The Information Security Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) is a cyber security framework developed to help Australian Government agencies assess whether organisations can securely handle sensitive information.
Administered by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), IRAP enables independent security assessments against the Australian Government’s Information Security Manual (ISM).
For organisations working with government data, IRAP plays a critical role in demonstrating security maturity and compliance.
What Does IRAP Stand For?
IRAP stands for:
Information Security Registered Assessors Program
It is a formal programme that allows ASD-endorsed assessors to evaluate whether an organisation’s systems and controls align with the ISM.
What Is the Purpose of IRAP?
The primary objective of IRAP is to:
- Help government agencies make informed risk-based decisions
- Ensure suppliers meet minimum security requirements
- Protect sensitive government data from cyber threats
- Standardise security assessments across environments
Rather than acting as a certification, IRAP provides an independent assessment report that supports government authorisation decisions.
How IRAP Works
IRAP works by engaging an ASD-endorsed IRAP Assessor to review an organisation’s environment.
The assessor evaluates:
- Security controls
- Governance frameworks
- Risk management processes
- System architecture and configurations
The outcome is a detailed IRAP assessment report that outlines:
- Compliance with ISM controls
- Identified risks and gaps
- Recommended remediation actions
This report is then used by a government agency to determine whether to authorise the system.
Is IRAP a Certification?
No – IRAP is not a certification.
Unlike ISO 27001, which results in formal certification, IRAP is:
- An independent assessment process
- Conducted by approved assessors
- Used to support authorisation decisions
Each government agency makes its own risk-based decision using the IRAP report.
Who Needs IRAP?
IRAP is typically required for organisations that:
- Provide services to Australian Government agencies
- Host or process government data
- Offer cloud or SaaS platforms to government
- Work within defence or critical infrastructure sectors
It is particularly relevant for organisations handling:
- OFFICIAL data
- PROTECTED data
What Is the ISM (Information Security Manual)?
The Information Security Manual (ISM) is the set of cyber security guidelines published by the ASD.
It includes hundreds of controls covering:
- Access control
- Network security
- System hardening
- Monitoring and logging
- Incident response
IRAP assessments are conducted against these ISM controls.
Why IRAP Is Important
IRAP is important because it:
- Enables organisations to work with government clients
- Demonstrates strong cyber security posture
- Reduces regulatory and contractual risk
- Builds trust with stakeholders
- Supports compliance with Australian Government requirements
For many organisations, IRAP is a gateway to government contracts.
Need Support with IRAP?
While understanding IRAP is important, many organisations require support when it comes to implementing controls, preparing documentation, and aligning with ISM requirements.
Professional IRAP advisory services can help you:
- Identify compliance gaps early
- Reduce assessment delays
- Align with ASD expectations
- Improve your chances of successful authorisation
Learn more about IRAP assessment services in Australia and how structured support can simplify the process.
IRAP and Cloud Service Providers
IRAP is especially relevant for cloud and SaaS providers.
Government agencies often require:
- IRAP-assessed cloud environments
- Evidence of ISM control alignment
- Ongoing security monitoring
This makes IRAP a critical requirement for organisations operating in the government cloud ecosystem.
How IRAP Fits with Other Frameworks
IRAP is often used alongside other frameworks such as:
- ISO 27001
- SOC 2
- Essential Eight
Many organisations implement ISO 27001 first, then align to IRAP for government-specific requirements.
Learn More About IRAP
This page is part of a broader IRAP resource hub.
You can explore:
- IRAP Assessment Process
- IRAP Controls Explained
- IRAP Cost Breakdown
- IRAP vs ISO 27001
- IRAP Readiness Checklist
Need Help with IRAP?
Understanding IRAP is the first step — implementing it is where most organisations face challenges.
aRankish supports organisations with:
- IRAP readiness assessments
- ISM gap analysis
- Control implementation
- Assessment preparation
Book a confidential consultation to assess your IRAP readiness and next steps.