Are your policies and procedures updated for 2020? Each SMB owner knows that in order to have a progressive work environment, there must be efficient policies and procedures set in place for your security strategy. Whether you’re launching a new organization or adapting long-standing policies, you may find yourself wondering how to go about writing or implementing them.
Don’t stress about it.
We’re about to talk through some of the critical components of an effective Policies & Procedures plan so that you can be confident with the ins and outs of your very own customized list.
Here are some important policies you may or may not yet have implemented:
- Acceptable Use Policy. The AUP covers technology usage. This policy is often lengthy as it can cover: System Access Levels, Accessing Other User’s Files, Password Responsibility, Illegal Copying, Unlawful Materials, Altering Information, Encryption Software and more.
- Access Control Policy. The ACP gives a detailed outline of security and access controls, such as: Software Installation, Operating Software Controls, Monitoring System Usage, Securing Unattended Stations, Access Removal, User ID Issuance, Anonymous User IDs, Password Management Guidelines and more.
- Disaster Recovery Policy. This can include information on a business continuity plan in the case of any disruption or emergency. At the bare minimum, a recovery policy should cover: Specific Disaster Plan Timeline, Critical Vendors and Critical Equipment.
- Employee Confidentiality Policy. This policy ensures that information cannot be disclosed without the consent of the person to whom it relates, with detailed guidance on circumstances in which confidentiality is breached.
- Equipment Refresh Policy. This policy will help your company prepare for any costs, strategies or compliance problems that may come up while refreshing hardware, and will educate employees on company changes so that you can reduce downtime.
- Data Policy. This policy clearly covers what data is appropriate to be shared with whom. It is different for every business and needs to be communicated heavily because improper data usage could end up costing you if employees are not familiar and aligned with the specifics.
- Retention and Destruction Policy. This policy identifies member responsibilities of storage documentation and destruction of records.
Alright, take a breath.
Now… what about your process? Your process will portray how things are done in your organization, enabling employees to feel confident in their work so that your business can successfully achieve its goals. Let’s discuss some of the most common items included in a business process:
- On-boarding Training. This administration process goes over the step-by-step of hiring and training a new employee.
- IT Third Party System Audits. When an independent company is hired to perform an audit, the process will lay out regulations before the audit is performed.
- Information Security. An information security audit process will look for system vulnerabilities, including but not limited to access controls.
- Sales. The sales process will go through the buyer’s journey so that an execution plan is in place whenever it is needed.
- Testing Plans. This documentation describes how any software will be approached, with a list of testing activities.
- Financial Analysis. This process evaluates budgets and transactions to keep your company on track, most commonly analyzed through Horizontal/Vertical Analysis and Ratio Analysis.
While these are a few key examples, the list is extensive. We understand that Policies, Procedures and Processes can feel overwhelming and that no two companies’ documentation is exactly alike. It can be a lot to think about, but now is the time to do so. 2020 will pose a whole new world of cyber-threats, and any loopholes are hot spots for attackers. Your policies have the power to keep your employees diligent and to provide written statements that will help you overcome potential future problems.
We know that crafting effective policies takes planning, research, and revision, but it doesn’t have to be painful. Let the experts at Prestige IT help build an Information Security standard custom for the unique risk profile of your organization. We will design your written policy so that it adheres to true industry best practice and fits the specific needs of your workplace.
If you want to get in touch with a team member of Prestige IT and talk about Policy & Procedure Creation, contact us today: https://prestigeit.io/contact-us/
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