Here is an information security policy template.
What Is An Information Security Policy?
Information security policy is a set of rules and protocols that guide employees in keeping IT assets safe. This set of rules also boosts the quality of standards and execution a company applies with information security.
How Important Is An Infomation Security Policy?
- It helps the organization be one in ensuring information security.
- Enforces information security protocols to an advanced degree.
- Also allows easy communication about security measures. Most especially with external auditors and third-party connections.
- Besides, it mitigates security breaches
How To Develop An Efficient Information Security Policy?
To have an efficient information security policy, it should be something as follows.
For example:
- It should cover security from end-to-end
- Feasible, enforceable, and practical
- Should be open for revisions and further updates, when necessary
- Should also be in line with business goals and ethics
Information Security Policy Template: What Should You Include?
An information security policy can be as broad as possible. Of course, not every company delivers the same services and products.
In a sense, each company may differ in its information security policy.
But, this template is to help you get the gauge of developing a robust information security policy. So here are the basic elements you should include.
Purpose
By all means, the purpose may differ. But it can be any of the following:
- To develop a holistic approach towards Information Security.
- To maintain the company’s reputation in compliance with the law.
- Respect customer rights
In line with this, include your ‘whys’ of implementing information security. Thus, it should highlight the motivations why the policy should be applied.
Audience
This element should clearly define to whom the policy is for. For instance, to whom it applies. You can also include the persons who are out of the scope of the policy.
Objectives
The objectives element is different from the ‘purpose’.
Objectives should be the foundation on which your strategies rely. In most cases, information security objectives have the same principles. Namely, the CIA Triad.
The CIA Triad is known as the international principle for any information security strategy.
For example, CIA Triad means:
- Confidentiality
- Integrity
- Availability
Authority & Access Control Policy
This element can consist of two subgroups.
For example:
- Hierarchical Pattern- the policy should define the level of authority over data. In other words, it should lay the adequate position that will qualify for specific kinds of data.
- Network Security Policy- this includes the security controls that should apply upon accessing company networks and servers. For instance, through authentication like biometrics, passwords, and ID Cards.
Classification of Data
The classification of data should rank data according to its level of confidentiality.
For example:
- Top secret
- Secret
- Confidential
- Public
Data Support & Operations
This element lays the protective measures the company follows. Namely, in storage, back-up, and transfer of data.
Security Awareness
IT security policies should be clear to everyone involved. For example, you can conduct training sessions. Moreover, these training sessions should equip employees about data security, measures, and data classification.
Responsibilities, Rights, And Duties
Lastly, this element should make clear who takes responsibility for each duty.
For instance:
- user access reviews
- change management
- Implementation
- incident management.
In most cases, updates and revisions should be made to ensure the effectiveness of the policy.
