IT security policies form the foundation of organizational security, defining responsibilities, access privileges, and incident response procedures. According to the SANS Institute, "a comprehensive security policy sets the standard for protecting critical business information and systems from both internal and external threats."
What Policies Should Include
Effective IT security policies contain purpose, scope, policy statements, and procedures. They outline behavioral expectations for users and IT personnel, identify non-compliance consequences, define organizational risks, and provide risk reduction guidelines. Policies should be customized based on an organization's valuable assets and specific vulnerabilities.
The 10 Essential Policies
1. Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
Defines appropriate computer equipment usage for business purposes and identifies risks of improper behavior. Covers general use, handling of proprietary information, and prohibited activities that could compromise network systems.
2. Security Awareness and Training Policy
Requires all workforce members to complete security training and sign confidentiality agreements. Should educate staff on organizational security policies, social engineering tactics, system maintenance, email protocols, and personal computer security responsibilities.
3. Change Management Policy
Ensures all system changes are managed, approved, and tracked. Includes planning, evaluation, approval processes, documentation, and post-implementation review for SDLC, hardware, software, database, and application modifications.
4. Incident Response Policy
Outlines organizational response procedures following security breaches or incidents. Details incident response team roles, identification procedures, containment strategies, recovery processes, and post-incident assessment.
Key phases include:
- Preparation
- Identification
- Containment
- Eradication
- Recovery
- Post-incident review
5. Remote Access Policy
Minimizes exposure from unauthorized network access by remote workers. Requirements include:
- VPN access
- Disk encryption
- Strong passphrases
- Current antimalware software
- Restrictions on connecting to unauthorized networks simultaneously
6. Vendor Management Policy
Validates third-party vendor compliance and information security capabilities. Addresses vendor selection, risk assessment, contractual standards, and ongoing monitoring.
Key evaluation criteria include:
- Compliance frameworks
- Service-level agreements
- Annual security assessments
- Contingency procedures
7. Password Creation and Management Policy
Provides guidance on developing secure password practices including complexity requirements, change procedures, and prohibited practices. Covers password training, logout procedures, maximum retry attempts, and unsuccessful login logging.
8. Network Security Policy
Ensures data confidentiality, integrity, and availability through periodic information system reviews. Establishes auditing mechanisms for:
- Failed login attempts
- System startup/shutdown
- Privileged account usage
- Firewall anomalies
- Network device additions/removals
May branch into wireless communication, router security, and Bluetooth baseline policies.
9. Access Authorization, Modification, and Identity Access Management
Implements the Principle of Least Privilege, granting users access only to information necessary for their roles. Requires documented processes for establishing, reviewing, and modifying system access based on valid authorization and intended usage.
10. Data Retention Policy
Specifies which data types must be retained, storage duration, and destruction procedures. Addresses documents, customer records, transactional information, email messages, and contracts. Helps eliminate outdated data and organize information for future use while meeting regulatory standards.
Additional Recommended Policies
- Mobile Device Management (MDM)
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
- Encryption and Decryption
- SPAM Protection
- System Maintenance
- Vulnerability Management
Tips for Effective Policy Development
- Conduct a Security Risk Assessment to identify critical assets, vulnerabilities, and control gaps
- Define Scope specifying affected personnel and covered assets
- Ensure Clarity by writing policies in accessible language with clear non-compliance consequences
- Update Regularly at minimum annually to address evolving procedures and threats
Key Benefits
Well-documented policies strengthen overall security posture, reduce security incidents, establish clear incident response procedures, streamline audit preparedness, and foster accountability among users and stakeholders.
Conclusion
Implementing these ten essential IT security policies creates a strong foundation for organizational security. By customizing these policies to your specific environment and regularly updating them, you can protect critical business information and systems from both internal and external threats.