Create robust, audit-ready security programs

Build or refine SSPs aligned to the Australian ISM to support accreditation, improve clarity, and reduce compliance risk.

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System Security Plan

Assurance and clarity for every stakeholder

System Security Plans (SSPs) are a vital part of system certification and accreditation. We work closely with stakeholders to ensure your SSP aligns with the ISM and reflects both business operations and technical risk.- SSPs aligned to ISM and tailored to your risk profile- Collaboration with business, IT and governance stakeholders- Detailed documentation covering roles, controls and rationale

Service detail

What to expect from a compliant SSP

We ensure each SSP accurately reflects your system’s classification, scope, risk level, and tech functions. Working together, we apply ISM and SRMP controls, cover key management requirements, and produce certifiable documentation.

Informed control selection for ISM.

Relevant, risk-based and review-ready. We help you choose and justify the right controls for your system – aligning to ISM while keeping your context in focus.

Define controls by risk, classification and role
Provide clear rationale and assignment of duties
Ensure your SSP meets ISM audit criteria

Our delivery process

Structured development, step by step

We support you throughout the entire journey—from defining your needs to achieving full accreditation.

Define system scope and context

We engage with project leads, system owners, and key stakeholders to gain insight into how the business function operates.

Map and justify controls

Using the Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM), we identify applicable mandatory and discretionary controls.

Write and review the SSP

Our team drafts your SSP to meet certification requirements and stakeholder expectations, with ongoing support for revisions and responses throughout your project lifecycle.

Benefits

Proven experience in certified government environments

Whether it’s cloud-native or legacy infrastructure, we work with Australian businesses to create security documentation aligned with the ISM and ready for certification.

NZISM expertise

We bring deep expertise in ISM and current control baselines—helping you focus on what matters and document it clearly for compliance.

Cross-stakeholder alignment

We collaborate across teams to create an SSP that accurately represents how your system operates, ensuring real-world alignment.

Accelerated certification

Our mix of strategic and technical expertise accelerates your certification process while minimising inefficiencies.

What comes next

Extend your documentation maturity

One document isn’t enough. We help you move beyond a basic System Security Plan by developing integrated documentation sets to support assurance and accreditation.

Keep certifications current through system evolution
Prepare for reaccreditation with comprehensive evidence
Deliver cohesive, audit-ready security documentation

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Web Filter, CASB & DLP (Cloud Access Security Broker & Data Loss Prevention)

Monitor and manage how users interact with cloud, web, and AI platforms — including movement of sensitive data.

Web Application Penetration Testing

Uncover hidden flaws in your web apps — from session handling to access controls — through in-depth security reviews.

Frequently asked questions

From risk assessment to rapid response - we’re with you every step of the way.

Can Cythera assist with preparing for cyber security certifications?

Absolutely. We support the full SSP lifecycle�from drafting and stakeholder consultation to incorporating feedback from assessors -ensuring clarity, compliance, and confidence at every step.

How often should we revisit our SSP?

system Security Plans should be updated after major changes, reaccreditation events, or ISM revisions. Staying aligned with the latest baseline is strongly recommended.

What are the key components of an ISM-aligned SSP?

A strong security design document maps appropriate controls to data classifications, details implementation methods, outlines key management requirements, and incorporates input from all relevant stakeholders to ensure accuracy and alignment.

What is a System Security Plan (SSP)?

An SSP documents the security controls, roles and responsibilities for a system. It's often used to demonstrate alignment with ISM and is a key part of compliance and risk governance processes.

Which roles are involved in creating an SSP?

System owners, project teams, IT operations, security leads, and certifying bodies all play important roles in ensuring a comprehensive and compliant security posture.