: Cliffside Cybersecurity - **Address**: Level 1, 66 King Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia - **Phone**: +61 2 8916 6389 - **Founded**: 2014 - **Service Area**: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra — Australia-wide delivery - **Certifications**: ISO/IEC 27001:2022, Microsoft Partner - **Penetration Testing Credentials**: OSCP, OSWE, OSCE, OSWP (Offensive Security), CREST CPSA, CREST CRT - **Audit Credentials**: ISO 27001 Lead Auditors since 2008 - **LinkedIn**: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4792947/ - **YouTube**: https://www.youtube.com/@Cliffsidecybersecurity ### Core Principle Brutally honest cybersecurity — assessment-first, risk-driven, vendor-neutral. We tell clients what they actually need, even when it costs us revenue. No upsell culture. Evidence-based methodology. Every engagement starts with an honest evaluation. --- ## Services ### Cybersecurity Consultancy Sydney (Pillar Page) **URL**: https://www.cliffside.com.au/cybersecurity-consultancy-sydney/ Full-service cybersecurity consultancy overview page. Assessment-first security services for Australian organisations across six practice areas: strategy and architecture, compliance and audits, security testing and assurance, cloud security, managed security services, and secure AI and automation. ISO 27001 certified. Practitioner-led. Sydney headquarters, Australia-wide delivery since 2014. Serves financial services, government, energy and critical infrastructure, and professional services sectors. ### Security Testing & Assurance **URL**: https://www.cliffside.com.au/testing-assurance/ Security testing by OSCP, OSWE, OSCE, CREST certified testers. Evidence-based, risk-focused testing for Australian organisations. - [Penetration Testing](https://www.cliffside.com.au/testing-assurance/penetration-testing/): Infrastructure, web application, wireless, and breach simulation testing. OSCP and CREST certified testers. Detailed reporting with evidence and remediation guidance. Process: Reconnaissance, Scoping, Exploitation, Reporting. - [Web Application Testing](https://www.cliffside.com.au/testing-assurance/web-application-testing/): OWASP Top 10 and beyond. Modern application architecture assessment. API security testing. - [Wireless Security Testing](https://www.cliffside.com.au/testing-assurance/wireless-security/): OSWP certified Wi-Fi and RF security assessment. - [Social Engineering Testing](https://www.cliffside.com.au/testing-assurance/social-engineering/): Phishing campaigns, pretexting, and human element security assessment. Measures employee susceptibility. - [Breach Simulation](https://www.cliffside.com.au/testing-assurance/breach-simulation/): Incident response readiness testing. Evaluates detection, containment, and response capabilities. - [Cybersecurity Audit](https://www.cliffside.com.au/testing-assurance/cybersecurity-audit/): Comprehensive cybersecurity audit for Australian organisations. Risk-based assessment, evidence-led findings, and prioritised remediation. ### Strategy & Architecture **URL**: https://www.cliffside.com.au/strategy-architecture/ Strategic security leadership and governance for organisations that need experienced guidance without the cost of a full-time CISO or security team. - [Virtual CISO](https://www.cliffside.com.au/strategy-architecture/virtual-ciso/): Part-time or fractional CISO leadership. Strategic security governance, risk management oversight, and board-level reporting. Best for mid-market organisations, government agencies, and financial institutions. - [Security Governance](https://www.cliffside.com.au/strategy-architecture/security-governance/): Policy development, governance frameworks, compliance programme setup, and board-level oversight structures. - [Security Architecture](https://www.cliffside.com.au/strategy-architecture/security-architecture/): Enterprise security design, Zero Trust architecture, data classification frameworks, and identity and access management design. - [Risk Management](https://www.cliffside.com.au/strategy-architecture/risk-management/): Risk assessment and treatment, risk appetite frameworks, and compliance-aligned risk programmes. - [Security Awareness](https://www.cliffside.com.au/strategy-architecture/security-awareness/): Awareness programme design, phishing simulation via KnowBe4, training curriculum development, and culture measurement. - [Tabletop Exercises](https://www.cliffside.com.au/strategy-architecture/tabletop-exercises/): Incident response simulations, crisis management exercises, and red team scenarios. ### Cloud Security **URL**: https://www.cliffside.com.au/cloud-security/ Azure, AWS, and Microsoft 365 cloud security for Australian organisations. Microsoft Partner. - [AWS Security](https://www.cliffside.com.au/cloud-security/aws-security/): AWS architecture review, IAM and access control assessment, network security, and compliance-aligned AWS deployment. - [Azure Security](https://www.cliffside.com.au/cloud-security/azure-security/): Azure AD/Entra ID configuration, Azure infrastructure security, and Azure governance and compliance. - [Microsoft 365 Security](https://www.cliffside.com.au/cloud-security/m365-security/): M365 Defender configuration, Exchange Online security, SharePoint and Teams security, and Intune device management security. ### Compliance & Audits **URL**: https://www.cliffside.com.au/compliance/ ISO 27001, APRA CPS 234, Essential Eight, and NIST CSF compliance consulting. ISO 27001 certified ourselves. Lead Auditors since 2008. - [ISO 27001 Certification](https://www.cliffside.com.au/compliance/iso-27001/): Gap analysis, ISMS design and implementation, Statement of Applicability development, Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit preparation. Technology-led approach (Cybereen/Vanta) or traditional consultancy. Timeline: 6-12 months typical, 12-24 weeks with modern cloud infrastructure. - [APRA CPS 234](https://www.cliffside.com.au/compliance/apra-cps-234/): Mandatory information security standard for all 680 APRA-regulated entities. Full compliance programme design, 72-hour breach notification framework, regulatory stack coordination (CPS 230, CPS 240, Cyber Security Act). - [Essential Eight](https://www.cliffside.com.au/compliance/essential-eight/): ASD Essential Eight maturity level assessment (ML1-ML3) and implementation. Australian government cybersecurity baseline. - [NIST CSF](https://www.cliffside.com.au/compliance/nist-csf/): NIST Cybersecurity Framework mapping, implementation, and alignment for international standard compliance. ### Managed Cyber Security Services **URL**: https://www.cliffside.com.au/managed-services/ Managed cyber security services for Australian organisations. Assessment-first, not product-led. Continuous SOC monitoring, security awareness, and vendor risk management scoped to your organisation's size, risk appetite, and regulatory obligations. Supports APRA CPS 234, Essential Eight, SOCI Act, and ISO 27001 Annex A compliance. Practitioner-led delivery integrated with your compliance posture. - [Managed SOC](https://www.cliffside.com.au/managed-services/managed-soc/): 24/7 security monitoring, threat detection, and incident response. Covers endpoints, network, cloud, and identity. SIEM management and monthly reporting. - [Security Awareness as a Service](https://www.cliffside.com.au/managed-services/awareness-as-a-service/): KnowBe4-based programme with phishing simulations, targeted training modules, culture measurement, and measurable improvement tracking. Calibrated to organisation size. - [Third-Party Risk Management](https://www.cliffside.com.au/managed-services/third-party-risk/): Ongoing vendor security assessment, vendor questionnaires, evidence review, risk tiering, and exception management. Aligned with ISO 27001 Annex A and APRA CPS 234. ### Secure AI & Automation **URL**: https://www.cliffside.com.au/process-automation/ Secure AI and business process automation. Platforms: n8n, Zapier, IFTTT, custom workflow engines, AI integration with guardrails. Six core pillars: secure workflow design (threat modelling), sensitive data handling (encryption, access controls), human approval gates for high-value decisions, AI-assisted processes with output validation, credential and secrets management (vault integration), and compliance-ready audit trails. - [Secure AI](https://www.cliffside.com.au/process-automation/secure-ai/): AI governance consulting, ISO 42001 readiness, AI security testing (prompt injection, jailbreak, hallucination), shadow AI assessment, AI architecture review, and AI risk registers. Practical governance frameworks from an AI-first, ISO 27001 certified consultancy. ### Lighthouse Cybersecurity Assessment **URL**: https://www.cliffside.com.au/lighthouse-assessment/ Multi-specialist cybersecurity evaluation with ISO 27001 gap analysis included. Honest, evidence-based risk assessment. Transferable report — you own it. No vendor lock-in. Designed for clarity and actionability. Free consultation booking available. ### Industries **URL**: https://www.cliffside.com.au/industries/ Sector-specific cybersecurity consulting for Australian organisations. - [Government](https://www.cliffside.com.au/industries/cybersecurity-for-government/): Cybersecurity for federal, state, and local government agencies. ISM, Essential Eight, PSPF alignment. - [Insurance](https://www.cliffside.com.au/industries/cybersecurity-for-insurance/): Cybersecurity for APRA-regulated insurers. CPS 234, CPS 230, and cyber resilience. - [Education](https://www.cliffside.com.au/industries/cybersecurity-in-education/): Cybersecurity for universities, schools, and education providers. - [Retail](https://www.cliffside.com.au/industries/cybersecurity-in-retail/): Cybersecurity for retail and e-commerce. PCI DSS, POS security, and supply chain risk. - [Healthcare](https://www.cliffside.com.au/industries/cybersecurity-for-healthcare/): Cybersecurity for Australian healthcare organisations. Patient data protection, Privacy Act, My Health Records Act, SOCI Act, clinical system security, and connected medical device risk. - [Telecommunications](https://www.cliffside.com.au/industries/cybersecurity-in-telecommunications/): Cybersecurity for telcos and ISPs. Critical infrastructure, SOCI Act, and network security. --- ## Insights & Articles **URL**: https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/ ### Compliance Guides - [Australia's Cyber Security Act 2024: What It Actually Requires](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/cyber-security-act-2024-australia/): Australia's first standalone cyber security law. Covers all four pillars (smart device standards, ransomware payment reporting, limited-use protections, CIRB), penalties, reporting overlap with SOCI/Privacy/CPS 234, the FIIG Securities enforcement precedent, key dates timeline, and practical compliance steps. Full enforcement active since January 2026. - [ISO 27001 Pre-Certification Guide](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/iso-27001-certification-guide/): The honest readiness roadmap — 8 sections covering gap analysis, ISMS design, SoA, audit preparation. By Lead Auditors since 2008. - [APRA CPS 234: The Practical Compliance Guide](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/apra-cps-234-compliance-guide/): Covers all 680 APRA-regulated entity obligations, enforcement record, and the broader regulatory stack (CPS 230, CPS 240, Cyber Security Act). - [Essential Eight Maturity Level 3](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/essential-eight-maturity-level-3/): ASD Essential Eight ML3 implementation guide for Australian organisations. - [Cybersecurity Audit for Business](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/cybersecurity-audit-for-business/): General cybersecurity audit guide. - [Cybersecurity Audit for Financial Sector](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/cybersecurity-audit-financial-sector/): Financial services specific audit guidance. - [Retail Cybersecurity Audit Checklist](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/retail-cybersecurity-audit-checklist/): Audit checklist for Australian retail organisations. - [Essential Cybersecurity Assessments](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/essential-cybersecurity-assessments/): Guide to essential security assessment types. - [ISO 27001 vs Essential Eight](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/iso-27001-vs-essential-eight/): Which framework should Australian organisations pursue first? Decision framework comparing scope, cost, certification value, and regulatory alignment. - [Cyber Insurance Requirements Australia](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/cyber-insurance-requirements-australia/): What Australian cyber insurers assess before quoting. Maps Essential Eight and ISO 27001 controls to underwriting requirements. Covers claim denial statistics, premium reduction strategies, and the Cyber Security Act 2024 impact. ### Security Testing - [Penetration Testing: What Most Reports Won't Tell You](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/penetration-testing-guide/): Comprehensive penetration testing guide for Australian organisations. Covers why most pen tests fail to improve security (only 48% of findings remediated), penetration test types taxonomy (8 types from external network to cloud), automated scanning versus manual testing, the AI/LLM chatbot attack surface, testing maturity model (scanning to purple teaming), provider selection and tester rotation, Australian regulatory mandates (CPS 234, Essential Eight, SOCI, ISM-1163, PCI DSS, ISO 27001), shift-left economics, and how Cliffside approaches penetration testing. Evidence-based, practitioner-written, CREST-accredited perspective. ### Strategy & Governance - [Energy & Critical Infrastructure: SOCI Cyber Resilience](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/energy-critical-infrastructure-soci/): Security of Critical Infrastructure Act compliance for energy sector. - [The Six Security Gates Leadership Teams Can Enforce](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/six-security-gates/): Board-level governance framework for security oversight. - [Cybersecurity for Government](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/cybersecurity-for-government/): Strategic approach to government cybersecurity. - [Cyber Resilience & Security Architecture](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/cyber-resilience-security-architecture/): Architecture patterns for resilient security. ### AI Security - [Adopting AI Securely: A Risk-Based Approach](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/adopting-ai-securely/): What Cliffside learned using AI daily in a cybersecurity consultancy. Covers shadow AI, data sanitisation, ISO 42001, pen testing AI systems, the Australian regulatory landscape, and a 10-control checklist for secure AI adoption. ### Risk & Vendor Management - [Third-Party Security Risk & the Vendor Attack Surface](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/third-party-security-risk-vendor-attack-surface/): 30% of breaches involve third parties. TPRM guidance aligned with CPS 230 and ISO 27001. - [Insurance Cybersecurity: Make Vendor Risk Enforceable](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/insurance-cybersecurity-defensibility/): Vendor risk management for APRA-regulated insurance sector. - [Secure Financial Data Strategy](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/secure-financial-data-strategy/): Data protection strategy for financial services. ### Cloud & Technical - [Cloud Security Strategy Australia](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/cloud-security-strategy-australia/): Where cloud security strategies fail at execution. Covers shared responsibility model operationalisation, top misconfigurations (public storage, over-permissioned identities, logging gaps), identity as the new perimeter, Australian compliance in cloud (CPS 234, ISO 27001 Annex A.5.23, Essential Eight, Privacy Act), and managed vs in-house cloud security decisions. - [Cloud Migration Security](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/cloud-migration-security/): Security considerations for cloud migration projects. - [Cloud Security Audit Checklist](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/cloud-security-audit-checklist/): Audit checklist for cloud environments. ### Security Awareness - [Phishing Simulation Lessons](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/phishing-simulation-lessons/): Lessons learned from running phishing simulations. - [Healthcare Phishing Attacks](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/healthcare-phishing-attacks/): Phishing threat landscape for healthcare organisations. ### SMB & Outsourcing - [Virtual CISO Australia: When It Works and When It Doesn't](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/virtual-ciso-australia/): Honest guide to the Virtual CISO model for Australian organisations. Covers vCISO vs full-time CISO comparison, three engagement models (strategic retainer, interim, project-based), cost analysis ($60K–$120K vs $250K–$400K+), Australian regulatory acceptance (CPS 234, ISO 27001, Essential Eight, SOCI Act), when vCISO is not enough, and what good engagement looks like. - [Managed Cybersecurity Services Australia: The Data-Driven Case](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/managed-cybersecurity-services-australia/): Comprehensive market intelligence guide. Covers the $1.7B AUD managed security market, 30,000-position skills shortage, six regulatory frameworks (APRA CPS 234, SOCI Act, Privacy Act reform, Essential Eight, PSPF, ASD ISM), MSP/MSSP/MDR/SOCaaS/vCISO taxonomy, cost comparisons (outsourced $260K–$1M vs in-house $3.1M–$10.9M), the co-managed model, Australian breach evidence (MediSecure, superannuation attacks, HWL Ebsworth), and provider evaluation criteria for Australian buyers. - [Cybersecurity Outsourcing for SMEs](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/cybersecurity-outsourcing-sme/): SME-focused outsourcing guidance for Australian small businesses. - [SMB Cybersecurity Challenges](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/smb-cybersecurity-challenges/): Common challenges facing small and medium businesses. - [Flexible Cybersecurity Workforce](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/flexible-cybersecurity-workforce/): Building flexible security team models. ### Industry & Sector - [Retail Digital Transformation Cybersecurity](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/retail-digital-transformation-cybersecurity/): Security for retail digital transformation. - [Top Cybersecurity Services 2026](https://www.cliffside.com.au/insights/top-cybersecurity-services-2026/): The six cybersecurity services Australian businesses actually need in 2026. --- ## Other Pages - [Homepage](https://www.cliffside.com.au/) - [Cybersecurity Consultancy Sydney](https://www.cliffside.com.au/cybersecurity-consultancy-sydney/): Overview of all Cliffside cybersecurity services for Australian organisations. - [About Us](https://www.cliffside.com.au/about/) - [How We Work](https://www.cliffside.com.au/how-we-work/) - [Success Stories](https://www.cliffside.com.au/success-stories/) - [DeltaPAE Case Study](https://www.cliffside.com.au/success-stories/deltapae/): How Cliffside helped DeltaPAE strengthen their cybersecurity posture. - [AI Policy](https://www.cliffside.com.au/ai-policy/): How Cliffside uses AI in its operations and service delivery. Covers approved platforms, human review, data protection, employee responsibilities, incident response, and transparency. Aligned with ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 42001. - [Privacy Policy](https://www.cliffside.com.au/privacy/)