Information Security Policy (ISP)
Security threats are constantly evolving, and compliance requirements are becoming increasingly
complex. Organizations must create a comprehensive information security policy to cover these
challenges.
What is information security policy /
An information security policy (ISP) is a set of regulations, rules, and practices that describes how
an organization manages, protects, and distributes information.
The Importance of an Information Security Policy /
1- Facilitates the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data
2- Reduces the risk of security incidents
3- Helps to address regulatory compliance requirements
4- Provides clear statement of security policy to third parties
Best Practices for Information Security Management /
1- Outlines the constraints an employee must agree to use a corporate computer and/or
network .
2- Align the policy with the needs of the organization.
3- Document procedures thoroughly and clearly.
4- Train everyone who has access to the organization's data or systems on the rules that are
outlined in the information security policy.
5- Review and update the policy regularly.
Key Elements of an Information Security Policy/
1- Purpose : Outline the purpose of your information security policy
2. Audience : Define who the information security policy applies to and who it does not apply to.
3. Information Security Objectives : information security is concerned with the CIA triad.
4. Authority and Access Control Policy : who has the authority to decide what data can be shared
and what can't.
5. Data Classification : An information security policy must classify data into categories it divide it
into five levels that dictate an increasing need for protection.
6. Data Support and Operations : you need to outline how data is each level will be handled.
7. Security Awareness Training : Training should be conducted to inform employees of security
requirements, including data protection, data classification, access control and general security
threats .
8. Responsibilities and Duties of Employees : the role of employees in such events like : Disaster
recovery - Incident management .
Example for policies /
1- Remote access This policy addresses the vulnerabilities that occur
when employees aren’t protected by the organisation’s physical and network security
provisions.
2- Password management Your password policy should acknowledge the risks
that come with poor credential habits and establish means of mitigating the risk of
password breaches.
3- Acceptable use You can prevent much of the risk by blocking certain websites.
However, this isn’t a fool-poof system, so you should also include a policy prohibiting
employees from visiting any site that you deem unsafe.