As a business owner or executive, it is critical to be aware of the cybersecurity policies and processes that your organization needs to implement to protect from vulnerabilities and safeguard sensitive information. In this post, we’ll discuss the most critical cybersecurity policies and processes your organization should have in place, including acceptable use, information security, change management, HIPAA and on-boarding and off-boarding policies and processes.
ACCEPTABLE USE
An acceptable use policy sets guidelines for what is appropriate and acceptable behavior for employees concerning technology and information assets. This policy should establish guidelines for using company assets, such as computers and mobile devices, as well as prohibit specific activities, such as installing unauthorized software, accessing or sharing inappropriate material, and accessing sensitive information without proper authorization.
INFORMATION SECURITY
An information security policy is a comprehensive approach to securing data and information systems within an organization. This policy should include guidelines for password security, data encryption, email usage, and remote access protocols. It should also outline procedures for reporting security incidents and breaches and have clear escalation processes for addressing them.
CHANGE MANAGEMENT
Change management policies track and manage changes to the IT environment before they occur. This policy should ensure that changes made to the system are authorized, tested, and monitored. The change management process should also outline what IT components are being changed, the reasons for the change, how long the change will take, and how the change will be tested.
HIPAA COMPLIANCE
95% of all identity theft incidents come from stolen healthcare records and are worth 25 times as much as a credit card. In the healthcare industry, an HIPAA policy is required to ensure patient privacy and data security. HIPAA regulations require organizations to meet specific administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect electronic protected health information (ePHI). HIPAA policies should outline requirements for access control, data encryption, data backup, and employee awareness training.
ON-BOARDING & OFF-BOARDING
On-boarding and off-boarding policies are critical to managing employee access to data and technology assets. On-boarding policies should include procedures for initial account set-up, assigning security access levels, and providing proper training to new employees. Off-boarding policies should include procedures for disabling accounts, revoking access to critical systems, and retrieving company-owned devices from departing employees.
BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY
Cybersecurity policies and processes should be a top priority for businesses of all sizes. A comprehensive approach to cybersecurity risk management should include the implementation of acceptable use policies, information security policies, change management, HIPAA compliance, and on-boarding and off-boarding policies. By following these best practices, businesses can help prevent cyberattacks, reduce the risk of data breaches and protect the sensitive information of their clients, employees, and stakeholders. The time to implement these policies and processes is now to ensure that your business is secure and resilient in the face of cyber threats.
Written by: Chris Zambuto | Chief Information Security Officer @CMITBostonCambridge
