After talking to a variety of startups and small companies, I have noticed that not many companies have an Information Security Policy (ISP) in place. I hear some say that they can not afford one. Some say that they do not need one since they are just starting. And some are just confused about what it is besides being a confusing document.
In this blog, I will tell you what an ISP is, why it is important, and how one can be implemented in minutes.
WHAT
The purpose of an ISP is to establish a formal set of rules and regulations to standardize the IT and cybersecurity position within an organization. This is used for a variety of purposes, but will most often be used to:
- Demonstrate that risks are controlled and managed
- Meet compliance obligations
- Measure quality and capabilities of controls and staff
- Mitigate liabilities in the event of a breach
Another way of thinking about this is to formalize rules to ensure that the company has a series of controls around the three principles of information security: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. If you are interested in learning more, look at this blog post.
WHY
An ISP is essential for any organization as it offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and implementing security measures, thereby ensuring a robust cybersecurity stance. Following compliance regulations, an ISP reduces the risk of data breaches where malicious actors could steal private information. Notably, around 53% of data breaches are linked directly or indirectly to third parties, underscoring the importance of an ISP in detailing what information should be shared with external entities. The policy helps identify, assess, and mitigate security risks, protecting valuable information assets from cyber threats, and also ensures legal and regulatory compliance, preventing potential fines and legal issues. Moreover, predefined procedures for incident response enhance business continuity during security incidents. An effective ISP builds trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders by demonstrating the organization's commitment to safeguarding information, which is crucial for maintaining credibility and fostering strong business relationships.
HOW
I have worked on creating a basic template for you here. Customize it to your organization's needs and delete all introductory or example text. Convert all remaining text to black before distribution. If you need assistance, contact me for more information.
I only ask if you could at least let me know through an email so that I can know that this document has been helpful to others. Or share this on LinkedIn so that others can learn about what an ISP is and be able to use it for their organization.