Final answer:
The Australian Defence Signals Directorate suggests that patching software, configuring Microsoft Office macro settings, and application whitelisting are key measures that can prevent 85% of targeted cyber intrusions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The measures recommended by the Australian Defence Signals Directorate to prevent 85% of the targeted intrusions are patching applications and operating systems, configuring Microsoft Office macro settings, and application whitelisting. These measures are essential for safeguarding systems against cyber threats and malicious attacks that aim to compromise sensitive information or disrupt operations.
Regular patching of software ensures that security vulnerabilities are addressed, reducing the chance of exploitation by hackers. Configuring macro settings can prevent malicious code from running in Office documents, which is a common vector for malware distribution. Whitelisting applications prevents the execution of unauthorized or malicious software, significantly reducing the risk of a security breach. As cyber threats evolve, so too must the defensive strategies employed by individuals, companies, and governments to protect their digital assets and maintain operational integrity.