Whether you are an IT manager or IT consultant, it is essential to have a business continuity plan that includes IT security policies. These policies are a set of framework procedures that guide IT professionals in handling different threats. The IT policies ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of your company data.
Which policies should be added to your IT security strategy?
Finding out the right policies to be added to your IT security strategy is crucial for the growth of your IT department. It would help if you focused on policies that directly affect the regular operation of your company’s day-to-day operations.
Read up on five of the most important IT security policies you can consider for your company strategy: Share on X- Acceptable Use
- Account and Password
- Endpoint Security
- Mobile Device Management and Access
- Vulnerability Management
1) Acceptable Use
The Acceptable Use Policy is a set of guidelines that define the behavior expected from employees in their use of company equipment and systems. This policy helps prevent or discourage unacceptable uses, such as when individuals use their work laptops for personal tasks during non-work hours.
2) Account and Password
The account and password policy are crucial in managing the access controls of company assets. It’s an information security policy that minimizes the data breach from happening. The accounts and password policy also defines the types of funds in your company and how they get managed. It also describes the additional control in use, such as OTP (One Time Passwords) or MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication).
3) Endpoint Security
The endpoint security policy helps protect the entire device, including its operating system, applications, and data. It’s designed to prevent malware from infecting the device. The policy should include security features to protect any computers, laptops, or mobile devices in your company.
If you’re using a cloud-based solution for endpoint security, it should be included within your policy. You should also have a procedure to update the endpoint security software and any other system used in your company.
4) Mobile Device Management and Access
Be sure to include a mobile security policy in your IT security strategy using a mobile workforce. MDM manages all aspects of the mobile device, including security, password, and application management. This ensures that the devices are compliant with your company’s IT policy.
You can use MDM software to block access to websites or apps if they’re prohibited in your company policies; for example, gambling sites might not be allowed.
5) Vulnerability Management
You need to know if vulnerabilities exist in your network and take steps to reduce them. This can include using a third-party service such as RiskView, used by IT security experts worldwide for vulnerability management and penetration testing. It will identify all the devices on your network so you can see exactly where you need to improve.
Other Essential Policies to Consider
Besides the above policies, you can equally consider the following;
- WISP (Written Information Security Plan)
- Asset Management
- System and Device Baseline Security
- Security Logging
- Security Incident Response
Protecting Your Organization with IT Security
Coming up with excellent IT security policies goes a long way toward protecting your organization and data. It might seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth the effort when you consider the alternative – and that could be much more costly in terms of time and money down the road.
Contact us today for more information about security policies or other aspects of IT security.
Amy Passmore is the Chief Executive Officer and Integrator of Enstep Technology Solutions, where she has been a key leader since the company’s founding. She has overseen core operational and financial functions from day one and now leads the company’s continued growth in managed IT services. Outside of work, she supports inclusion in her community by managing the Texas Power Soccer Association and coaching the Houston Fireballs Power Soccer Club.
