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Humans are the weakest link in building a robust defense against cyber threats. According to the latest report, 82% of data breach incidents are caused due to the human element. A strict cybersecurity policy can help you protect confidential data and technology infrastructure from cyber threats.
What Is a Cybersecurity Policy?
A cybersecurity policy offers guidelines for employees to access company data and use organizational IT assets in a way to minimize security risks. The policy often includes behavioral and technical instructions for employees to ensure maximum protection from cybersecurity incidents, such as virus infection, ransomware attacks, etc.
Also, a cybersecurity policy can offer countermeasures to limit damage in the event of any security incident.
Here are common examples of security policies:
- Remote access policy – offers guidelines for remote access to an organization’s network
- Access control policy – explains standards for network access, user access, and system software controls
- Data protection policy – provides guidelines for handling confidential data so as to avoid security breaches
- Acceptable use policy – sets standards for using the company’s IT infrastructure
The Purpose of Cybersecurity Policies
The primary purpose of cybersecurity policy is to enforce security standards and procedures to protect company systems, prevent a security breach, and safeguard private networks.
Security Threats Can Harm Business Continuity
Security threats can harm business continuity. In fact, 60% of small businesses become defunct within six months of a cyber attack. And needless to say, data theft can cost a company dearly. According to IBM research, the average cost of a ransomware breach is $4.62m.
So creating security policies has become the need of hours for small businesses to spread awareness and protect data and company devices.
READ MORE: What Is Cybersecurity?
What Should a Cybersecurity Policy Include?
Here are crucial elements you should include in your cybersecurity policy:
1. Intro
The intro section introduces users to the threat landscape your company is navigating. It tells your employees about the danger of data theft, malicious software, and other cyber crimes.
2. Purpose
This section explains the purpose of the cybersecurity policy. Why has the company created the cybersecurity policy?
The purposes of the cybersecurity policy often are:
- Protect the company’s data and IT infrastructure
- Defines rules for using the company and personal devices in the office
- Let employees know disciplinary actions for policy violation
3. Scope
In this section, you will explain to whom your policy applies. Is it applicable to remote workers and on-site employees only? Do vendors have to follow the policy?
4. Confidential Data
This section of the policy defines what confidential data is. The company’s IT department comes with a list of items that could be classified as confidential.
5. Company Device Security
Whether mobile devices or computer systems, make sure that you set clear usage guidelines to ensure security. Every system should have good antivirus software to avoid virus infection. And all devices should be password-protected to prevent any unauthorized access.
6. Keeping Emails Secure
Infected emails are a leading cause of ransomware attacks. Therefore, your cybersecurity policy must include guidelines for keeping emails secure. And to spread security awareness, your policy should also have a provision for security training from time to time.
7. Transfer of Data
Your cybersecurity policy must include policies and procedures for transferring data. Ensure that users transfer data only on secure and private networks. And customer information and other essential data should be stored using strong data encryption.
8. Disciplinary Measures
This section outlines the disciplinary process in the event of a violation of the cybersecurity policy. The severity of disciplinary action is established based on the gravity of the violation – It could be from a verbal warning to termination.
Additional Resources for Cybersecurity Policy Templates
There is no one-size-fits-all cybersecurity policy. There are several types of cybersecurity policies for different applications. So you should first understand your threat landscape. And then, prepare a security policy with appropriate security measures.
You can use a cyber security policy template to save time while creating a security policy. You can downlo
