The purpose and scope of this security policy is to protect the on-premises web, application, and database servers within the organization from compromise or unauthorized access and use. The organization utilizes database servers that store sensitive data that must be protected. This will be achieved utilizing the below five main processes and controls. The five important aspects of this security policy are as follows: An acceptable use policy, backup and disaster recovery, data and asset classification, identity and access management, and network security. These five policy sections are meant to adequately address the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of information within the organization.
An acceptable use policy is the first line of defense in protecting the organization’s sensitive data. Specifically, this policy outlines what is and is not acceptable regarding the use of the organization’s IT assets and helps mitigate risks of compromise. This allows for the most direct form of communication to any who attempt to access data regarding what is considered unauthorized use.
Backup and disaster recovery is equally as important as proactively protecting data from compromise. Security incidents are a matter of when, not if, and must be treated accordingly. The best defense is one where loss recovery remains moot, however if it is needed, a disaster recovery plan assists the organization in recovering from outage events quickly and efficiently. Dedicated off-site storage and back-up servers should be implemented to ensure data losses in the event of a disaster are minimal in scope.
Data and asset classification provides instructions to the organization how data is treated throughout its IT structure. Identifying how the data is treated allows the organization to implement tailored controls to keep sensitive data safe. It also allows for procedures to be implemented effectively for backup and disaster recovery. Utilizing data classification, the most sensitive data can be isolated and stored deep within the IT infrastructure, and the amount and level of security measures used to protect this data can be quantified. It also allows for easier budgeting of IT resources to ensure adequate time and money are spent where it is most needed.
Identity and access management works in tandem with data and asset classification. Once the data is classified, we must then identify who within the organization is permitted to access said data, and to what extent. By restricting access to data and assets, we can better monitor and control who has access to what, and only allow access to data relevant to each associated job role.
Network security is important in that if an organization has sensitive data, there will always be someone looking to steal or destroy it. Ensuring the security of the organization’s network allows for relative peace of mind that those who wish to access the sensitive data from outside or within the organization or spy on network traffic originating from or to the organization will at minimum find immense difficulty in doing so. Implementing intrusion prevention (IDP) systems, firewalls, and virtual private networks are a few technical applications of network security. There must also be some level of physical security, such as locked server rooms, badge identification, etc.
Acceptable use policies, backup and disaster recovery, data and asset classification, identity and access management, and network security are all key components of this security policy, utilized to help keep the organization’s sensitive data and assets free from compromise or theft. In implementing these five key processes and controls, the organization will not only be protected from intentional or accidental compromise but will also be able to recover quickly and efficiently in the event of said compromise. Maintaining the CIA of data within the organization is of utmost importance, and the described five aspects of this security policy achieve just that.
References
10 must have IT security policies for every organization. Adsero Security. (2023, January 10). Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://www.adserosecurity.com/security-learning-center/ten-it-security-policies-every-organization-should-have/
11 key elements of an information security policy. egnyte.com. (2021, July 12). Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://www.egnyte.com/guides/governance/information-security-policy
Kirvan, P. (2022, March 11). How to write an information security policy, plus templates: TechTarget. TechTarget. Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/tip/How-to-write-an-information-security-policy-plus-templates