If work-related security concepts were given a slogan, it would probably be “always follow policy.” In fact, you’ve probably encountered that statement many times, and for good reason. Policies are created to keep data, systems, and people safe.

Without clearly defined policies, organizations would struggle to maintain security. They would also struggle to adhere to compliance regulations — the laws that establish requirements for data privacy. Organizational policies often align with those requirements to ensure rights are not violated. With that in mind, let’s explore a few examples of common policies and why they exist.

POLICY:
Passwords must meet specific requirements, such as how long they should be and when they should be updated.
WHY?
Weak passwords lead to weak security and could allow unauthorized access to confidential information.

POLICY:
Only install approved applications or software.
WHY?
It’s vital for organizations to control the flow of data on devices and manage security vulnerabilities.

POLICY:
Report all security incidents immediately.
WHY?
Timely reporting helps organizations investigate incidents and mitigate potential damages.

POLICY:
Never plug in random USB devices.
WHY?
USB flash drives and cables are used by criminals to distribute malware (malicious software).

POLICY:
Always store work-issued devices in a secure manner.
WHY?
Leaving a laptop or mobile device in plain sight (such as in a vehicle) could lead to theft.

Now imagine none of those example policies existed or if team members blatantly ignored them. Weak passwords, for example, place online accounts at risk of being hacked. It wouldn’t take long for the organization to suffer a data breach that leaks sensitive information.

While it might be tempting to view policies as organizations telling people what to do, in reality, policies exist to protect everyone’s privacy, including yours! As such, always following policy is a great habit that helps maintain both security and privacy.

Article retrieved from Healthy Security Habits by The Security Awareness Company – KnowBe4, Inc. (2024)