The maximal finite abelian subgroups, up to conjugation, of the simple algebraic group of type E 8 over an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0 are computed. This is equivalent to the determination of the fine gradings on the simple Lie algebra of type E 8 with trivial neutral homogeneous component. The Brauer invariant of the irreducible modules for graded semisimple Lie algebras plays a key role.