August 04, 2025 3 Minute Read

• Trustwave's Australia IRAP Assessment Services help organizations meet the strict security standards of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD).
• Our ASD-endorsed assessors provide independent evaluations to ensure your systems comply with the Information Security Manual (ISM) and Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).
• We offer a complete suite of services, from readiness reviews to full system assessments, to help you navigate the complexities of IRAP assessments in Australia.

It's not news that keeping an organization's information and communication technology (ICT) systems safe and sound is absolutely critical.

That's where the Information Security Registered Assessors Programme (IRAP), run by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), comes in. It’s an excellent programme and one that Trustwave highly recommends.

To help organizations align with this process, Trustwave now has an IRAP Assessment Service available.

Our team includes ASD-endorsed assessors who provide independent insights. This helps organizations like yours understand how well your systems stack up against the expectations laid out in the Information Security Manual (ISM) and the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).

The IRAP Assessment Process: What to Expect

When you go through an IRAP assessment, there are a few key stages.

It all starts with scoping and planning, where we define the assessment boundaries, determine which controls apply, and gain a specific understanding of your system's context. After that, we move into the security control assessment phase.

This is where we thoroughly evaluate how well your controls are implemented and how effective they are, all in line with ISM and PSPF requirements. Finally, you'll receive a comprehensive Security Assessment Report (SAR). This report details our findings, observations on your control maturity, and recommendations for improvement.

It's a good idea to remember that IRAP assessments aren't a formal certification or accreditation from the ASD. They're all about providing those vital insights.

Trustwave’s Full Suite of IRAP Services

Trustwave offers a complete range of IRAP-related services.

For organizations just getting started, there is the IRAP Readiness Review that can help you identify any gaps and get your system and documentation prepped for a formal assessment.

For those working in the cloud, our Cloud Services Assessment evaluates your cloud environments and services against the relevant ISM controls and ASD guidance.

Trustwave also offers Information Systems Assessments for on-premise, hybrid, or virtualized systems to pinpoint risks and control gaps.

If you're dealing with network or secure internet gateways, our Gateway Assessments review them against applicable ASD guidelines. We can also help with System Documentation Analysis, where we'll review your policies, system security plans, architectural diagrams, and other important documents providing valuable feedback. And, if you need help after an assessment, our Risk Mitigation Advisory offers practical remediation planning based on our IRAP findings.

Why IRAP Assessments Are So Beneficial

Getting an IRAP assessment done offers numerous advantages. You'll get an independent security evaluation of your system's controls from an ASD-endorsed assessor, giving you an objective view.

These assessments also support framework alignment, helping you understand how your security posture fits with Australian Government frameworks like the ISM and PSPF.

You won't just get a report; you'll receive actionable recommendations to address identified risks and make your control implementation even better. Plus, the insights gained provide risk-informed decision support, giving risk owners and authorizing officers the information they need to make smart system authorization decisions.

What You'll Receive After Your Assessment

Once your IRAP assessment is complete, we'll provide you with a Security Assessment Report (SAR).

This formal report outlines our findings, including observations against ISM controls, details on your system boundaries, and prioritized recommendations. Where it's applicable, you'll also receive supporting documentation, such as evidence logs, system registers, or control mappings.

Why Choose Trustwave for Your IRAP Needs?

Trustwave truly stands out for several reasons. All our assessments are conducted by ASD-endorsed IRAP Assessors who have deep, practical experience across ISM and PSPF domains. 
Trustwave offers comprehensive coverage, providing flexible, end-to-end support, from pre-assessment readiness to full system evaluations. And with extensive sector experience, having worked with a wide range of government and regulated industries, we bring invaluable insights across various environments and compliance obligations.

Ultimately, IRAP assessments are a vital tool for any organization looking to strengthen its cybersecurity posture. With our expertise and comprehensive service offerings, Trustwave is your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of IRAP assessments.