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Design Information Security Policies the Right Way

Design Information Security Policies the Right Way
14 Jan

Design Information Security Policies the Right Way

by Prachi
in InfoSec Challenges for CISOs, CTOs and CIOs
Comments
Is the fear of malware and data leakage in your organization’s computers giving you sleepless nights? It is time to design and implement information security policies that protect your organization from network breaches.
Information security policies provide an organization-wide agenda and enforcement plan for any potential risk-incurring network intrusions.
This framework must be enforced on every single person in your organization to make it effective and worthwhile. Depending on the nature of work, your policy could include features like integrity assessment tools, intrusion detection systems, or compromise alerts.Here are some tips on designing information policies the right way:

Identify your security needs

The first thing you need to do is to identify potential risks and security requirements at your organization. Consider the kind of data that is stored and shared on your organization’s computers. Is there any other sensitive information that needs to be restricted?Are large files shared regularly? Assess if there are harmful emails or attachments being circulated in your organization. Once you have your answers to all these questions, you are ready to design an information security policy for your organization.

Categorize your data

Before designing a new policy, it is advisable to categorize the kind of data your organization handles daily. If any of the data you deal with is protected by federal laws, it would come under the ‘high risk class’. ‘Confidential’ data would be what you deem to be protected from unauthorized information transfers. Lastly, a lot of your data could also be publicly available, free to be distributed anywhere. Once you know the proportion of data you handle in each of these categories, designing a protection policy would be easier.

Involve your employees in policy design

Your employees are going to be directly affected by any information security policy you design. Why not let them help in defining what poses a risk to their systems and what appropriate use entails? Also let them know when you monitor their network activities to conduct an organization-wide risk assessment.All this would keep your employees informed and trustful and improve their compliance with the policies you design.

Do not overprotect

Do not get excessive with the protection you are providing through your security policy. The policy agenda should be equivalent to the level of risks identified during the risk assessment. Going overboard will only make yourorganization less productive. It will also create an environment of distrust among your employees.

Take cues from existing policies

You can always take cues from other organizations that have an information protection policy in place. You can also consult your vendors selling security software. However, keep in mind that no other organization’s policy will be applicable to your requirements as it is.You need to modify it based on your risk assessment and security needs.

Conclusion

Designing an appropriate and enforceable information security policy is as important as hiring a CEO for your organization. Follow our tips and make your organization more secure from digital stealth, frauds,and malware.

 

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