Ever get in trouble for just trying to get your job done?

Web browsers can be picky. Emails don't get through. Firewalls and security rules can get in the way sometimes.

Or, maybe the browser at work doesn't render the site you want to visit. Or, maybe, it just doesn't like you today.

Or, or, or...

We've all been there. No problem, you say, "I will just try to sign up with my personal account instead of my work account. Maybe the email will show up then."

Awesome, email went to your gmail account. Problem solved. Until you get in trouble.

You may have just violated your company's Information Security policy.

Before you casually perform work tasks with a personal account or computer, make sure you have clarity on your organization's policies. When in doubt, ask.

If you work in a highly regulated industry such as Finance or Healthcare, this is all the more important.

What is an Information Security Policy (ISP)

An information security policy (ISP) is a set of rules that guide individuals who work with IT assets. Your company can create an information security policy to ensure your employees and other users follow security protocols and procedures. An updated and current security policy ensures that sensitive information can only be accessed by authorized users.

Why is it important?

Creating an effective security policy and taking steps to ensure compliance is a critical step to prevent and mitigate security breaches. To make your security policy truly effective, update it in response to changes in your company, new threats, conclusions drawn from previous breaches, and other changes to your security posture.

9 Key Elements for Implementing an Information Security Policy

Information and data classification can make or break your security program. Poor information and data classification may leave your systems open to attacks. Additionally, lack of inefficient management of resources might incur overhead expenses. A clear classification policy helps organizations take control of the distribution of their security assets.

IT operations and administration should work together to meet compliance and security requirements. Lack of cooperation between departments may lead to configuration errors. Teams that work together can coordinate risk assessment and identification through all departments to reduce risks.

Security incident response plan helps initiate appropriate remediation actions during security incidents. A security incident strategy provides a guideline, which includes initial threat response, priorities identification, and appropriate fixes.

Software as a Service (SaaS) and Cloud policy provides the organization with clear cloud and SaaS adoption guidelines, which can provide the foundation for a unified cloud ecosystem. This policy can help mitigate ineffective complications and poor use of cloud resources.

Acceptable use policies (AUPs) helps prevent data breaches that occur through misuse of company resources. Transparent AUPs help keep all personnel in line with the proper use of company technology resources.

Identity and access management (IAM) regulations let IT administrators authorize systems and applications to the right individuals and let employees know how to use and create passwords in a secure way. A simple password policy can reduce identity and access risks.

Data security policy outlines the technical operations of the organization and acceptable use standards in accordance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance.

Privacy regulations government-enforced regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) protect the privacy of end users. Organizations that don’t protect the privacy of their users risk losing their authority and may be fined.

Personal and mobile devices nowadays most organizations have moved to the cloud. Companies that encourage employees to access company software assets from any location, risk introducing vulnerabilities through personal devices such as laptops and smartphones. Creating a policy for proper security of personal devices can help prevent exposure to threats via employee-owned assets.  Learn more about Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy.

More questions or just need some advice? Make your life easier ……