1.0 - Introduction
Establishing and maintaining robust information security policies is a critical part of safeguarding your clients' data.
HighGround makes it easy to add, manage, and organize all your information security policies in one central hub. Instead of wrestling with scattered documents or outdated spreadsheets, you can keep everything streamlined and accessible, ensuring you and your client have access to up-to-date policies at the drop of a hat.
Tip: HighGround offers a free Information security policy pack containing the most common policies required by businesses. To learn more about this, please read our Free resources in HighGround article.
2.0 - Key Benefits of Information Security Policies
1. Set Clear Expectations: Information Security Policies provide employees and stakeholders with clear guidelines on how to handle data, access systems, and maintain security protocols. This reduces confusion and helps prevent risky behavior.
2. Reduce Security Risks: By implementing structured policies around data handling, password management, and access controls, you create multiple layers of defence against potential threats.
3. Ensure Compliance: Many industries have regulatory requirements (e.g. HIPAA, GDPR, CMMC). Well structured Information Security Policies help you meet these standards and avoid potential fines or legal issues.
4. Maintain Consistency: With documented policies, your organization can respond to security incidents systematically, ensuring a quick and effective reaction when needed.
To ensure you have a basic suite of Information Security Policies, you should ensure you address the following:
Access Control: Define who has access to systems, data, and networks, along with the appropriate authorization levels.
Data Protection: Establish guidelines for securely storing, transferring, and disposing of sensitive information.
Incident Response: Outline procedures for identifying, managing, and recovering from security incidents.
Acceptable Use Policy: Clarify the appropriate use of company assets, including hardware, software, and networks.
Disaster Recovery: Prepare for potential disruptions by defining backup and recovery strategies.
BYOD Policy: Setting out the standards around accessing company data on personal devices and your ability to destroy that data if required
Mobile Device Register: Maintaining a register of all mobile devices - both corporate and personal, is crucial for managing company data.
3.0 - Managing your Information Security Policies
When you open the Information Security Policies tile in the HighGround Governance & Resilience module, you’ll find three main headers at the top:
Essential Policies: Core policies that every business needs.
ISO 27001: Policies aligned with the ISO 27001 framework.
My Policies: Custom policies that you’ve created.
These headers help keep your policies organized and make it easy to find what you need when you need it.
4.0 - Uploading your Information Security Policies
Whether you’re adding a policy to a predefined category or creating a custom policy, the process is the same. Follow the steps below to ensure your policies are uploaded correctly and ready for action.
To upload to a predefined policy:
Step 1: Select the policy you’d like to upload.
Step 2: The policy name will automatically appear here, but you can change it if needed.
Step 3: Choose the policy status: Approved or Unapproved.
Step 4: Enter the names of the individuals who approved and reviewed the policy.
Step 5: Set a review date to ensure the policy stays up to date.
Step 6: Click Upload to finalize.
Note: Policies need either a file or a link attached before uploading. This acts as a form of proof and ensures all documentation is complete.
To upload a custom policy:
Step 1: Navigate to the My Policies header and select Upload.
Step 2: Enter the policy name.
Step 3: Choose the status of the policy: Approved or Unapproved.
Step 4: Add the names of those who approved and reviewed the policy.
Step 5: Set a review date to keep your policy management on track.
Step 6: Hit Upload and you’re all set!
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your information security policies are not only well-organized but also fully compliant and ready for audit or review.
Keeping your policies up to date and correctly documented is a critical step in setting the standard for how data should be handled, stored and accessed in your organisation, setting out what good looks like and contributing to maintaining a secure and well-managed IT environment.