What You Should Include in Your Company?s Written Security Policy?
After you have identified what you would like to include in the policy, you can use it as a foundation or framework for the document. Business owners should also take the time to consult with other IT professionals who can provide additional insight on how to write a thorough security policy.
What to Include in Your Written Security Policy
Outline Your Company’s IT Guidelines
Your written security policy should clearly outline the company’s IT guidelines in a way that’s easy for both technical and non-technical users to read and understand. The guidelines should provide instructions on how employees can safely browse the internet, access their social media and log into their email accounts at work or while using devices provided by the company. We also recommend that you include a section with instructions on how workers can create more secure online passwords.
Document Every IT Process and Procedure
A written security policy should include an overview of the company’s entire IT processes and procedures. Write down how each department should safely handle sensitive information. Include a protocol sharing information on how workers can report lost or stolen mobile phones and laptops. Many written IT security policies contain detailed processes and procedures for how employees can report cybercriminals and data breaches. Make sure to have a section that reveals what workers can do to detect potential threats and prevent leaks. Remember to include real world or offline security protocols as well. Employees should know how to handle office visitors and other important security measures.
Determine Your Company’s Overall Technology Standards
The policy should include an overview of the company’s technology standards. Every employee must understand what categories of data are considered sensitive and how to keep it classified after they attend a Security Awareness Training. Workers should also know how to safely use third party services, including cloud and file sync services like Gmail and Dropbox.
Outline Employee Roles and Responsibilities
Finally, your written IT policy should outline which jobs and responsibilities are in charge of sensitive data or devices. For example, your Human Resources and marketing department will have access to confidential information involving your employees and clients. Your written security policy must have instructions on how they should handle the data. Strict rules can also reveal how much remote workers, freelance workers and other contributors can access restricted data.
Contact White Mountain IT Today
Please contact us today online or call (603) 889-0800 if your company needs a written security policy. We’d be happy to speak with you and learn more about your company’s IT needs. At White Mountain IT, we have extensive experience creating professional written security policies for companies. We specialize in providing professional computer consulting services and managed IT services to businesses in the surrounding New England area and across the country.
