How can you make the best out of your business’ information security policy? Suppose you already have one. But the thing is, are you doing it right?
What Is An Information Security Policy?
Information Security Policy or ISP refers to the “set of rules, policies, and procedures designed to ensure all users and networks within an organization meet minimum IT security and data protection security requirements”.
As you can see, an ISP affects all facets of an organization. For example, this should include:
- Data
- Programs
- Systems
- Facilities
- Infrastructure
- Users
- Third-parties
- Fourth-parties
What Is The Purpose Of Implementing An Information Security Policy?
So basically, a well implemented information security can protect a company’s data and networks. Thus, ensuring no illicit access and limiting access of data.
For example, consider the following major effects of an implementing ISP.
- Creating a general approach to information security
- Proper documentation of a company-wide security measure & access control of users policies
- Ensures an organization to be compliant with NIST, HIPAA, GDPR, and FERPA
- Protects customers’ and third-parties’ data
- Provide an effective and targeted approach to potential attacks. Phishing, malware, and ransomware, for instance.
Information Security Policy Best Practices: How To Do It Right?
So now, what if you already have your own ISP? But finds it to be inadequate or ineffective?
Here, we will be outlining what a mature and effective ISP should contain.
Information Security Policy
An information security policy refers to the high-level policy. This should cover a variety of security controls.
Acceptable Use Policy or AUP
An AUP or acceptable use policy contains the rules that limit an employee to his access. Perhaps in his usage of a corporate computer and network.
Access Control Policy or ACP
The ACP or access control policy then refers to the access controls that exist in an organization. This includes in its data system and information systems, for instance.
Change Management Policy
In case changes should happen, an organization should follow a proper process. This may include any changes made into its IT systems, software development, and security systems, for instance.
Incident Response (IR) Policy
Of course, incidents are inevitable. So how should an organization face them through?
An organization should follow an incident response policy. This refers to a formal and in order approach of managing incidents. By doing so, no steps should be missed along the process. Thus ensuring an end-to-end remediation.
Remote Access Policy
More so in this time of the pandemic, work from home arrangements are mostly common. This, on the other hand, further exposes an organization to threats. Also, it can create more vulnerabilities to its systems.
So what can help?
A remote access policy should be clearly implemented. This policy covers the acceptable methods of remote connections. For example, in connecting to internal networks while working remotely at home or elsewhere.
Disaster Recovery Policy
The COVID-19 health pandemic clearly shows how disasters can happen in a snap. So without a laid plan beforehand, business should suffer.
A disaster recovery plan will then equip an organization into any potential disaster or incident. Perhaps outlining an organization’s IT and cybersecurity measures. Also, preparing its teams for the work ahead.
