What is an information security plan? Also, why do you need it? And how can you make one?
Read on to learn more.
What Is an Information Security Plan?
An information security plan helps you list ways to protect information. And this is important to prevent access from other people.
It also helps reduce information security risks. So, you can be sure that your information is safe.
Finally, an infosec plan supports the three principles of information security. And this is also known as the CIA triad.
But, you may ask. Why do you need an information security plan? Let’s find out.
Why Do You Need an Information Security Plan?
Companies and organizations should have this plan. But why?
First, it is lawful to do so. Some countries will even give a penalty to companies who don’t have this plan.
Second, security threats and risks are also increasing. We all don’t want our information to leak, right?
Imagine knowing that your credit card information is spread to other people. That would be a nightmare!
Third, we want to protect our information from criminals. We also don’t want to face the loss.
In companies, they will lose two things:
- money
- reputation
So, they should have a plan ready. But, how can you create one?
How Can You Create an Information Security Plan?
Here are the steps to create an information security plan.
Step 1: Assign your Information Security Manager.
An information security manager is responsible for making the plan. They will also update and monitor the steps.
The manager will also give training to employees. So, good security starts from good security practices.
Step 2: Know your sensitive data.
Second, identify the information you want to protect. To help you, know what’s important to you. After all, you don’t want to lose them.
This includes not just your online or digital data. It also includes your physical information.
Step 3: Explain the protection methods.
Third, there are many types of information security protection. You can choose from one of the following:
- locked file cabinets
- locked storage areas
- electronic encryption
- network intrusion security
- secure data transfer
Fourth, it is also important to know who else knows your data. Of course, there is information that we don’t share. Just like passwords.
But in companies, files from customers are open to some employees. For example, Payroll employees know about others’ salaries. But, those from the maintenance staff will not.
It can also help to request a security certificate. So, you’ll have the assurance.
Step 5: Train your staff.
They say that prevention is a cure. But, how can employees prevent something if they don’t even know what they should do?
So, proper training is important. This also helps them practice security regularly.
For example, they will know that they should not download files from unreliable websites. Or else, they may experience phishing or malware.
Step 6: Make a breach response plan and apply it.
Lastly, make a data breach response plan and apply it. So, you will know what the whole company should do when a breach happens.
It will also help companies get back up. So, they can recover better.
