Start with Security Policies

Policies represent the corporate philosophy of an organization. They provide staff the direction and support needed to perform their day-to-day duties. In the case of information security, an information security policy helps provide direction in accordance with business requirements, standards, laws, and regulations.

Policies should be established in line with business objectives. For example, management demonstrates support for and commitment to information security through the issuance and maintenance of an information security policy.

Leading organizations use an information security policy to define information security and establish the framework for setting control objectives within the organization. Security controls help protect the organization's sensitive information and intellectual property. Unfortunately, many businesses use an ad-hoc approach to securing information, installing firewalls, anti-virus software, and other controls without a top down planned approach to managing risks.

Security controls include administrative, technical, and physical mechanisms to manage risks. Security policies are essential to an effective security system and express management’s direction and guidance to implementing, maintaining, and improving an information security management system. Security policies include access controls, managing passwords, patch management, monitoring systems, business continuity, compliance, and many other areas.

Security controls often consist of the following:

In some instances, policies can conflict with each other. In these circumstances, a steering committee can address policy conflicts and identify appropriate compromises and alternative solutions.

If your organization lacks policies, security policy templates provide a jump start and help you manage your risks.

Security Blog
verified If You Want a "Security Audit"
You Need a Certified Auditor.
Certified Information Systems Auditors

Unlike a security consultant, Altius IT is certified as a Certified Information Systems Auditor to perform a security audit of your environment and issue reports and recommendations to secure your systems. After your audit, Altius IT's Auditor Opinion Letter and Secure Seal let your clients and prospects know you meet security best practice/compliance requirements.

See our In the News page for video clips of our experts on national television as well as over 40 publications featuring Altius IT. In addition to our auditor certifications we hold many security, technical, and project management credentials. More information is available on our About Us page.

Our comprehensive audit service uncovers gaps in your existing defenses so that you can better:

  • Fortify your information systems, applications, and network infrastructure
  • Comply with regulatory requirements
  • Protect your valuable assets