What cybersecurity policies are essential for organizations?

No solo resulta recomendable, si no, imprescindible al menos en Europa y en cualquier organización que tenga implementado un sistema de gestión de la seguridad de la información. Digo al menos en Europa porque esta obligación viene derivada del RGPD. Además es el mejor control para mitigar los riesgos ya que el 80 % de los eventos de seguridad son producidos por los usuarios. Si establecemos una Política de Uso Aceptable los usuarios, tanto internos como externos, sabrán qué pueden hacer y qué no de acuerdo con los criterios de seguridad de la empresa.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP): Define acceptable computer and network use. Password Policy: Establish strong password requirements. Data Classification Policy: Categorize data based on sensitivity. Access Control Policy: Govern user access to systems and data. Incident Response Policy: Outline procedures for handling security incidents. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy: Govern personal device usage for work. Network Security Policy: Define rules for securing the organization's network. Remote Access Policy: Specify secure remote access protocols. Encryption Policy: Mandate encryption for sensitive data. Vendor Management Policy: Ensure third-party security compliance.

Las políticas de uso aceptable (AUP) son como un código de conducta para el entorno digital de una organización. Imagina que es como establecer las reglas del juego en un terreno donde se comparten recursos como computadoras, redes y datos. La AUP detalla claramente lo que está permitido y lo que no, brindando un marco claro para el uso de los activos de TI. Esta política no solo establece límites, sino que también es una herramienta crucial para proteger la privacidad y seguridad de los usuarios y la organización en su conjunto. Al delinear las expectativas sobre el uso de recursos digitales, se evita el acceso no autorizado, el mal uso o el abuso de estos activos, lo que contribuye a mantener un entorno seguro y productivo.

Essential cybersecurity policies for organizations include: Acceptable Use Policy Access Control Policy Anti-Malware Policy Backup and recovery policy Business Continuity Plan Clear Desk and Clear Screen Policy Data classification and handling policy Data Breach Response Policy Information Security Policy Network Security and Use Policy Physical and Environmental Security Standard HCD Policies and Procedures Remote Access Policy Password Management Policy Software Installation & IPR Policy Secure Software Development Policy Social Media Usage Policy BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policy Incident Response Plan Privacy Policy Security Awareness Training Policy Mobile Device Management Policy

The Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) outlines guidelines for responsible and secure use of company resources. It defines acceptable behavior regarding computers, networks, and the internet, emphasizing the protection of sensitive information. Employees are expected to use company assets ethically, avoid unauthorized access, and adhere to the policy to maintain a secure and productive work environment. Violations may result in disciplinary actions, emphasizing the importance of accountability in safeguarding organizational assets.

Debido a la cantidad de usuarios y contrase?as que manejamos en nuestro día a día resulta imprescindible no solo establecer una política de contrase?as en cuanto a complejidad y frecuencia de cambio si no también en cuanto a sistemas de gestión de contrase?as. Para aquellas empresas con pocos recursos mi recomendación es KeePass ya que es gratuito y te permite tener almacenadas tus contrase?as resguardadas y encriptadas.

Las políticas de contrase?as son como el guardián digital de una organización, estableciendo directrices que fortalecen la defensa contra posibles vulnerabilidades. Son como reglas de oro para proteger el acceso a los sistemas y cuentas, mitigando riesgos de seguridad. Estas políticas no solo sugieren pautas básicas, como la longitud mínima o la complejidad de las contrase?as, sino que también establecen reglas sobre la caducidad y la frecuencia de cambio. La idea es evitar que las contrase?as se vuelvan predecibles o vulnerables con el tiempo.

The Password Policy mandates secure practices for creating and managing passwords within the organization. It enforces the use of strong, unique passwords, regular updates, and discourages password sharing. Multi-factor authentication is encouraged for an extra layer of security. By establishing these measures, the policy aims to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, protect sensitive information, and fortify the overall cybersecurity posture of the organization. Non-compliance may lead to account suspension, promoting a vigilant and secure digital environment.

As stated in point 2 above, clear concise guidance and regular updates on this policy is necessary. Make sure the an easy to understand password policy is supported with clear set of standard requirements and facilitated by the organizational technological assets. Both privileged and unprivileged access guidance should be readily available and awareness delivered to staff on a regular basis. Besides policy, controls should be in place to prevent brute force/phishing/credential stuffing attacks. There are multiple solutions (both commercial or open source) for "password managers" that could be used by employees to manage multiple set of privilege passwords. Also going passwordless is gaining more traction though adoption is slow.

Resulta indispensable que la empresa disponga de una política de clasificación de datos y que los empleados estén formados en la misma para que actúen en consecuencia. No es lo mismo tratar datos en un restaurante que, generalmente, únicamente tratará datos de nombre y teléfono para las reservas. Que tratar datos relativos a la salud, menores y demás colectivos vulnerables.

Una directiva de clasificación y manejo de datos es como un mapa detallado que guía a una organización en la gestión de su tesoro más valioso: la información. Esta directiva define cómo se categorizan y etiquetan los datos en función de su nivel de confidencialidad, valor y requisitos normativos. Al establecer estas clasificaciones, la organización puede determinar cómo se almacenan, transmiten, acceden y destruyen estos datos. Esta estrategia no solo garantiza un manejo más eficiente, sino que también asegura que los datos se manejen de manera acorde a su importancia y riesgo asociado.

The Data Classification and Handling Policy categorizes information based on sensitivity, guiding secure usage and protection. It defines levels of classification, specifying access controls, encryption requirements, and proper handling procedures. This policy ensures that employees understand and treat data appropriately, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches. Adherence promotes a culture of data responsibility, safeguarding the organization's assets and maintaining compliance with privacy regulations. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary actions, emphasizing the critical role employees play in protecting sensitive information.

In its simplest forms Data classification and handling policy (a mandatory requirements for all business), should highlight type of assets/information that are either (a) confidential / sensitive, (b) internal and or (c) public in nature with clear examples of what type of data constitute what type of classification level along with necessary precautions to be used with relevant controls in place while storing, transmitting and or accessing or destroying such data. It can also help facilitate selecting and implementing relevant security controls for such data and meeting compliance with certain industry standards and best practices or regulations e.g. ISO 27001, PCI DSS etc.

Para el desarrollo de la política de respuesta a incidentes resulta interesante aplicar las buenas prácticas establecidas en la ISO 27035 ya que te permite trabajar sobre un marco de referencia de reconocido prestigio y eficiencia. En el contexto del Reglamento General de Protección de Datos también resulta imprescindible tener definido un protocolo de respuesta y comunicación a los interesados o a la Agencia de Control, según corresponda. Si por cualquier razón tu empresa sufriera una brecha o violación de seguridad que pudiera afectar a la intimidad de tus usuarios tienes la obligación de hacérselo saber. Y, en el caso de la Autoridad de Control, dispones de 72 horas para comunicarlo. Mejor no improvisar cuando suceda. Que sucederá.

The first step is to understand & prioritize events to monitor – for example: suspicious data access patterns, movement of data from within the network to the outside, repeated failed access/transaction attempts on critical data, etc. MITRE ATT&CK framework maybe leveraged for this purpose. The next step would be to ensure we have robust logging and aggregation in SIEM in place, upon which we can write rules and alerts for earlier identified critical events. Configure event alerts to notify operations and management personnel when early warning thresholds are crossed on key operational metrics. In order to improve incident response readiness, dry-run exercises & table-top simulation exercises must be conducted on frequent intervals

La política de respuesta a incidentes es como un plan de acción en caso de emergencia, pero aplicado al mundo digital. Esta política establece roles, responsabilidades y procedimientos claros para el personal y las partes interesadas en caso de que ocurra un incidente de ciberseguridad, como una infracción, un ataque o una interrupción. La política detalla los pasos a seguir desde la detección inicial del incidente hasta la resolución y la posterior prevención de incidentes similares. Esto implica identificar la naturaleza y el alcance del incidente, contener su impacto, analizar cómo ocurrió y resolverlo de manera eficiente.

The Incident Response Policy outlines a structured approach to addressing and mitigating security incidents. It defines roles, responsibilities, and procedures for identifying, reporting, and resolving incidents promptly. The goal is to minimize impact, preserve evidence, and improve resilience. Clear communication channels, incident classification, and a post-incident review are integral. Adherence to this policy ensures a swift and coordinated response, safeguarding the organization's assets and maintaining trust. Regular drills and updates enhance preparedness and effectiveness in managing cybersecurity incidents.

No solo es necesario para satisfacer los requisitos legales del RGPD en Europa es fundamental para la continuidad de tu negocio. Deberás no solo de definir la política, procedimiento, frecuencias, asignar responsabilidades, implementar controles, etc. lo más importante es que se compruebe que se están realizando y que son restaurables ante una situación indeseada.

Políticas de backup bem estruturadas e consolidadas podem em última análise, garantir a continuidade do negócio, especialmente em tempos da populariza??o de ataques de ransomware , chegando ao absurdo RaaS. Uma fase importante n?o deve ser ignorada: além da execu??o e curadoria apropriada dos backups propriamente ditos, a realiza??o de testes periódicos de recupera??o de backups garante que os dados estar?o disponíveis em qualquer necessidade da companhia! é bom dar aten??o a essas atividades de prova de funcionamento.

La política de copia de seguridad y recuperación es como un plan de contingencia que asegura la protección y recuperación de los activos más valiosos de una organización: sus datos críticos y sistemas fundamentales. Esta política detalla cómo se realizan las copias de seguridad, así como los procedimientos para restaurar los datos en caso de desastres, ya sean naturales como incendios o inundaciones, o cibernéticos como ataques de ransomware. Entre los detalles que abarca esta política se encuentran la frecuencia de las copias de seguridad, dónde se almacenan, en qué formato, cuánto tiempo se conservan y cómo se prueban para asegurar su integridad.

The Backup and Recovery Policy mandates systematic data backup procedures for safeguarding against data loss. It specifies backup frequency, storage locations, and verification processes. Emphasizing data integrity, the policy ensures efficient recovery in case of system failures or cyber incidents. Regular testing of backups validates their reliability, minimizing downtime. Adherence to this policy is critical for maintaining business continuity, protecting valuable information, and reducing the impact of unforeseen disruptions. Non-compliance may jeopardize data availability and compromise the organization's resilience.

The Security Awareness and Training Policy outlines strategies for educating employees on cybersecurity risks and best practices. It emphasizes continuous learning, phishing awareness, and secure behavior. Regular training sessions and resources ensure a vigilant workforce, reducing the likelihood of security incidents. Adherence to this policy cultivates a strong security culture, empowering employees to play an active role in safeguarding the organization's digital assets. Non-compliance may lead to reduced awareness and increased susceptibility to cyber threats.

Effective Security Training: Focus on relevance and quality when planning security awareness programs. Tailor topics to specific departments or roles for maximum impact. Include top management in training, as they are often targets of spear phishing attacks. Opt for impactful, rather than excessive, training sessions. Measure employee progress to ensure a rise in awareness levels, adjusting strategies as needed for better results. This approach is based on running successful awareness campaigns across multiple organizations.

La política de concienciación y formación en materia de seguridad es como una hoja de ruta para empoderar a los empleados y usuarios con el conocimiento necesario para proteger activamente los activos digitales de la organización. Esta política aborda la educación sobre la importancia de la ciberseguridad y las mejores prácticas para mitigar amenazas. Puede cubrir una amplia gama de temas, desde identificar amenazas cibernéticas hasta explicar riesgos específicos, políticas, procedimientos, herramientas y comportamientos seguros en línea. Además, puede incluir evaluaciones periódicas y retroalimentación para medir el nivel de conciencia y conocimiento de seguridad.

Security awareness and training is a crucial part of any cyber-security program within an organization. It helps to ensure that there is standardized and acceptable training content which is based on best practices and meets the needs of the organization to reduce risk. The training should address all teams and departments, which might require personalized training for different teams. KPIs should be defined, measured, tracked and used as input for improving the infoSec program.

Should include delivery of regular updates to general security threats and prevention guidance, phishing simulation and or exercises required during the year. Must also include awareness around all essential infosec policies in place. Besides the Annual awareness training, regular updates, guidance should be delivered to staff via multiple modes of communications.

The Key Management Policy holds equal importance in ensuring effective security controls. Without securing the cryptographic keys used in the environment, claiming data encryption in motion and at rest is secure becomes meaningless. Without establishing a baseline to differentiate between weak and strong keys for data security, claiming to have strong security measures becomes unreliable and lacks validity.

Most successful and leading organizations are now data driven (data is the new oil for their business) and hence requires utmost protection. Besides the above 6 policies, there are many other policies that are essential to an organization security program e.g. Access Control, Physical Security, Network security, Data security/protection, Cloud security, social media (assuming it would be part of AUP), and other policies needs to be established per business requirements and operational environment.

A Risk Management Policy is essential for an organization and is a foundational model for consistently identifying, assessing, and managing risks. Its purposes include decision-making, ensuring compliance, implementing mitigation strategies, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. This policy contributes to effective resource allocation, enhances stakeholder confidence, and aligns risk management with the organization's objectives, ultimately supporting long-term success.

++Establishing an effective information security policy first is vital.+++ This high-level document captures an organization's security objectives, establishes leadership's commitment to meeting those goals, and enables implementation of controls across systems. Without clear support from the top, lower-level policies often fail to gain traction. By formally pledging executive commitment to infosec priorities via an authoritative policy, organizations can propagate standards into operations, assign responsibilities, raise staff awareness, and transform security from an isolated function into an enterprise-wide duty upheld at the highest levels.

Cybersecurity policies serve as the digital defense mechanisms for organizations, laying out crucial rules and safeguards to shield sensitive information from potential threats. These policies play a pivotal role in risk mitigation, ensuring that the organization is equipped to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. By establishing guidelines and protocols, cybersecurity policies contribute to regulatory compliance, a paramount aspect in today's interconnected and regulated business environment. Moreover, these policies cultivate a culture of awareness among employees, fostering a collective responsibility for maintaining a secure digital environment. At last but not least policies govern the action.