What should be included in a written security policy?

Depending on the industry that you are in, and the data security and compliance regulations that may apply to you, a security policy can be quite involved.

At a minimum, every business should have a written security policy to demonstrate that the company takes data privacy and security seriously and has systems in place to protect it.

Without having a policy in place, that all employees have seen and agree to abide by, it may be problematic should a problem develop in the future.

A basic security policy should include:

  • Password policy  (click HERE for password policy tips)
  • Acceptable Use Policy for email, internet browsing, social media, etc. (click HERE for AUP tips)
  • Access and control of proprietary data and client data
  • Access to company data from remote locations, or on non-corporate devices
  • Physical security protocols for doors, dealing with visitors, etc.
  • Understanding data classification, what is critical and private data?
  • How to deal with and report lost or stolen devices
  • How to handle and report a suspected security breach or data loss
  • Requirements and expectations for Security Awareness Training  (click HERE for cybersecurity training tips)
  • Use of third party cloud or file sync services such as Gmail, Dropbox, etc.
  • Requirements for encryption and computer locking procedures

There are very specific requirements that your business may need to adhere to, and there are tools and templates available to help get started. If you would like to see some sample policies and talk about how we may be able to help you put a plan in place, give us a call today!

At White Mountain, we make changing IT vendors EASY!

Thanks for visiting, we look forward to hearing from you.

Related Posts

Four Technologies You Can Use to Better Protect Your Data in Transit

Encryption Implementing strong encryption protocols works to secure data during transmission. From a technical point of view: SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) protocols are commonly used to encrypt communication between a user's browser and a website. This added encryption ensures that any information exchanged is secure and cannot be easily intercepted by people looking to...

Tip of the Week: Making Your Network VoIP-Friendly

We could go on and on about the benefits of using Voice over Internet Protocol (also known as VoIP) for your business telephone needs. However, it is important that you do everything you can to prepare your network for this kind of utilization. Let’s review a few tips to help make sure your network is properly optimized for VoIP. How to Prepare Your Network for a VoIP Implementation Ensure You...

Ransomware is Still a Major Threat for All Businesses and Individuals Alike

Prioritize Your Backups We recommend that you make data backup a top priority for your business in just about all situations possible. Good backups keep your data safe in an isolated environment where they can be accessed as needed. We recommend you use the cloud, offline backups, or off-site data centers for your storage needs. You can also use automation to ensure that the process is as consist...

Insurance Companies Are Asking My Business About Its Cybersecurity. What’s the Deal?

You might have noticed that business insurance companies are starting to show an interest in how you are protecting your technology and data. If your org has been in touch with your insurance provider regarding modifying or renewing your business insurance, you were likely handed a lengthy questionnaire about your cybersecurity. Let’s take a look together to help you make informed decisions on how...