CYBERSECURITY POLICY

[ORGANIZATION NAME]

Policy Number: [POL-SEC-001]
Effective Date: [DATE]
Last Reviewed: [DATE]
Next Review Date: [DATE]
Policy Owner: Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Approved By: [CEO/Board]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Purpose
2. Scope
3. Policy Statement
4. Governance
5. Risk Management
6. Access Control
7. Data Protection
8. Network Security
9. Endpoint Security
10. Application Security
11. Physical Security
12. Incident Response
13. Business Continuity
14. Third-Party Security
15. Security Awareness
16. Compliance and Monitoring
17. Policy Exceptions
18. Enforcement
19. Definitions

1. PURPOSE

1.1 Policy Purpose

This Cybersecurity Policy establishes the framework for protecting [ORGANIZATION NAME]'s information assets, systems, and data from cyber threats. This policy:

• Defines security requirements and standards
• Establishes roles and responsibilities
• Ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Protects organizational reputation and stakeholder trust
• Aligns with industry best practices and frameworks

1.2 Alignment with Security Frameworks

This policy is aligned with:

☐ NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0

☐ NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5

☐ ISO/IEC 27001:2022

☐ CIS Controls v8

☐ [Additional frameworks as applicable]

2. SCOPE

2.1 Applicability

This policy applies to:

☐ All employees, contractors, consultants, and temporary workers

☐ All information systems owned or operated by [ORGANIZATION NAME]

☐ All data created, stored, processed, or transmitted by the organization

☐ Cloud-based systems and services

☐ Third-party systems processing organizational data

☐ Remote work environments

☐ Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) when accessing organizational resources

2.2 Exclusions

[SPECIFY ANY EXCLUSIONS]

3. POLICY STATEMENT

3.1 Management Commitment

[ORGANIZATION NAME] is committed to protecting its information assets and the privacy of its customers, employees, and partners. The organization will:

☐ Allocate adequate resources for cybersecurity

☐ Maintain a comprehensive security program

☐ Comply with applicable laws and regulations

☐ Continuously improve security controls

☐ Foster a culture of security awareness

3.2 Core Security Principles

Confidentiality: Information shall be protected from unauthorized disclosure.

Integrity: Information shall be protected from unauthorized modification and shall be accurate and complete.

Availability: Information and systems shall be available when needed for authorized users.

Accountability: Users shall be accountable for their actions on organizational systems.

Non-Repudiation: Actions shall be attributable to their originators and cannot be denied.

4. GOVERNANCE

4.1 Organizational Structure

4.1.1 Security Governance Bodies

4.1.2 Key Security Roles

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

☐ Overall responsibility for the security program

☐ Reports to [CEO/CIO/Board]

☐ Authority to implement and enforce security policies

☐ Responsible for security budget and resources

Information Security Team

☐ Implementation of security controls

☐ Monitoring and incident response

☐ Security awareness and training

☐ Vulnerability management

System Owners

☐ Accountable for security of assigned systems

☐ Ensure compliance with security policies

☐ Authorize access to systems

Data Owners

☐ Classify data according to sensitivity

☐ Define access requirements

☐ Ensure data protection requirements are met

4.2 Policy Framework

4.2.1 Policy Hierarchy

1. Cybersecurity Policy (this document) - High-level requirements
2. Security Standards - Specific technical requirements
3. Security Procedures - Step-by-step implementation guidance
4. Security Guidelines - Best practices and recommendations

4.2.2 Policy Review

☐ All security policies shall be reviewed at least annually

☐ Policies shall be updated when significant changes occur

☐ Policy changes require approval from [APPROVING AUTHORITY]

5. RISK MANAGEMENT

5.1 Risk Assessment

☐ Risk assessments shall be conducted at least annually

☐ Risk assessments shall be conducted when significant changes occur

☐ Risk assessment methodology shall align with [NIST RMF/ISO 27005/organizational standard]

☐ All identified risks shall be documented in a risk register

5.2 Risk Treatment

Identified risks shall be treated through one or more of the following:

☐ Accept: Document acceptance with appropriate authority approval

☐ Mitigate: Implement controls to reduce risk to acceptable levels

☐ Transfer: Transfer risk through insurance or contracts

☐ Avoid: Eliminate the risk by discontinuing the activity

5.3 Risk Acceptance

☐ Risks exceeding organizational risk tolerance require executive approval

☐ Risk acceptance decisions shall be documented

☐ Accepted risks shall be reviewed periodically

6. ACCESS CONTROL

6.1 Access Management Principles

☐ Least Privilege: Users shall have minimum access necessary to perform their duties

☐ Need-to-Know: Access to information shall be based on legitimate business need

☐ Separation of Duties: Critical functions shall be divided among multiple individuals

6.2 User Access

6.2.1 Account Management

☐ All users shall have unique identifiers (no shared accounts for individuals)

☐ Access shall be authorized by the system/data owner before provisioning

☐ Access shall be reviewed at least [QUARTERLY] by system owners

☐ Access shall be revoked within [24 HOURS] of termination

☐ Access shall be modified upon job role change within [5 BUSINESS DAYS]

6.2.2 Authentication

☐ Strong passwords required: minimum [12] characters, complexity requirements

☐ Multi-factor authentication (MFA) required for:
- All remote access
- All privileged accounts
- Access to sensitive data/systems
- Cloud service administrative access

☐ Passwords shall be changed every [90] days (or risk-based approach)

☐ Password reuse prohibited for [12] previous passwords

☐ Account lockout after [5] failed attempts

6.3 Privileged Access

☐ Privileged accounts shall be inventoried and documented

☐ Privileged access requires additional approval

☐ Privileged sessions shall be logged and monitored

☐ Privileged access shall use dedicated administrative accounts

☐ Just-in-time (JIT) privileged access is preferred where feasible

6.4 Remote Access

☐ Remote access requires MFA

☐ Remote access shall use approved VPN or zero-trust solutions

☐ Split tunneling is [PROHIBITED/ALLOWED WITH CONTROLS]

☐ Remote access sessions shall timeout after [15] minutes of inactivity

7. DATA PROTECTION

7.1 Data Classification

All data shall be classified according to sensitivity:

7.2 Encryption

7.2.1 Data at Rest

☐ Restricted and Confidential data shall be encrypted at rest

☐ Minimum encryption standard: AES-256

☐ Full disk encryption required on all endpoints and mobile devices

☐ Database encryption required for sensitive data

7.2.2 Data in Transit

☐ All data transmitted over public networks shall be encrypted

☐ Minimum encryption standard: TLS 1.2 or higher

☐ Email containing sensitive data shall be encrypted

☐ Wireless communications shall use WPA3 or WPA2-Enterprise

7.3 Data Handling

☐ Sensitive data shall not be stored on removable media without encryption

☐ Sensitive data shall not be transmitted via unencrypted email

☐ Sensitive data shall not be stored in unauthorized cloud services

☐ Data shall be retained according to the Data Retention Policy

☐ Data shall be securely disposed when no longer needed

7.4 Data Loss Prevention

☐ DLP controls shall be implemented for sensitive data

☐ Unauthorized data transfers shall be blocked or alerted

☐ Monitoring shall be conducted for data exfiltration indicators

8. NETWORK SECURITY

8.1 Network Architecture

☐ Networks shall be segmented based on security requirements

☐ Critical systems shall be isolated in secure network zones

☐ DMZ architecture shall be implemented for public-facing services

☐ Network diagrams shall be maintained and current

8.2 Perimeter Security

☐ Firewalls shall be implemented at network boundaries

☐ Default deny rule shall be applied to inbound traffic

☐ Intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) shall be deployed

☐ Web application firewalls (WAF) shall protect web applications

8.3 Internal Network Security

☐ Internal traffic shall be monitored for anomalies

☐ Network access control (NAC) shall be implemented

☐ Unauthorized devices shall be prevented from connecting

☐ Network scanning and enumeration shall be restricted

8.4 Wireless Security

☐ Wireless networks shall use WPA3 or WPA2-Enterprise

☐ Guest wireless shall be isolated from corporate networks

☐ Rogue access point detection shall be implemented

☐ SSID broadcasting for guest networks only

9. ENDPOINT SECURITY

9.1 Endpoint Protection

☐ Endpoint detection and response (EDR) shall be deployed on all endpoints

☐ Anti-malware software shall be installed and updated

☐ Endpoints shall be configured according to security baselines

☐ Host-based firewalls shall be enabled

9.2 Patch Management

☐ Security patches shall be applied according to the following schedule:

☐ Emergency patches may be expedited based on risk

☐ Patch compliance shall be monitored and reported

9.3 Configuration Management

☐ Secure configuration baselines shall be established for all systems

☐ Configuration changes shall follow change management process

☐ Configuration compliance shall be monitored

☐ Unauthorized configuration changes shall be detected and remediated

9.4 Mobile Device Management

☐ Mobile devices accessing organizational data shall be enrolled in MDM

☐ Remote wipe capability shall be enabled

☐ Device encryption shall be required

☐ Screen lock shall be required (maximum [5] minutes)

☐ Jailbroken/rooted devices shall be prohibited

10. APPLICATION SECURITY

10.1 Secure Development

☐ Secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) shall be followed

☐ Security requirements shall be defined during design phase

☐ Code shall be reviewed for security vulnerabilities

☐ Applications shall be tested for common vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10)

10.2 Application Testing

☐ Static application security testing (SAST) shall be performed

☐ Dynamic application security testing (DAST) shall be performed

☐ Penetration testing shall be conducted before production deployment

☐ Third-party applications shall be assessed before deployment

10.3 Production Controls

☐ Development, test, and production environments shall be separated

☐ Production access shall be restricted

☐ Code changes shall follow change management process

☐ Production data shall not be used in development/test without anonymization

11. PHYSICAL SECURITY

11.1 Facility Security

☐ Physical access controls shall be implemented at facilities

☐ Access badges/keys shall be issued to authorized personnel only

☐ Visitors shall be escorted in secure areas

☐ Visitor logs shall be maintained

11.2 Data Center Security

☐ Data centers shall have multi-factor access controls

☐ Environmental controls shall be maintained (HVAC, fire suppression)

☐ Video surveillance shall be implemented

☐ Access logs shall be maintained and reviewed

11.3 Equipment Security

☐ Equipment shall be secured against theft

☐ Server racks shall be locked

☐ Workstations shall be secured when unattended (screen lock)

☐ Mobile devices shall not be left unattended

12. INCIDENT RESPONSE

12.1 Incident Response Program

☐ An incident response plan shall be maintained

☐ An incident response team shall be designated

☐ Incidents shall be classified according to severity

☐ Incident response procedures shall be tested at least annually

12.2 Incident Reporting

☐ All suspected security incidents shall be reported immediately

☐ Reports shall be made to [SECURITY TEAM/HELP DESK]

☐ Incident response hotline: [PHONE NUMBER]

☐ Email: [SECURITY EMAIL]

12.3 Incident Handling

☐ Incidents shall be documented throughout the response

☐ Evidence shall be preserved for investigation

☐ Containment shall be prioritized to limit damage

☐ Post-incident reviews shall be conducted

12.4 Breach Notification

☐ Data breaches shall be handled according to applicable laws

☐ Legal counsel shall be consulted for breach notification

☐ Notifications shall be made within required timeframes

13. BUSINESS CONTINUITY

13.1 Backup Requirements

☐ Critical data shall be backed up according to defined schedules

☐ Backups shall be stored offsite or in the cloud

☐ Backups shall be encrypted

☐ Backup restoration shall be tested at least [ANNUALLY]

☐ At least one backup copy shall be stored offline/air-gapped

13.2 Disaster Recovery

☐ Disaster recovery plans shall be maintained for critical systems

☐ Recovery time objectives (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO) shall be defined

☐ DR plans shall be tested at least annually

☐ Alternate processing sites shall be identified for critical systems

14. THIRD-PARTY SECURITY

14.1 Vendor Risk Management

☐ Security assessments shall be conducted for vendors with access to data/systems

☐ Vendor security requirements shall be included in contracts

☐ Vendor compliance shall be monitored on an ongoing basis

☐ Vendor access shall be limited to minimum necessary

14.2 Vendor Access

☐ Vendor access shall be authorized and documented

☐ Vendor access shall be revoked when no longer needed

☐ Vendor activity shall be logged and monitored

☐ Vendors shall not have persistent access without justification

15. SECURITY AWARENESS

15.1 Training Requirements

☐ All employees shall complete security awareness training upon hire

☐ Annual security awareness refresher training is required

☐ Role-specific training shall be provided as appropriate

☐ Training completion shall be tracked and reported

15.2 Training Content

Training shall cover:

☐ Information security policies

☐ Phishing and social engineering

☐ Password security

☐ Data handling requirements

☐ Incident reporting

☐ Physical security

☐ Remote work security

15.3 Phishing Exercises

☐ Simulated phishing exercises shall be conducted [QUARTERLY]

☐ Results shall be tracked and reported

☐ Additional training shall be provided for repeated failures

16. COMPLIANCE AND MONITORING

16.1 Compliance Monitoring

☐ Compliance with this policy shall be monitored

☐ Security metrics shall be collected and reported

☐ Security audits shall be conducted at least annually

☐ Vulnerability assessments shall be conducted at least [MONTHLY]

☐ Penetration testing shall be conducted at least annually

16.2 Logging and Monitoring

☐ Security events shall be logged from all critical systems

☐ Logs shall be retained for at least [1 YEAR]

☐ Logs shall be reviewed for security events

☐ Security information and event management (SIEM) shall be implemented

☐ Alerts shall be generated for security events

17. POLICY EXCEPTIONS

17.1 Exception Process

☐ Exceptions to this policy require documented approval

☐ Exception requests shall include risk assessment and compensating controls

☐ Exceptions shall be approved by [CISO/SECURITY COMMITTEE]

☐ Exceptions shall have defined expiration dates

☐ Exceptions shall be reviewed and renewed if still needed

17.2 Exception Documentation

Exception requests shall include:

☐ Policy requirement being excepted

☐ Business justification

☐ Risk assessment

☐ Compensating controls

☐ Requested duration

☐ Approval signatures

18. ENFORCEMENT

18.1 Compliance Responsibility

☐ All personnel are responsible for complying with this policy

☐ Managers are responsible for ensuring team compliance

☐ The Security Team is responsible for monitoring and enforcement

18.2 Violations

Violations of this policy may result in:

☐ Verbal or written warning

☐ Required additional training

☐ Suspension of system access

☐ Disciplinary action up to and including termination

☐ Civil or criminal liability where applicable

18.3 Reporting Violations

☐ Suspected policy violations should be reported to [SECURITY TEAM/HR]

☐ Anonymous reporting mechanisms are available via [HOTLINE/PORTAL]

☐ Retaliation against good-faith reporters is prohibited

19. DEFINITIONS

DOCUMENT CONTROL

APPROVAL

RELATED DOCUMENTS

• Incident Response Plan
• Data Classification Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Remote Work Security Policy
• Vendor Security Policy
• Data Retention Policy
• Privacy Policy

This policy is the property of [ORGANIZATION NAME]. Unauthorized distribution is prohibited.