The Information Security Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) is a key initiative by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), operated under the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD). It is designed to provide a standardized framework for assessing the security posture of cloud and information and communications technology (ICT) systems, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements outlined in the Australian Government’s security standards.
IRAP assessments are conducted by independent assessors who are endorsed by the ASD. These experts evaluate systems against the information security manual (ISM) and the protective security policy framework (PSPF). This thorough evaluation process demonstrates an organization’s compliance with cybersecurity best practices and ensures that systems handling sensitive or classified government data meet national risk management and data protection requirements.
IRAP assessment is essential for various sectors, including:
- Government entities: All levels of Australian government, including federal departments, state agencies, and local councils, typically require IRAP assessments for systems handling sensitive or classified information.
- Cloud and ICT vendors: Organizations offering cloud-based solutions or ICT services to government or regulated sectors must undergo IRAP assessments. This includes cloud service providers (CSPs), SaaS vendors, infrastructure providers, and third-party partners working with or on behalf of government customers.
Why IRAP/ Benefits
- Trust and credibility: IRAP assessment demonstrates that an organization complies with robust Australian Government security standards. It builds trust, enhances credibility, and demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding sensitive information, which is crucial for public sector engagement
- Government compliance: For businesses seeking contracts with Australian government agencies, IRAP assessment is often a mandatory requirement, particularly for systems managing sensitive or classified data. It opens doors to significant market opportunities within the public sector.
- Enhanced security posture: Completing IRAP assessment involves implementing robust security controls based on ISM and PSPF standards. This drives stronger risk management, improves visibility into vulnerabilities, and helps organizations establish robust, repeatable security practices.
- Security Assurance: Systems have been independently assessed against the Australian Government’s most stringent cybersecurity frameworks (ISM and PSPF), giving agencies and partners greater confidence in their security posture.
- Improved Risk Management: The assessment process helps identify security gaps and areas for improvement, resulting in stronger controls and more mature security practices.
- Streamlined Procurement: For public sector buyers, engaging with IRAP-assessed vendors simplifies the procurement process by reducing the need for duplicative security reviews.
- Market Differentiation: Service providers that have completed an IRAP assessment are better positioned to compete for government and critical infrastructure contracts, where security alignment is a key requirement.
- Regulatory Alignment: IRAP controls often overlap with other standards and industry regulations, such as ISO 27001 and PCI-DSS, helping streamline broader compliance efforts.
- Reduced Cyber Risk: The rigorous assessment process strengthens both technical and procedural safeguards, contributing to improved threat prevention, detection, and response capabilities.
Cyberverse Approach
We implement a risk-based, business-aligned methodology for the IRAP Compliance. Our services go beyond the mere assessment of technical controls; we support their integration and operationalisation within your environment, offering pragmatic strategies to achieve and maintain your targeted maturity level.
Whether starting at the foundational level or targeting higher sensitivity levels, we collaborate closely with your team to ensure your IRAP program is both effective and sustainable.
- Understand your ‘Why’?
- Scoping the IRAP boundaries & sensitivity level (Unclassified, Protected, Secret, Top Secret)
- IRAP Internal Assessment & Recommendations
- Technical Report
- Advisory Support with IRAP Implementation
- Training & Awareness Programs
- Ongoing Monitoring & Review
- Tailored Uplift Roadmaps
- Alignment with Government & Industry Expectations
- IRAP Readiness and Compliance with IRAP Assessors