With the contemporary trends of information’s digitalization simultaneously raise the necessity of its proper protection. Consequently, companies and organizations implement specialized policies to protect their data – network security policies. They allow organizations to implement and coordinate security programs and communicate their security measures if needed. Companies have to ensure they adhere to specific requirements; additionally, companies should consider developing a security culture amongst employees to guarantee the policies’ proper functioning.
Organizations should consider several essential elements to develop an effective network security policy. A security policy should clearly define purpose, audience, objectives, hierarchy, personnel responsibilities, rights, and duties. By eliminating ambiguity in the policy statements, organizations simplify the process of its implementation and maintenance. After the initial definitions, the company should set up the framework for information processing: data classification, support and operations, encryption, and backup. Lastly, the information regarding the security policy should be communicated to the company’s staff to increase their awareness and foster the appropriate security culture.
An organization’s security culture might be as influential as the security policy. If the policy is not respected internally, it would be the same as if there is no security at all. Staff members have to understand that the security malfunction can lead to cyber attacks on the company’s property and their personal data stored on its servers. Poor awareness or communication can also result in additional expenses due to configuration errors, ineffective resource usage, and data breaches.
Fostering the security culture might prove to be difficult when employees think of security as a concern solely of the security department. They might also be demotivated – if not intimidated – by the sheer amount of monotonous and unentertaining information they have to look through. Consequently, these are the factors the companies should address if they intend their security policies to be successfully implemented and maintained.
Network security policy can be considered effective if it is clearly defined, understood, and supported internally. As a result, it will secure the company’s data protection and possibly prevent needless expenses. Thus, building a community where security is a matter for everyone, increasing the awareness simply and engagingly, and accordingly rewarding the proper security attitude can eventually lead to the most robust data protection possible.