What is a Cyber Security Policy?
A cyber security policy is a set of guidelines for practices and procedures designed to protect a business’s sensitive data and valuable assets from outside threats. Policies set company principles, security expectations, roles, and responsibilities for employees within the organization. The policies developed should focus and prioritize on areas of importance to the organization.
Why are they Important
The cyber security profession has been rapidly progressing and urgently rising in need. Companies are slowly becoming more and more aware of the growing dangers that come via the internet. Cyber policies are crucial in laying the groundwork for cyber defense strategies and ensuring that employees are aware of company expectations. Cyber attacks are very costly and dangerous and if not handled correctly, they can destroy companies. These policies are designed for all employees regardless of their role within the company, so in the event of an attack, they understand and know their roles. Without a strong set of policies in place, companies will struggle for not only protect themselves but their users as well.
Remote Work Policy
Companies have seen a lot of drastic changes within the cyber landscape. As technology continues to advance our ability to perform tasks faster and more efficiently as well. This newfound technology has opened the door for companies to explore the possibility of remote work. The rise of COVID-19 has also created an increased and urgent need for remote work policies as safety concerns for companies and their employees have been on the rise. A remote, flexible, or hybrid work policy is an agreement that outlines when and how employees can work from locations other than the office. These policies can be temporary or permanent. “In In many circumstances, remote work can improve productivity and job performance as well as promote administrative efficiencies (e.g., reducing office and parking space), reduce traffic congestion and transportation costs, support the continuity of operations plans, and sustain the recruitment and retention of a highly qualified workforce by enhancing work/life balance” (W&M, 2022). Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is, people are the weakest link when it comes to cyber security, so for remote work to be successful companies must develop a detailed policy that outlines all aspects of remote work, including expectations like working hours, legal rights, and cybersecurity requirements. It is crucial for employees to understand the increased risks associated with remote work. According to an article written by Hutchins and Britt, “with the rise of remote work, vulnerabilities have increased as additional devices are introduced into companies’ data ecosystems and new phishing schemes ranging from phony COVID-19 updates to “emergency” demands for confidential information prey on pandemic-related fears and confusion.” Being away from the office also means, IT won’t be in the same building to assist in the event of an emergency, which is why having clear policies to address roles and responsibilities are needed in the event of a cyber-attack. An article written by TechRepublic outlines ten key components to consider when developing a remote policy are eligibility (who can and can’t work remotely), availability, responsiveness, productivity measures, equipment, tech support, rightful termination, physical environment, security, and client confidentiality.
Conclusion
COVID-19 has been a national issue that has significantly impacted our world today, especially in how we work and communicate. During the pandemic, many organizations and companies were forced to implement remote work policies. This new shift has opened the eyes of many companies as they still recover from the pandemic and some even remaining in permanent remote work environments. The development of a clear and detailed outline for remote work policies is crucial for all companies. These policies must include a range of details including company expectations, principles, roles, and responsibilities. Employees must be aware of the dangers that are present online and adhere to company security practices. This will not only prevent company loss but protect them and their users as well.