The proper functioning of the company’s information system depends on the availability of information and computer systems. Also the confidentiality of information, with the risk of seeing the company’s information capital compromised or lost.
We now know that the main risk factor in IT security is the human factor. Different strategies are possible. In this article, we will discuss the development of an IT security policy within the company, with advice and best practices.
What Is A Security Policy?
An IT security policy is a strategy to maximize the IT security of a business. It is embodied in a document which includes all the issues, objectives, analyzes, actions and procedures forming part of this strategy.
To be distinguished from the IT charter, which is a document of recommendations concerning the proper use of IT technologies, and which is intended for company employees
this document is unique and personalized since it is drawn up taking into account the operation, the environment, the composition of the company’s information system, and the IT challenges and risks specific to its Information system security in general.
The implementation of an IT security policy is only one of the many possible measures to ensure the security of the company’s information system. As an example, here are some of the best practices in IT security for a business:
- good maintenance of the computer park
- staff accountability
- the training of personnel with good computing practices
- the use of tools to be ready for computer attacks (such as antivirus, antispam, firewalls, etc.)
- the control of the Internet access company
- the control of access to company information, including the sensitive information
- data hosting in secure and monitored environments
- the implementation of suitable, secure, redundant backups
- Implement an IT security policy: best practices
- Below are some of the best practices to observe when developing your
Designate an IT manager, who will be in charge of developing and implementing this security policy
Define the scope and objectives of the IT security policy, for efficiency and results measurement purposes
Existing Hardware and Software
Perform an analysis of the existing hardware and software, and keep an up-to-date register of all the elements that make up the information system. This register is important when modifying the components of the IT configuration. In the event of an incident, it can allow IT, teams, to find the source of the problem.
Perform an IT risk analysis, with regard to the possible harm and the probability of occurrence of the incident
Determine the means necessary for reducing risks and handling incidents, whether they be material or human resources
Define the appropriate procedures, particularly in terms of incident management or business continuity management. Write an IT charter for employees to Communicate the IT security policy to the entire company qualities for implementing IT security policies. Set up an IT security policy is not an easy task, because it involves many tasks and many faces.
The company’s IT security policy can therefore be implemented internally by technicians or by the IT manager. It can also be carried out on request by an external company, which will be in charge of running the project, carrying out the various audits, setting up procedures, and drafting the associated documentation. The IT security policy implemented by an external service provider.
What Are The Advantages?
There is an advantage in calling on an external service provider, it is that of neutrality. It is without any prejudice that the latter establishes the hierarchy of the various elements. The definition of the various procedures and access rights, or the distribution of tasks and responsibilities within internal and external teams.
But in the case of the implementation of an IT security policy by a service provider, undoubtedly. The most important element is the contractualization of the service. It will be a matter of carefully defining the scope of this procedure, as well as the workload, the various responsibilities, and commitments of each actor in the project.
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