Most, if not all, of today’s organizations function with the assistance of computer and network technology. The widespread use of technology yields digital vulnerability for organizations that do not adhere to clear rules and guidelines regarding technology use. An attack on organizational data or technology can cause significant damage, which generates the need for IT policies and procedures.

 

Many small to medium sized businesses will have policies and procedures documented for departments like finance, operations, etc.; however, detailed IT policies often go undocumented. IT policies are just as important as the other policies in an organization, and sometimes even more so, based on the critical data IT is charged with managing. IT policies and procedures are important for providing security for an organization in a world where security threats are on the rise. IT policies and procedures work to combat threats such as ransomware, email phishing, and lack of security training. IT policies and procedures also work to define how an organization wishes to implement, operate, and manage technology in a way that enables the organization to meet legal and regulatory requirements.

 

 

IT Policies

A policy defines a guide of action to achieve an organization’s goals and objectives. A good policy explains rules, the importance of rules, who the rules cover, how the rules are enforced, and describes consequences of abandoning rules in a clear and easily understood manner.  An IT policy defines how an organization develops, implements, and secures information technology. Policies allow for efficient, effective, and consistent actions to occur across an organization. IT policies should be practiced on a regular basis, clearly define expectations, and remain up-to-date and relevant to the organization.

Important IT Policies:
  • Information security
  • IT governance
  • Acceptable & responsible use
  • IT infrastructure, architecture, and operations
  • Network and computer use
  • Information access control
  • Roles and responsibility for information management
  • Security awareness & training
  • Change of management
  • Incident response
  • Business continuity
  • Bring your own device (BYOD) policy
  • Vendor access
  • Data management, retention, and destruction
  • Electronic storage of highly sensitive data
  • Data backup policy
  • Data encryption
  • Federal laws and regulations
  • Privacy
  • Compliance
  • Information technology system standards
  • Data classification and handling
  • Server registration and centralization
  • Electronic communication devices
  • Remote access
  • Identity management of accounts & credentials
  • Monitoring of employee electronic communications or files
  • Email policy
  • IT project management

 

 

IT Procedures

A procedure outlines a plan of action for implementing a policy. IT procedures are needed to maintain consistent operations regarding all information technology within an organization. A good procedure will be clear, direct, and will identify specific actions. These specific actions should also detail when the actions should take place, alternative actions, emergency procedures, warnings and cautions, and examples.

Important IT Procedures:
  • Electronic Data Removal
  • Monitoring of Employee Electronic Communications or Files
  • IT security incident response plan
  • Combating the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials
  • Business Continuity

 

 

Benefits of Documented IT Policies & Procedures:

  • Define how IT will approach security
  • Detail security requirements to protect against threats
  • Protect restricted data
  • Provide guidelines for acceptable use of technology resources
  • Improve communication and transparency
  • Set rules and guidelines for decision making
  • Allow staff to know and understand expectations
  • Means of communicating information to new employees
  • Demonstrate how employees will be treated fairly and equally
  • Provide a framework for decision-making delegation & appoints roles and tasks
  • Allow for a consistent and clear response from each individual
  • Provide framework for monitoring and measuring compliance
  • Document the way things have and should be done
  • Reveal a clear method to resolve problems, including incident response
  • Improve efficiency of daily operations
  • Offer competitive advantage
  • Reflect an organization’s desire and ability to follow consistent processes
  • Establish trust and reliability in an organization

 

 

IT policies and procedures provide clarity for everyone in an organization regarding information technology. IT policies work to combat threats and manage risk while also ensuring efficient, effective, and consistent operations. If your organization needs assistance creating or updating your IT policies and procedures, contact us today!