PSPG

Recommendations, suggestions, or best practices for implementing security measures (not mandatory).

Clarity

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Policies

Standards

Procedures

Guidelines

Why

Information technology security governance is based on common documentation which drives the organization’s security controls and operating procedures.

Formal statements produced and supported by senior management that define the objectives and constraints for a security managment program. Considered living documents that get continuously updated and changed as technologies, vulnerabilities, and security requirements change.Applied to third-party vendors and service providers.

What

Mandatory courses of action or rules that support the organization's policies often provided in the form of a framework.

How

Documented instructions to carry out specific security-related activities like incident response, change management, access provisioning, or vulnerability scanning in a consistent and accurate way in alignment with established policies and standards.

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IT Policies, Standards, Procedures, and Guidelines

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IT Policies, Standards, Procedures, and Guidelines

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Organizations face many security challenges that can impact their operations, reputation, and bottom line. IT security governance provides a framework and structure to effectively manage and mitigate these risks. By implementing robust policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines, organizations can maintain a proactive security posture.

Protect sensitive information

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Establish a strong security foundation

Ensure compliance

Guideline Formats

4. Adoption and implementation

2. Customization and tailoring

IT Security Guidelines Life Cycle:

3. Communication and training

5. Regular review and updates

Planning, Development, Implementation, and Review

1. Research and compilation

Standards

Policies

Guidelines

Procedures

Information security policies, principles, and compliance requirements

Awareness and training requirements

A statement of management commitment

Roles and responsibilities

IT Policy Requirements

A structure for conducting a risk assessment

Feedback from relevant parties

Reported incidents

Audit findings

Significant changes to the environment

Imminent threats and vulnerabilities

Legal, contractual and statutory requirements

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Security Policy Review Requirements

The presence of an information security policy confirms management’s commitment to safeguard the organization's information assets.

Acceptable Use Policy

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The Data Classification Policy includes classification requirements and levels of control at each classification.

Examples

Confidential

The Access Control Policy includes a process for providing access in order to use information system assets.

Internal Use Only

The Acceptable Use Policy includes information relating to permissions and restrictions regarding the utilization of IT resources.

Main Menu

Public

Wireless Network Security Guidelines

Secure Email Usage Best Practices and Guidelines

Many different data security guidelines have been developed by various organizations and agencies.

Social Engineering Awareness Materials

Cloud Computing Security Framework

Mobile Device Security Guidelines

2. Review and approval

5. Periodic review and updates

IT Security Procedures Life Cycle

3. Training and dissemination

1. Identification and documentation

4. Execution and monitoring

Technical specifications provide detailed instructions on configuring and implementing specific security controls. These specifications often include precise settings, protocols, and encryption algorithms to ensure consistent and secure configurations. Examples include cryptographic algorithms, network protocols, and secure coding practices.

When creating It security standards, organizations typically utilize various formats to effectively communicate the required security controls and configurations.

Security Standards or control frameworks typically offer a structured approach to security by providing a comprehensive set of controls and control objectives. These frameworks, such as NIST Special Publication 800-53 or ISO/IEC 27001, organize security controls into domains or families and define their implementation requirements. Organizations can adopt these frameworks and customize them based on their specific needs and regulatory requirements.

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Requirements

Industry best practices encompass guidelines and recommendations from reputable sources, such as security organizations, government agencies, and security vendors. These practices represent collective wisdom and experiences of the industry and provide valuable insights into effective security measures. Examples include the Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarks, OWASP Top 10, and SANS Institute guidelines.

Click here to build a table showing the many different data standards developed by various organizations and agencies

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a widely accepted set of policies and procedures intended to optimize the security of credit, debit and cash card transactions and protect cardholders against misuse of their personal information.

The goal of CIS framework is to minimize the risk of cyber attacks. The controls are to protect sensitive information and valuable data from being compromised. The benchmarks assist security teams in protecting information security data, networks, devices, and software.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)

Center for Internet Security (CIS)

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 168 national standards bodies. It brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.

Areas Covered

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a U.S. government agency that develops standards and guidelines for various industries, including information security.

The Chief Information Officer (CISO) leads the organization's information security efforts, including enforcing security standards, establishes policies, communicates the importance of compliance with standards, and oversees the implementation of security controls across the organization. They ensure that the necessary resources and processes are in place to enforce standards effectively.

Several roles and responsibilities need to be assigned to lenforce standards within an organization effectively. These roles help ensure that the established standards are followed, implemented, and maintained consistently across the organization.

HR enforces standards through personnel management. They ensure that employees are aware of and trained on security standards, policies, and procedures. HR onboards new employees, provided security awareness training, and ensures that employees adhere to the standards through disciplinary actions when necessary.

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The security manager or security officer manages the day-to-day activities related to security governance, including the enforcement of standards, the implementation of security controls, monitor compliance, and coordinate with other departments to ensure adherence to standards. They may also conduct assessments, audits, and reviews to measure compliance and identify areas for improvement.

The Security Governance Committee oversees the overall security govenrance program. Its role is to establish and approve standards, monitor compliance, and ensure alignment with business objectives.

Internal audit assesses and verifies compliance with security standards. They conduct audits, assessments, and reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls and identify any non-compliance issues. They provide independent assurance and recommendations for improvement, helping to enforce standards through ongoing monitoring and reporting.

Internal Audit

IT administrators or network administrators play a critical role in enforcing standards at the technical level. They configure and maintain IT systems, networks, and infrastructure in accordance with established standards. They ensure that security controls are implemented correctly, monitor systems for compliance, and promptly address any vulnerabilities or non-compliance issues.

Enforcement

list essential steps or items to be addressed during security activitiesensure that critical tasks are not overlookedserve as a quick reference for performing routine security activities

visually represent the sequence of steps involved in a security processillustrate activity flow, decision points, and task dependenciesidentify potential bottlenecks or areas for improvement

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System Hardening

Drag and drop each security process onto the format that would be the most effective.

Change Management

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

User Access Provisioning

Checklists

Vulnerability Management

Workflow Diagrams

Access Control Audits

Disaster Recovery

outline step-by-step instructions for performing specific security activitiesprovide a structured approachused for complex security processes

Format and Elements

Organizations and agencies developed many different data security procedures:User Account Provisioning and De-provisioning Laptop and Portable Device TrackingPhysical Access to Sensitive Spaces Log Review and Analysis IDS/IPS Review and Analysis Patch Management Change Management Handling of Forensic Evidence Incident Handling Data Backup Product and Services Procurement

SecurityPolicy

Level of Detail

Purpose

IT security guidelines serve several important purposes within an organization's security governance framework.

Guidelines are dynamic documents that evolve over time. They capture emerging trends, evolving technologies, and new threats, allowing organizations to adapt and improve their security practices continuously. By reviewing and updating guidelines regularly, organizations can stay current with the rapidly changing security landscape and maintain a proactive security posture.

Guidelines help individuals and teams interpret policies and standards effectively. They provide additional context, explanations, and examples that assist in understanding and applying security controls. Guidelines bridge the gap between high-level requirements and practical implementation, offering insights on how to achieve security objectives in real-world scenarios.

Enhancing Interpretation and Implementation

Promoting Industry Best Practices

Guidelines acknowledge that security requirements can vary based on factors such as industry, organizational size, and risk appetite. They offer flexibility by presenting alternative approaches, options, and considerations for achieving security goals. Organizations can taylor their security measures based on the specific context, needs, and constraints while still benefiting from industry-proven recommendations.

Supporting Flexibility and Adaptability

Fostering Continuous Improvement

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Guidelines often incorporate industry best practices and insights from reputable sources such as security organizations, government agencies, and security experts. They bring in external perspectives and expertise, providing organizations with valuable knowledge and proven approaches to security. By adhering to best practices, organizations can align themselves with industry standards and benchmarks.

Mitigating IT Risk

Promoting Accountability

IT policies provide a framework and guidance for managing information technology within an organization.

IT policies establish accountability by defining roles, responsibilities, and expected behaviors of individuals and groups within the organization. They outline the consequences of non-compliance or violations, ensuring that individuals understand the importance of adhering to the policies and their role in maintaining a secure and compliant IT environment.

IT policies ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements. They provide guidelines on how the organization should adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards related to information security, privacy, and data protection. Policies also address internal policies and procedures that the organization has established to meet its specific compliance needs.

Ensuring Compliance

IT policies provide a clear direction and set expectations for the organization's use of IT resources. They define the organization's stance on various aspects such as information security, data privacy, acceptable use of technology, and compliance with laws and regulations. Policies ensure consistency across the organization.

IT policies help mitigate risks associated with the use of technology and information assets. They outline security controls, access controls, and other risk management measures that need to be implemented. Policies guide individuals in making informed decisions and taking necessary actions to protect information, systems, and networks from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security incidents.

Establishing Direction

Standards serve as a benchmark for implementing consistent and reliable security measures throughout an organization.

Standards define requirements and controls aimed at mitigating security risks. They outline the necessary security measures to protect against threats and vulnerabilities. By following standards, organizations can identify, assess, and implement controls that are relevant to their specific risks and security objectives. Standards provide a structured approach to risk management and enable organizations to focus on critical areas for control implementation.

Standards help organizations meet legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations related to information security. They provide a framework for organizations to align their security measures with applicable laws, regulations, and industry-specific requirements. Standards help organizations demonstrate compliance with security-related mandates and facilitate audits and assessments.

Interoperability and Compatibility

Standards ensure consistency and uniformity in the implementation of security controls. They establish a common set of requirements and specifications that guide organizations in adopting consistent security practices. By adhering to standards, organizations can achieve a unified and cohesive approach to security across different systems, departments, and locations.

Risk Mitigation and Control Implementation

Standards facilitate interoperability and compatibility between systems, technologies, and organizations. They provide a common language and framework for organizations to communicate and collaborate on security-related matters. By adopting standards, organizations can enhance compatibility with third-party systems, facilitate secure information exchange, and support seamless integration of security controls.

Standards often incorporate industry best practices, guidelines, and lessons learned from security incidents. They leverage the expertise and experiences of the industry to provide organizations with proven approaches for achieving effective security. By following standards, organizations can benefit from the collective wisdom of security professionals and adopt practices that have demonstrated their effectiveness.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Consistency and Uniformity

Best Practices and Industry Guidelines

Procedures assist organizations in achieving compliance with legal, regulatory, and industry requirements. They outline the specific actions and controls necessary to address security risks and meet relevant standards or guidelines. By following procedures, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to security and mitigate potential risks associated with non-compliance.

Process Efficiency

Compliance and Risk Management

Incident Response and Recovery

Knowledge and Transfer Training

Procedures document the knowledge and expertise of experienced personnel within an organization. They serve as a valuable resource for training and onboarding new employees, ensuring that the organization's security practices are consistently passed on to future team members. Procedures help maintain continuity and consistency in security practices even as personnel change.

Procedures ensure that security controls and processes are consistently executed according to established guidelines. By providing detailed instructions, procedures help individuals perform their tasks in a standardized manner, reducing the risk of errors or inconsistencies in implementing security measures.

Consistent Execution

Procedures provide step-by-step instructions for implementing specific security controls and processes within an organization.

Procedures help streamline and optimize security-related processes. By defining a clear sequence of actions and tasks, procedures eliminate ambiguity and provide a structured approach to carrying out security activities. This promotes efficiency, as individuals can focus on the specific steps needed to achieve the desired security outcomes.

Procedures play a crucial role in incident response and recovery efforts. They provide detailed instructions on how to detect, analyze, respond to, and recover from security incidents. Procedures ensure that incident response activities are executed in a timely and coordinated manner, helping organizations minimize the impact of security breaches and swiftly restore normal operations.