Why is it (absolutely) necessary for your company to adopt an IT security policy?
Data theft, intrusions, cyber espionage, leaks of strategic information: no company is safe from computer attacks! According to the 10ᵉ barometer by CESIN (Club des Experts de la Sécurité de l'Information et du Numérique), 47% of French businesses said they had suffered at least one successful cyber attack in 2024. This figure, stable compared to the previous year, reflects a constant threat despite the efforts made in terms of cybersecurity.
And that's the problem with digital security : by the time you get around to it, it's already too late 🤦. So how about we change the game, since everyone agrees that it's time to really give the cybersecurity process its full importance within the company!
Why implement an IT security policy? Is it really that technical? What are its components and how should they be put in place? Find out in this article.
What is an IT security policy?
Definition of an IT security policy
An IT security policy (ITSP) is a reference document that formalises all the rules, practices and procedures designed to protect an organisation's information systems.
It covers aspects as varied as :
- access control
- protection of sensitive data
- incident management
- and equipment security.
🧭 In short, it is the strategic compass that guides the decisions and behaviour to be adopted in the face of digital risks.
This policy is generally drawn up by the CISO (Information Systems Security Manager), in collaboration with the business departments, the IT Department, the legal department and senior management. It is often based on recognised standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 or ANSSI recommendations.
What is at stake for the company in adopting such a policy?
Adopting an IT security policy is more than just ticking a compliance box. It is a strategic lever for :
- Reduce the risk of cyber-attacks, data leaks or service interruptions.
- Strengthen the confidence of customers, partners and employees.
- Comply with regulatory requirements (RGPD, NIS2, sectoral directives, etc.).
- Limit the financial impact of a security incident.
- Acculturate teams in cybersecurity, by establishing a clear, shared framework.
Against a backdrop of constant threats and rapid digital transformation, not having an ISSP means moving forward without a safety net.
Why implement an IT security policy?
The increasing professionalism of hackers and the apparent use of the cloud are giving Information Systems Security Managers (ISSMs) and businesses a hard time.
With the development of teleworking, organisations and bodies are having to review their security arrangements in view of the risks posed by the adoption of the cloud and the data that passes through it.
While phishing remains the most common attack vector, there has also been an increase in vulnerabilities and rebound attacks (via service providers), not to mention the loss or leakage of data and the obsolescence of tools.
☝️De Numerous incidents such as the hacking of Solarwinds and the Apache flaw illustrate the risks threatening organisations. These attacks have harmful, even dramatic, repercussions for businesses.
There are so many reasons why it is essential to put in place an effective IT security policy, tailored to the needs and constraints of the business.
The components of an IT security policy
1. Defining the scope of the policy
Drawing up an IT security policy cannot be improvised in the rush to respond to an IT attack. To be effective, it must be thought through carefully beforehand.
Above all, an IT security policy must begin with a clear framework. This identifies the scope of the policy.
- What assets are concerned?
- Which entities, which sites and which types of users are included?
This precise scope helps to avoid grey areas... where attacks like to sneak in. Generally, the policy takes the form of a single document tailored to the company and must contain :
- elements useful for risk analysis (needs and constraints) ;
- the challenges and objectives, particularly in terms of data security;
- all the measures to be adopted specific to each organisation;
- as well as the action plan and procedures to be put in place to protect the company.
2. Identify roles and responsibilities
A policy without a pilot quickly goes off the rails. It is therefore essential to designate the security players: CISO, CIO, DPO, business line managers, but also every employee, because cyber security is everyone's business. Each role must be documented, understood and assumed.
3. Control access and identities
Who can access what, when, how and with what level of authorisation? Managing access rights is a cornerstone of security.
This means using strong passwords (or even MFAs), managing inactive accounts and applying the principle of least privilege.
4. Securing equipment and networks
Computers, smartphones, printers, servers, the cloud, Wi-Fi... every link in the infrastructure needs to be secure. This means up-to-date antivirus software, active firewalls, encrypted network protocols and regular hardware and software updates.
5. Protect sensitive data
HR data, financial information, industrial secrets... Any critical data deserves special attention. This means data encryption, a strict backup and restore policy, and rigorous control of file circulation (USB, email, cloud).
6. Managing security incidents
A good reflex: assume that an incident will happen sooner or later. 🫣 This is why an ISP must include an incident management plan specifying the steps to be taken in the event of a breach, intrusion or data leak. This includes detection, notification (including to the CNIL if necessary), remediation and feedback.
7. Raising awareness and training employees
Technology alone is not enough: people are the first line of defence... or the first line of vulnerability. A good policy should therefore include :
- regular training sessions
- awareness campaigns (particularly about phishing),
- and clear materials to instil the right reflexes.
☝️Ce must of course be validated by management and taken into account by all employees.
8. Regular reviews and audits
Cybersecurity is not a one-shot deal. A relevant policy needs to be a living thing: regularly re-evaluated, tested by internal or external audits, and enriched by feedback from the field. Threats evolve, and so do businesses... the ISSP must keep pace.
How do you implement an IT security policy?
To help you draw up your company's IT security policy, here are a few tips and best practices to keep in mind:
- Appoint an IT manager to be responsible for drawing up and implementing the security policy;
- Ensure that your IT equipment is properly maintained, with regular tool updates;
- Determine the scope and objectives of the IT security policy: for each situation envisaged, assess the level of protection required;
- Carrying out an analysis of existing hardware and software, and keeping an up-to-date register of the elements that make up the information system;
- Ensure regular back-ups;
- Secure the company's Internet access and control access to information;
- Limit personal cloud storage applications;
- Check that the hosting provider's subcontracting chain is under control by ensuring that the environment is secure and monitored;
- Anticipate possible IT risks in terms of the probability of an incident occurring;
- Identify the resources needed to reduce the risks, both material and human;
- Define the appropriate incident management and business continuity management procedures;
- Draw up an IT charter for all employees;
- Train teams and raise their awareness by communicating the IT security policy.
What tools can help you? 3 examples of software
An IT security audit can be carried out to determine which tools are best suited to protecting your business. This can help determine the hardware and software needed to secure the company's processes.
💡To make your task easier and help you tackle the implementation of an IT security policy with greater peace of mind, there is a wide range of software that can help you deal with IT attacks... and above all prevent them!
One example is Bitdefender's GravityZone Small Business Security, an all-in-one cybersecurity solution designed for SMEs. It provides effective protection for workstations, servers and mobile devices thanks to a centralised management console, protection against ransomware and a behavioural analysis engine. A good ally for strengthening your IT security policy, without technical complexity!
GravityZone by Bitdefender
Other examples include the solutions offered by PwC to provide you with comprehensive protection: Threat Watch and Connected Risk Engine Cyber.
Threat Watch is a strategic intelligence and monitoring platform designed to anticipate threats to your business. The analyses it provides are perfectly contextualised and tailored to the challenges you face. And in the event of an incident, you can contact the PwC cybersecurity and risk experts of your choice directly.
Connected Risk Engine Cyber is a tool dedicated to the self-assessment of your cyber strategy. In concrete terms, it allows you to compare your maturity with the best practices in force in your sector, and then obtain personalised recommendations. All the data is presented using visual and interactive dashboards, to help you make the right decisions.
Connected Risk Engine Cyber
Sample IT security policy: free template
We all know: writing an IT security policy from scratch is often a headache. To save you time (and avoid critical omissions), we've put together a complete, customisable ISSP template, suitable for businesses of all sizes. It incorporates the best practices of the ANSSI and the RGPD, with a clear structure, well-defined responsibilities and concrete rules to implement.
💡 All you have to do is download it, incorporate your specific requirements (name, scope, tools, roles), and distribute it internally. It's a real helping hand for effectively framing your cybersecurity!
Note: the document is in Word format so you can edit it. All you have to do is convert it to PDF for distribution!
IT security policy: in a nutshell
As you will have realised, an effective IT security policy has become essential. New types of attack and new security flaws are regularly emerging.
So it's not a question of whether your company will be attacked one day, but rather when! So it's essential to be prepared so that you know how to react on the day.
Do you think you're ready to strengthen your company's security? Then why not start by installing a threat detection tool?
Article translated from French