What if the only thing standing between your business and a defence contract was assurance that you can be trusted with sensitive information?
The Australian government has committed to an upward of $300 billion over the next decade to enhance capability within the defence sector. This substantial investment had led to an increase of opportunities for businesses aiming to enter or expand within the defence sector.
In this rapidly evolving sector, security isn’t just a regulatory requirement, it’s a strategic advantage. We’ll explore how achieving Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) accreditation can enhance your credibility, open doors to lucrative defence contracts, and position your business as a leader in the defence industry.
What is DISP?
DISP is an accreditation framework designed to ensure that businesses working with the Australian Department of Defence meet stringent security requirements. It covers four key pillars:
Governance
Ensuring leadership oversight and accountability.
Personnel Security
Vetting employees to minimise insider threat.
Physical security
Securing facilities to protect defence information and assets.
Information Security
Protecting sensitive data and communications against threat actors.
Tiered Membership
DISP accreditation is structured into tiered membership levels allowing businesses to align their compliance obligations with their level of Defence engagement and risk exposure. This tailored approach ensures businesses can progressively increase their compliance as their defence involvement grows, providing flexibility for both small and large entities.
Entry Level
Suitable for entities dealing with information classified as OFFICIAL or OFFICIAL: Sensitive. This level requires foundational security measures.
Level 1
Designed for handling PROTECTED information, this tier involves implementing enhanced personnel and governance controls.
Level 2
Suitable for organisations managing SECRET information. This level requires facilities and networks to be accredited.
Level 3
The highest tier required to access TOP SECRET information which necessitates the most thorough and comprehensive security measures.
Why DISP gives your business a competitive edge
Increased access to contracts
DISP accreditation is often a prerequisite for bidding on Defence contracts or subcontracting opportunities with major defence primes. Without DISP, many projects within the defence industry may simply be out of reach.
Mitigation of security risks
DISP accreditation strengthens your organisation’s resilience to cyber risks, insider threats, and physical security breaches. A proactive security approach reduces the likelihood of your company facing irreversible damage both financially and reputationally.
Market differentiation
When competing for contracts, DISP accreditation is a clear differentiator, allowing you to highlight your security credentials in bids and proposals. It provides a competitive advantage in a crowded market where trust, reliability, and security are most vital.
How Sekuro Can Help
Achieving DISP accreditation doesn’t have to be taxing when Sekuro’s industry experts are here to support your DISP accreditation journey. Whether you’re starting out or looking to further strengthen your security posture, Sekuro can assist by conducting gap analysis, documentation support, security framework implementation, ongoing compliance management, or a full managed service.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us today to meet with an expert and discover how we can guide your DISP accreditation and beyond.
Eimear Leyne
GRC Analyst, Sekuro
Eimear Leyne is a GRC Analyst at Sekuro working within the InfoSec Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) delivery stream and has years experience with Information Security Manual (ISM) assessments. Eimear has worked in both public and private sectors to uplift organisations and assist clients in meeting compliance objectives.
