When it comes to IT security, a well-planned policy is essential for any business. A comprehensive IT security policy outlines the measures that should be taken to protect the company’s data, personnel, and systems from malicious actors. It also details expectations for employee behavior when using company technology.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of setting up an effective IT security policy and the benefits of working with a reputable IT advisor like Technology Response Team.
The Importance of Company IT Policies
It’s no surprise that an increasing number of businesses are relying on technology to keep them running. But this reliance comes with an increased risk of data breaches, cyberattacks, and hackers. Comprehensive IT security policies are one of the most important steps a business can take to protect itself from these threats. A well-written policy not only outlines the company’s expectations for employee behavior when using company technology, but also outlines measures for protecting the company’s data, personnel, and systems.
10 IT Security Policies
IT Infrastructure Security Policies
An effective security policy should start by outlining IT policy examples of the measures that should be taken to secure a company's IT infrastructure. This includes determining who has access to specific systems and data, setting up firewalls and intrusion detection systems, monitoring user activity, establishing passwords or other authentication processes, encrypting confidential data, and regularly backing up information.
Hybrid/Remote IT Security Policies
As companies become increasingly dependent on remote operations, they must have appropriate security policies in place. These policies should include procedures for securely connecting employees working from home or other remote locations to the company's resources and procedures for using virtual desktops and cloud storage solutions such as Dropbox. They should also include guidelines for ensuring that any communications between remote locations are encrypted.
Bring Your Own Device IT Policies
Many companies allow their employees to use their own devices, a practice known as "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD). Companies must have policies outlining how these devices should be used securely while connecting to the company's networks or storing data. These policies may include encrypting sensitive information stored on the device, setting up strong passwords, installing anti-malware software, and notifying the company if a device is lost or stolen.
Acceptable Use IT Security Policies
A key component of any security policy should be an acceptable use policy (AUP) that sets out expectations for how employees use company resources and technology at work. The AUP should outline prohibited activities, how long personal calls can be made on office phones, what websites can be accessed while at work, and other rules related to using company resources responsibly and securely.
Security Awareness Training IT Policy
To ensure this understanding across all levels of staff within an organization, there must be thorough security awareness training programs that provide employees with guidance about best practices when using company equipment or accessing its networks remotely.
Change Management IT Policy
This IT security policy outlines the procedures for managing company technology infrastructure changes. It should include procedures for evaluating, approving, and documenting changes to hardware and software. This policy should also include guidance on rolling back any changes that negatively impact the system or create security risks.
Incident Response IT Policy
An incident response policy outlines a business's steps to respond to a cybersecurity incident. It should include procedures for determining if an incident has occurred, reporting it to relevant authorities, and conducting investigations. The policy should also cover communication protocols and data breach notification requirements that must be completed in the event of an incident.
Vendor Management IT Policy
Vendor management outlines the requirements for selecting, monitoring, and managing vendors who provide services or products related to IT operations or data storage within the organization. The requirements may vary depending on the size and scope of the vendor's operations. They must include measures such as background checks, contractual terms outlining liabilities, responsibilities, and security audits of their systems.
Password Creation and Management IT Policies
Businesses must have comprehensive policies for password creation and management to ensure that only authorized personnel can access confidential information stored within their networks. These policies should outline rules regarding password complexity (length/special characters/numbers), acceptable word usage, expiration periods for passwords, frequency of password reset, rules around sharing passwords with third parties, and procedures for resetting forgotten passwords securely.
Data Retention IT Policy
A data retention policy outlines how long different types of data must be stored before being purged from systems or archived securely offsite by approved vendors. The purpose is to prevent unauthorized users from accessing confidential information from past transactions or activities that are no longer necessary or relevant for business operations. The length of time varies depending on various factors, such as compliance regulations that must be followed, but can also depend on individual companies' needs based on their industry sector.
If you are implementing a company IT policy, be sure to check out additional benefits of an MSP to benefit your networks and infrastructure.
The Benefits of Partnering With an IT Policy Advisor
- Access to expert guidance: Working with an IT policy advisor like TRT gives your company access to experienced professionals who can provide expert guidance on a wide range of IT policy issues.
- Improved policy development: With an IT policy advisor on board, you can develop more effective policies that align with your organization’s goals and objectives and comply with industry regulations and standards.
- Accurate risk assessment: An IT policy advisor can help you identify and mitigate potential risks associated with your IT operations, which can help you avoid costly data breaches and other security incidents.
- Increased efficiency: Partnering with an IT policy advisor can help you streamline your IT processes, reduce redundancies, and increase operational efficiency.
- Enhanced compliance: TRT can help you stay up to date with industry regulations and standards, ensuring your organization is always compliant.
Plan Your Company’s IT Security Policies With Technology Response Team Today
Having comprehensive IT security policies in place helps protect your organization against hackers or reckless employee behavior when using company technology. Following these steps, and working with an IT advisor like TRT will help safeguard your business from potential risks associated with technology use.
Find out how an MSP can give your company the edge it needs. Contact the expert team at TRT, and we will begin planning your IT security policies together.
