Developing strong information security policies can further help a company better employ the best practices of infosec.
What Are Information Security Policies?
Information security policy or ISP refers to the set of rules or ‘policies’ concerning information security. This is especially applicable upon working with IT assets.
What is the purpose of developing an information security policy?
Well, just like any policy, the main purpose of this set of rules is to ensure compliance. Compliance by the employees or users into security protocols and procedures, for instance.
On the other hand, not submitting to these should mean fines, penalties, or worse, suspension.
How Important Are Information Security Policies?
Information security policies not only help in company compliance with laws. But on a larger scale, these policies serve as early mitigation steps towards potential security breaches. Likewise, negligence should result in dire consequences.
Most importantly in the field of Information Security, data is a valuable asset. Moreover, it is now called the ‘the new dollar’.
Because losing, or misplacing data can either mean financial, reputational, or operational loss.
How Can I Keep The Utmost State Of Our Information Security Policies?
As you can see, InfoSec policies are vital in keeping the company’s data security.
Now, you may ask, how can I keep the utmost state of our information security policies?
One way is by regularly updating it. Because regular updates serve as vital to keep up with the changing landscape of data security.
For instance, changes can be as follows:
- Change or upgrade of technology devices
- New evolving threats
- Lessons from previous breaches
- Or any cause of change you deem necessary upon monitoring
Above all, always remember that your information security policy should be both practical and feasible. With this said, these policies should also have their exceptions in place. This is applicable in urgent cases when it deems necessary. But of all costs, security should never be compromised.
Common 8 Elements Of Information Security Policies
Although an infosec policy may vary from one company to another, they do have common elements.
The list considers the eight (8) important elements when developing information security policies.
1. Purpose
First, lay the purpose of the policy.
For example:
- To detect or mitigate information security breaches.
- To maintain the company’s reputation.
- Also, to respect customer’s rights, and maintain compliance with federal laws.
2. Audience
Next, it should be clear to whom the policy applies. To all employees or certain departments, for instance.
3. Objectives
Objectives of the policy should be in line with the InfoSec standards principles, the CIA triad. Namely, confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
4. Authority and Access Control Policy
Refers to whom data can be granted. For example, it can consist of two categories.
- Hierarchical Pattern
- Network Security Policy
5. Data Classification
In this element, clearly segregate data according to its level of confidentiality.
For example:
- Top secret
- Secret
- Confidential
- Public
6. Data Support & Operations
On the other hand, this refers to the practices of storing and transferring data. This can consist of three categories.
- Data protection regulations
- Data backup
- Movement or transfer of data
7. Security Awareness & Behavior
Conducting training among employees should help spread cyber awareness. Perhaps laws and security ethics should be clear to them by this training.
8. Responsibilities, Rights, and Duties
Each staff should also know his own share in security. Thus, each should clearly know his duty.
