According to a study conducted by the University of Maryland, hackers are attacking computers connected to the Internet every 39 seconds, with online computers attacked on average 2,244 times a day. As the Worldwide Information Security Market is forecast to reach 170.4 billion in 2022 (Gartner), it is now not a question of “If” an attack will happen, but “when.” Thus, in this ever-evolving threat landscape, it is now imperative for every organization, regardless of its size, to have documented Information Security Policies to mitigate the risks to its data and other assets.
What are Information Security Policies?
NIST defines Information Security Policies as follows- “A high-level policy of an organization that is created to support and enforce portions of the organization’s Information Management Policy by specifying in more detail what information is to be protected from anticipated threats and how that protection is to be attained.”
To put simply, these policies work as guidelines on how the organization’s IT systems and assets and employees should behave to minimize risks to the organization. These policies help everyone within the organization to understand the processes that are put in place to protect the organization and its IT assets.
Why is an Information Security Policy Important?
Information Security Policies form the backbone of an organization’s cybersecurity strategy and efforts. Having well-developed and documented policies helps the organization to protect its interest in the event of a breach or cyber incident. The following are some core reasons why every organization should have Information Security Policies in place:
- They address potential threats to an organization by implementing strategies to secure the organization against internal and external threats.
- They help organizations to identify the risks to its assets and formulate their risk appetite.
- The policies outlines who does what, when, and why in terms of IT security by defining the roles and responsibilities.
- They outline the consequences employees face for not following the organization’s IT security rules, thus keeping them accountable.
- Information Security Policies help organizations understand their legal and ethical responsibilities by identifying regulatory requirements that are required to be followed.
To Sum It All Up
Information Security Policies are not only necessary, but often required by law to comply with various regulatory requirements. Many organizations face a challenge with developing and implementing these policies while remaining aligned to their unique organizational goals and objectives. Thus, it is essential to find the right partner with the right kind of knowledge and expertise to guide you throughout the process.
