Cyber Security Health Check Melbourne
Find obvious gaps in your Microsoft 365, identity security, devices, backups and monitoring with a complimentary 15-minute phone review with a Melbourne cyber security consultant.
25+ years
Local technicians
7-day support
260+ reviews
On-site & remote
Where Small Businesses Are Commonly Exposed
Cyber incidents often start with a stolen login, phishing email, missed update or unmanaged device — not a dramatic technical attack.
A business can look secure on the surface while still carrying avoidable risk. We regularly see gaps around Microsoft 365, privileged access, patching, backups and endpoint security.
The Cyber Security Health Check is designed to surface the obvious questions first so you can decide what deserves a closer technical review.
Common gaps we look for
- MFA not enforced across every eligible Microsoft 365 account
- Shared, reused or unmanaged passwords
- Former staff accounts or old remote-access tools still active
- Users working day to day with unnecessary administrator rights
- Laptops without BitLocker or equivalent device encryption
- Applications or operating systems missing security updates
- Backups that can be deleted or encrypted by the same compromised account
- Traditional anti-virus in place but no active security monitoring or response
What We Cover in Your Cyber Security Health Check
A high-level conversation across the controls that most often determine whether a small business is easy or difficult to compromise.
Microsoft 365, Email & Identity
We’ll discuss MFA, account access, admin roles, staff onboarding/offboarding and obvious email-security gaps.
Passwords & Privileged Access
We’ll look at password management, shared credentials, local administrator rights and whether admin access is separated from day-to-day use.
Endpoint Protection & Encryption
We’ll discuss anti-virus or endpoint protection, BitLocker device encryption, supported operating systems and device security.
Patching, RMM & Device Health
We’ll ask how software and operating-system updates are managed and whether devices are proactively monitored rather than only fixed when something breaks.
Backup & Ransomware Recovery
We’ll discuss business-data and Microsoft 365 backup, ransomware resilience, offsite protection and whether recovery has been considered.
Monitoring, Remote Access & Response
We’ll ask who monitors for suspicious activity, whether MDR or SOC monitoring is in place, how remote access is controlled and who responds to an incident.
How Many of These Can You Answer Confidently?
If several answers are “no” or “not sure”, the health check gives us a useful place to start.
- Is MFA enforced for staff and administrator accounts?
- Are former staff accounts disabled promptly?
- Do staff use unique passwords and a business password manager?
- Do users normally work without local administrator rights?
- Are business laptops protected with BitLocker or equivalent encryption?
- Are operating systems and business applications patched consistently?
- Is Microsoft 365 data separately backed up?
- Are backups protected from ransomware or accidental deletion?
- Are computers proactively monitored with RMM rather than only break/fix support?
- Do you have MDR, EDR or 24/7 SOC monitoring for suspicious endpoint activity?
- Do you know who would respond if an account or computer was compromised?
- Do you know how your current controls compare with the Essential Eight?
Where the Essential Eight Fits
The Australian Signals Directorate recommends the Essential Eight as a baseline set of cyber security mitigation strategies. We use it as a practical reference point when discussing your current controls.
Patch Applications
Keep business applications current so known security vulnerabilities are addressed.
Patch Operating Systems
Apply operating-system security updates promptly across supported devices.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Use MFA to make stolen passwords less useful to an attacker.
Restrict Admin Privileges
Separate privileged access from normal day-to-day user activity.
Application Control
Limit which applications, scripts and executables are allowed to run.
Restrict Office Macros
Control Microsoft Office macros and reduce malicious-document risk.
User Application Hardening
Harden browsers and other user applications to reduce attack surface.
Regular Backups
Maintain secure, resilient backups and be able to restore important data and systems.
Important: the complimentary Cyber Security Health Check is not a formal Essential Eight maturity assessment and does not certify compliance. If you need a documented maturity assessment, evidence review or remediation plan, we can scope that separately.
Why Monitoring Matters: RMM and MDR
Traditional anti-virus is only one layer. Proactive device management and active threat detection solve different problems.
Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM)
RMM helps monitor device health, software, services and patching. It supports proactive maintenance and visibility, but it is not a replacement for dedicated security detection.
Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
MDR is security-focused. It looks for suspicious endpoint activity, helps triage alerts and can provide 24/7 SOC-backed monitoring and response.
Why Both Can Matter
RMM helps keep devices healthy and patched. MDR helps identify and respond to threats that bypass preventative controls. Together they improve visibility and resilience.
For businesses that want ongoing monitoring rather than reactive support, see our Managed IT Services, including remote monitoring, patch management and managed cyber security options.
How the Cyber Security Health Check Works
The complimentary review stays high-level and conversational.
1. Request a Convenient Time
Send us your details and we’ll arrange a short phone conversation with a Melbourne cyber security consultant.
2. Talk Through Your Current Controls
We’ll ask structured questions about Microsoft 365, accounts, devices, patching, backups, monitoring and recovery.
3. Get Prioritised Next Steps
We’ll point out obvious gaps and explain what should be addressed first — including when a proper technical assessment is warranted.
The 15-minute health check does not include: remote access, technical verification, configuration changes, penetration testing or a formal Essential Eight maturity assessment. If deeper investigation is required, we can scope a paid cyber security review or remediation work.
Request Your Cyber Security Health Check
Get a clearer picture of your cyber security posture before a small gap becomes a larger incident.
If your controls are already in good shape, we’ll tell you. The purpose is to identify priorities, not manufacture problems.
- 15-minute phone discussion
- Essential Eight-informed questions
- No remote access or technical audit during the complimentary check
- No obligation to proceed with paid work
Meet the Consultants Behind Your Cyber Health Check
Your health check is handled by experienced Melbourne IT professionals working across cyber security, Microsoft 365, endpoint protection, backups and managed IT services.
Michael Podlabeniouk
Cyber security, Essential Eight, business IT, networking and practical security planning.
Hugh Macdonald
Microsoft 365, identity and email security, Apple Mac, endpoint support and account administration.
Peter McDonnell
Business IT, cyber security, backups, endpoint protection and managed IT services.
Designed for Melbourne Small Businesses
The Cyber Security Health Check is designed for businesses that want a clearer view of their current risk without starting with a full technical audit.
It is particularly relevant to accounting, legal, finance, healthcare, consulting, professional services and other businesses that depend on email, cloud systems and sensitive information.
This is especially useful if:
- Small and owner-managed businesses without a full internal security team
- Businesses relying heavily on Microsoft 365, email and cloud services
- Professional firms holding confidential client, financial or personal information
- Businesses still operating mainly on break/fix IT support
- Organisations reviewing cyber insurance or customer security requirements
- Businesses considering RMM, MDR or 24/7 SOC monitoring
- Organisations wanting to understand how their controls compare with the Essential Eight
Why Choose Our Melbourne Cyber Security Team
Practical advice backed by hands-on IT support, security implementation and ongoing management.
25+ Years of IT Experience
Real-world experience supporting and securing Melbourne business technology.
ACSC Partner
Cyber security advice informed by Australian guidance and practical risk reduction.
Security & Compliance Expertise
Essential Eight and ISO 27001:2022 Lead Auditor expertise for businesses needing a more structured security approach.
Practical Implementation
We can move from advice to implementation across Microsoft 365, endpoints, backups, RMM, MDR and business IT.
What If You Need More Than a Health Check?
Choose the next step that best matches the issue you are trying to solve.
Business IT Health Check
If your concerns are broader than cyber security — including computers, data storage, Wi-Fi, Microsoft 365 and general IT reliability — start with the broader Business IT Health Check.
Cyber Security Services
Need a deeper technical review, Essential Eight assessment, Microsoft 365 hardening or remediation? Explore our Melbourne cyber security services.
Managed IT Services
For proactive patching, device health, RMM, managed detection and ongoing technology management, see our managed IT services.
Rated 5 Stars by Melbourne Customers
260+ customer reviews for IT support, cyber security, Microsoft 365, networking and computer services across Melbourne.
EXCELLENT
Based on 261 reviews
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George Dalidakis
I am always happy with your efficient and prompt assistance when I need you!!
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nello compagnino
Absolutely recommend Michael he is a SUPERSTAR he is a true professional Love his work ethic and he has set my system up perfectly 👌
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Steven Kruger
I found Michael to be very knowledgeable and helpful in my quest to upgrade my desk top computer which he had upgraded approximately 1 year ago. His pricing is competitive and product knowledge professional. Thank you.
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Stephen Tingay
Amazing support 24/7. When you don’t have tech knowledge Michaels ability to help at any time is 2nd to none 👍💯‼️
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GCA
I've had lots of fantastic experiences with Intuitive Strategy. They are reliable, highly efficient, and always a pleasure to deal with. What really stands out is how quickly they respond whenever I need assistance. It's reassuring to know that if a problem arises, they're onto it straight away and get things resolved with minimal fuss. I highly recommend Intuitive Strategy to anyone looking for responsive and dependable IT support.
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Judy - LVL Group
amazing work fix my computer problem so quick . great service !!
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Tremlett Woodstar
Friendly, Prompt, knowledgeable, . . . they fixed all our apple and PC problems efficiently and importantly at an affordable price. What else is there to say, we highly recommend Intuitive Strategy for all our computer/IT needs. Toucan Glass Studio
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David Cooke
In our design practice, we really like working with the team at Intuitive Strategy. Michael & Hugh from the team are always there for us when we need them. Our most recent IT upgrade to M365Email was brilliantly handled by Hugh, who set things up for us out of office hours to make sure we had a seamless transition. Highly recommend this crew
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Alison Lamont
Thanks Michael for a wonderful outcome to our tech issues. You were a calm, patient and very competent support.
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Harley Berridge
Amazing service and quality technical work. Michael and team saved our bacon on a Sunday. They bent over backwards to fix our laptop and recover project work stuck on a faulty drive. Highly recommended!
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Kylie Zamel-Gjubini
Hugh supported our business with IT security and email domain set up and migration. Services was quick, knowledgable and took the stress out of us having to understand and manage this process.
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Lucia K
Fantastic, service as always, problems consistently fixed swifty and completely resolved. Good, prompt, consistent service is a surprise these days.
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Steven Grant
Michael was efficient, fast, friendly and extremely helpful in sorting out not only the problem contacted about but willing to spend the time to sort out several other minor issues as well.
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Sarah Ashton
Micheal was patient with me and guided me through a difficult process. Highly recommend
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Optical Oasis
We have been using Michael and his team for a number of years and cannot fault the service. Always quick on the response and extremely knowledgeable. As a small business he never makes me wait like other big businesses have in the past. My small business is always important to them.
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Robin Alfredson
The service was excellent!!
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Paul Burke
Michael is very responsive and knowledgeable. Great customer service and great outcomes!
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Scott Stephens
I would give a 10 star if I could. IT and phones are my worst nightmare when things go wrong !! Hugh is very calm , follows careful process, time efficient ! … and a gentleman with it !! .. I have already passed his details on to friends and family.
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Bruce Pattison
Excellent service & follow up from Hugh to fix an email issue & help with a new laptop. I highly recommend Hugh.
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Daniel Ingram
Hi Dealing with Michael, Hugh and the team has been a seamless experience. Hugh’s expertise and knowledge of products helped make the situation smoother. Very professional and friendly service. This Team can work through any situation. 5 stars from me & as much work as I give them Well done 😃
Cyber Security Health Check FAQs
Is the Cyber Security Health Check really complimentary?
Yes. The initial 15-minute phone consultation is complimentary and there is no obligation to purchase anything.
Is this a formal Essential Eight maturity assessment?
No. The complimentary health check uses the Essential Eight as a practical reference point, but it is not a formal maturity assessment and does not certify compliance. A documented assessment can be scoped separately.
What is the Essential Eight?
The Essential Eight is a set of eight cyber security mitigation strategies recommended by the Australian Signals Directorate, covering patching, MFA, privileged access, application control, Office macros, user application hardening and backups.
What is the difference between RMM and MDR?
RMM focuses on device health, maintenance, software and patching. MDR is security-focused and looks for suspicious activity so threats can be investigated and responded to. They are complementary rather than interchangeable.
Does the health check cover Microsoft 365 security?
Yes. We discuss Microsoft 365 identity and email security at a high level, including MFA, account access, administrator roles, staff onboarding and offboarding, and other obvious security gaps.
Do you remotely access our systems during the complimentary check?
No. The initial health check is a phone discussion. Remote access, technical verification, configuration changes and formal security assessments are separate services.
What happens if you identify a security gap?
We’ll explain the concern and recommend the next step. Simple issues may have straightforward remediation, while more complex risks may require a paid technical review, Microsoft 365 security work, Essential Eight assessment or managed security service.
Can you help with cyber insurance security requirements?
Yes, we can review common technical controls that insurers often ask about and help address gaps. However, requirements differ between insurers and policies, so the health check does not guarantee that a particular policy or claim requirement has been satisfied.
Do you provide 24/7 cyber security monitoring?
We can provide managed detection and response with SOC-backed monitoring as part of an ongoing managed cyber security service. The complimentary health check helps determine whether that level of monitoring is appropriate for your business.
Want a Clearer View of Your Cyber Risk?
Start with a complimentary 15-minute Cyber Security Health Check and find out which security controls deserve attention first.