What is a Cybersecurity Policy?

With data breaches on the rise through the 21st century, businesses are continuously introducing cybersecurity policies. A cybersecurity policy aims to protect a business’s information from being unlawfully accessed. In this, it offers methods and measures to be taken before, and after, a data breach takes place.

This article will explain the nature of cybersecurity policies and why they are necessary.

What Should a Cybersecurity Policy Entail?

A cybersecurity policy should outline the following:

The vulnerable technological assets that need protection

Business are continuously transferring data from physical, to digital form. Incidentally, this has seen a rise in data breaches. In saying this, it is prudent to view any information system that carries data to be vulnerable. Therefore, one should take preventative measures against all potential breaches.

How technological assets can be threatened

Data breaches can occur in several different ways. Here are a few basic examples of how your data may become threatened:

• Poor protection of your database.
• Weak passwords.
• Virus downloads from pop ups.
• Losing important USBs and mobile phones.
• Liberally and readily sharing emails addresses.
• Employee ignorance.

The methods and measures in places to protect those assets

Though this article may hint at the inevitability of a data breach, there are ways to protect such vulnerable assets. In saying this, a cybersecurity policy should lay out these measures and methods of protection. Here is what to include in your cybersecurity policy:

• Password requirements: Passwords must be fortified. A cybersecurity policy must provide rules and requirements relating to passwords. This includes when to update passwords, and how to create strong and unique passwords.
• Email system requirements: A cybersecurity policy will outline when to provide work email addresses to others. This policy will also provide methods to identify, delete and block spam emails. 
• Dealing with different technology and data: Not every employee is an expert in handling foreign technologies and sensitive data. Therefore, a strong policy should provide methods to identify, share and delete sensitive data. Furthermore, rules relating to when different technology should be used, stored or reported if stolen or lost are also recommended.
• Social media rules: Social media is used across the majority of Australian businesses. However, this does not mean that it can be used freely and without limits. The policy will outline guidelines for each social media platform.
• Plan of action if a data breach occurs: Cybersecurity policies must break down how employees must respond to data breaches. This may include the methods of response and the measures to take in the case of an attack. 

Why is a Cybersecurity Policy so Important?

The importance of a cybersecurity policy is two-fold. Firstly, it ensures that employees understand the need to protect the business’s information. Secondly, it provides clients with security and assurance. Therefore, it is important to understand how to protect the information of your business, and your clients. 

If you need any assistance for legal technological matters, our technology lawyers are here to help! Just contact us at 1300 337 997.