Overview of the Information Protection Program
The Information Protection Program policy exists to address the complex challenges organizations face in protecting their information assets. It encompasses a wide range of security measures, including risk management, policy development, and the establishment of roles and responsibilities. The policy is designed to be dynamic, adapting to new threats and changes within the organization.
The key points of the Information Protection Program policy are outlined in the table of contents, which serves as a roadmap for the various components that make up the policy. Below is a summary of these key points:
Program Management Establish a formal information protection and risk management program based on industry frameworks and ensure executive approval.
Program Review Regularly review and update the information protection program to reflect current risks and organizational changes.
Program Objectives, Scope, Importance, Goals, and Principles Clearly define and communicate the objectives and scope of the information protection program.
Internal Controls Framework Support the information protection program with a robust internal controls framework.
Security Policies Develop and document security policies that align with the information protection program's objectives.
Policy Ownership Assign owners with the authority to develop and approve security policies.
Policy Approval Ensure formal approval of security policies by their assigned owners.
Policy Review Conduct regular reviews and updates of security policies.
Security Procedures Define detailed security procedures that enforce security policies.
Procedure Approval Obtain formal approval for all security procedures.
Procedure Review Review and update security procedures regularly.
Policy and Procedure Feedback Implement a process for feedback on security policies and procedures.
Capital Planning and Investment Requests Include necessary resources for the information protection program in capital planning.
Security Activities Coordinate and communicate security activities with stakeholders.
Security Requirements Identify security requirements for critical systems and services.
Security Plans Develop and review security plans for critical data and systems.
Roles and Responsibilities
The policy also outlines the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders within the organization. This ensures that everyone understands their part in protecting the organization's information assets.
HR Information Protection Program Define and implement a human resources information security protection program.
User Security Roles and Responsibilities Clearly document and communicate user security roles and responsibilities.
Job Descriptions Include information security roles and responsibilities in job descriptions.
Position Risk Ranking Assign risk rankings to positions and define screening criteria.
Screening Conduct formal screening for applicants and employees.
HR Representative Designate an HR representative to manage the screening process.
Screening Policies and Procedures Follow regional policies and procedures for screening.
Repeated Screening Repeat the screening process when necessary.
Rescreening Periodically rescreen individuals based on position criticality.
Revalidation Revalidate access levels when employees change positions.
Information Collection Collect information on candidates in accordance with legislation.
User Security Orientation Orient new hires on security roles and responsibilities.
Workforce Improvement Program Implement a workforce improvement program for information security.
User Sanctions Define a sanctions process for non-compliance with security policies.
Security Official Appoint a senior-level security official with overall responsibility.
Security Official Job Description Document the job description for the security official.
Outsourced Security Official Retain internal responsibility if the security official role is outsourced.
Security Official Annual Reporting Require annual reporting from the security official to management.
Information Protection Program Oversight Assign oversight responsibility for the information protection program.
User Security Manage the information security of all users.
Information Security Management Committee Establish a committee to ensure organizational objectives are considered.
Security Contacts Appoint security contacts for each organizational area.
Security Contact Meetings Hold regular meetings with security contacts.
Contact with Security Forums and Authorities Maintain contacts with security-related groups and authorities.
Security Assessment and Acceptable Use
The policy also includes provisions for security assessments and acceptable use policies, ensuring that the organization's security posture is regularly evaluated and that users understand their responsibilities regarding the use of organizational resources.
Annual Program Audit Conduct an independent audit of the information protection program annually.
Security Assessment Planning Develop plans for security testing, training, and monitoring.
Independent Assessment Perform an independent assessment of the information protection program.
Security Assessment Results Document and communicate the results of security assessments.
Corrective Actions Take corrective actions based on assessment findings.
Security Risk Assessment Complete a comprehensive security risk assessment regularly.
Information Sharing Mechanism Utilize a mechanism for sharing security information.
Acceptable Use Policy Define and document an acceptable use policy for critical resources.
Mobile Computing Requirements Specify mobile computing requirements in the acceptable use policy.
Contractors and Third-Party Users Provide relevant policies to contractors and third-party users.
The Information Protection Program policy is a critical component of an organization's security strategy. It provides a structured approach to managing risks and ensuring that sensitive information remains secure. By adhering to the guidelines set forth in this policy, organizations can protect themselves against data breaches and other security incidents that could have severe consequences.
For those interested in implementing this policy within their organization, we have a template available for purchase. This template can serve as a starting point for developing a comprehensive Information Protection Program tailored to your organization's specific needs.
