An information security policy is a set of rules and guidelines that dictate how information technology (IT) assets and resources should be used, managed, and protected. It applies to all users in an organization or its networks as well as all digitally stored information under its authority. An information security policy addresses threats and defines strategies and procedures for mitigating IT security risks.
An information security policy is an aggregate of directives, regulations, rules, and practices that prescribes how an organization manages, protects, and distributes information.
The National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST)
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Since organizations have different structures and requirements, IT departments should create an information security policy that is optimal for operational teams and users. The policy should also provide the guidance required to comply with regulatory requirements—corporate, industry, and government.
An information security policy should clearly define the organization’s overall cybersecurity program’s objectives, scope, and goals. This creates a solid foundation for the policy and provides context to the specific rules that employees must follow.
While there are common elements across information security policies, each policy should reflect consideration of the unique operational aspects and specific threats related to an industry, region, or organizational model that can put IT resources and data at risk. For example:
An information security policy should be a living document, reviewed and updated regularly to consider new or changing threats, processes, and regulations. This has several benefits:
An information security policy helps everyone in the organization understand the value of the security measures that IT institutes, as well as the direction needed to adhere to the rules. It also articulates the strategies in place and steps to be taken to reduce vulnerability, monitor for incidents, and address security threats.
An information security policy provides clear direction on procedure in the event of a security breach or disaster.
Important outcomes of an information security policy include:
Facilitates the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data
A robust policy standardizes processes and rules to help organizations protect against threats to data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Reduces the risk of security incidents
An information security policy outlines procedures for identifying, assessing, and mitigating security vulnerabilities and risks. It also explains how to quickly respond to minimize damage in the event of a security incident.
Executes security programs across an organization
To ensure successful execution, a security program needs an information security policy to provide the framework for operationalizing procedures
Provides clear statement of security policy to third parties
The policy summarizes the organization’s security posture and details how it protects IT assets and resources. It allows organizations to quickly respond to third-party (e.g., customers’, partners’, auditors’) requests for this information.
Helps to address regulatory compliance requirements
The process of developing an information security policy helps organizations identify gaps in security protocols relative to regulatory requirements.
An information security policy should be comprehensive enough to address all security considerations. It must also be accessible; everyone in the organization must be able to understand it.
Boilerplate information security policies are not recommended, as they inevitably have gaps related to the unique aspects of your organization. The information security framework should be created by IT and approved by top-level management.
A robust information security policy includes the following key elements:
Established best practices for an information security policy lead with obtaining executive buy-in. Implementation and enforcement are much easier and more effective when the policy has the support of top leadership.
Other best practices for information security policy development include:
A well-developed information security policy helps improve an organization’s security posture by raising awareness. It also provides the guidance needed to include all users in baseline security preparedness that ultimately protects your organization’s data and systems. Investing in the development and enforcement of an information security policy is well worth the effort.
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Last Updated: 12th July, 2021
