Why is it (absolutely) necessary to adopt an IT security policy in your company?
Data theft, intrusions, cyberespionage, leaks of strategic information: no company is safe from computer attacks! According to the 10ᵉ barometer of CESIN (Club des Experts de la Sécurité de l'Information et du Numérique), 47% of French companies reported having suffered at least one successful cyber attack in 2024. This figure, stable compared to the previous year, reflects a constant threat despite the efforts made in cybersecurity.
And that's the thing about digital security : by the time you get around to it, it's already too late 🤦. So let's change the game, since everyone agrees that it's time to really give the cybersecurity process its full importance in the enterprise!
Why implement an IT security policy? Is it really that technical? What are its components, and how should they be implemented? Find out in this article.
What is an IT security policy?
Definition of an IT security policy
An IT security policy (ITSP) is a reference document that formalizes all the rules, practices and procedures designed to protect an organization's information systems.
It covers aspects as varied as :
- access control
- protection of sensitive data
- incident management
- and equipment security.
🧭 In short, it's the strategic compass that guides decisions and behavior in the face of digital risks.
This policy is generally drawn up by the CISO (Information Systems Security Manager), in collaboration with business departments, the IT department, legal affairs and general management. It is often based on recognized standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 or ANSSI recommendations.
The stakes of such a policy for the company
Adopting an IT security policy is more than just ticking a compliance box. It is a strategic lever for :
- Reduce the risk of cyber-attacks, data leaks or service interruptions.
- Strengthen the trust of customers, partners and employees.
- Comply with regulatory requirements (RGPD, NIS2, industry directives, etc.).
- Limit the financial impact of security incidents.
- Acculturate teams to cybersecurity, by setting a clear and shared framework.
In a context of constant threat and rapid digital transformation, not having an SSP means moving forward without a safety net.
Why implement an IT security policy?
The professionalization of hackers and the obvious use of the cloud are giving Information Systems Security Managers (ISSMs) and companies a hard time.
Indeed, with the growth of teleworking, organizations and agencies are having to review their security arrangements in view of the risks induced by the adoption of the cloud and by the data transiting through it.
While phishing remains the most frequent attack vector, there has also been an increase in vulnerabilities and rebound attacks (via service providers), not to mention data loss or leakage, and tool obsolescence.
☝️De Numerous incidents such as the Solarwinds hack or the Apache flaw illustrate the risks threatening organizations. These attacks have harmful, even dramatic, repercussions for companies.
💡All reasons that make it essential to implement an effective IT security policy, tailored to the needs and constraints of the enterprise.
The components of an IT security policy
1. Defining the scope of the policy
Drawing up an IT security policy cannot be improvised in the haste following an attack. To be effective, it must be carefully thought out in advance.
First and foremost, an IT security policy must be clearly defined. This identifies the scope of the policy.
- Which assets are concerned?
- Which entities, which sites, which types of users are included?
This precise scope helps to avoid grey areas... where attacks like to sneak in. Generally, the policy takes the form of a single document tailored to the company, and must contain :
- elements useful for risk analysis (needs and constraints) ;
- the challenges and objectives, particularly in terms of data security;
- all the measures to be adopted, specific to each organization;
- as well as the action plan and procedures to be put in place to protect the company.
2. Identify roles and responsibilities
A policy without a pilot is a recipe for disaster. That's why it's essential to designate the security players: CISO, CIO, DPO, business managers, but also every employee, because cybersecurity is everyone's business. Each role must be documented, understood and assumed.
3. Control access and identities
Who can access what, when, how, and with what level of authorization? Managing access rights is a cornerstone of security.
This means using strong passwords (or even MFAs), managing inactive accounts, and applying the principle of least privilege.
4. Securing equipment and networks
Computers, smartphones, printers, servers, cloud, Wi-Fi... every link in the infrastructure must be secure. This means up-to-date antivirus software, active firewalls, encrypted network protocols, and regular hardware and software updates.
5. Protect sensitive data
HR data, financial information, industrial secrets... Any critical data deserves special attention. This implies data encryption, a strict backup and restore policy, and rigorous control of file circulation (USB, e-mail, cloud).
6. Managing security incidents
A good reflex: assume that an incident will happen sooner or later. 🫣 That's why an ISSP must include an incident management plan specifying the steps to be taken in the event of a breach, intrusion or data leak. This includes detection, notification (including to the CNIL if necessary), remediation and feedback.
7. Educate and train employees
Technology alone is not enough; the human factor remains the first line of defense... or vulnerability. A good policy should therefore include :
- regular training sessions,
- awareness campaigns (particularly on phishing),
- and clear support materials to instill the right reflexes.
☝️Ce must, of course, be validated by management and taken into account by all employees.
8. Review and audit regularly
Cybersecurity is not a one-shot deal. A relevant policy must be a living thing: regularly re-evaluated, tested by internal or external audits, and enriched by feedback from the field. Threats evolve, and so do companies... the SSP must keep pace.
How to implement an IT security policy?
To help you draw up your company's IT security policy, here are a few tips and best practices to keep in mind:
- Appoint an IT manager, responsible for developing and implementing the security policy;
- Ensure that your IT equipment is properly maintained, with regular tool updates;
- Determine the scope and objectives of the IT security policy: for each situation envisaged, assess the desired level of protection;
- Carry out an analysis of existing hardware and software, and keep an up-to-date register of the elements making up the information system;
- Ensure regular backups;
- Secure the company's Internet access and control access to information;
- Limit personal cloud storage applications;
- Verify control of the hosting provider's subcontracting chain, ensuring that the environment is secure and monitored;
- Anticipate possible IT risks in relation to the probability of incident occurrence;
- Identify the resources needed to reduce risks, whether in terms of hardware or human resources;
- Define appropriate incident management and business continuity management procedures;
- Draw up an IT charter for all employees;
- Train teams and raise their awareness by communicating the company's IT security policy.
What tools can help you? 3 examples of software
An IT security audit can be carried out to determine which tools are best suited to your company's needs. This can help determine the hardware and software needed to secure the company's processes.
💡To make things easier for you, and to take a more relaxed approach to implementing an IT security policy, there are a number of software programs that can help you deal with computer attacks... and, above all, prevent them!
One example is Bitdefender's GravityZone Small Business Security, an all-in-one cybersecurity solution designed for SMEs. It provides effective protection for workstations, servers and mobile devices, thanks to a centralized management console, ransomware protection and a behavioral analysis engine. A good ally for reinforcing your IT security policy, without technical complexity!
GravityZone by Bitdefender
Another example is PwC's comprehensive protection solutions: Threat Watch and Connected Risk Engine Cyber.
Threat Watch is a strategic intelligence and monitoring platform designed to anticipate threats to your business. The analyses provided are perfectly contextualized and adapted to your challenges. And in the event of an incident, you can contact the PwC cybersecurity and risk experts of your choice directly.
Connected Risk Engine Cyber is a tool dedicated to the self-assessment of your cyber strategy. In concrete terms, it enables you to compare your maturity with the best practices in force in your sector, and then obtain personalized recommendations. All data is presented in visual, interactive dashboards, to facilitate decision-making.
Connected Risk Engine Cyber
Sample IT security policy: free template
It's no secret that writing an IT security policy from scratch can be a real headache. To save you time (and avoid critical oversights), we've put together a complete, customizable ISSP template, suitable for companies of all sizes. It incorporates ANSSI and RGPD best practices, with a clear structure, well-defined responsibilities and concrete rules to implement.
💡 All you have to do is download it, integrate your specific features (name, scope, tools, roles), and distribute it internally. A real boost to effectively frame your cybersecurity!
Note: the document is in Word format, so you can edit it. You'll just need to convert it to PDF afterwards for distribution!
IT security policy: in a nutshell
An effective IT security policy has become indispensable. New types of attack and new security flaws are regularly emerging.
So it's not a question of whether your company will be attacked one day, but rather when! So it's essential to be prepared, so you know how to react on the day.
Think you're ready to step up your company's security? Then why not start by implementing a threat detection tool?
Article translated from French