5 reasons to implement a security policy in your company

In order to oversee cybersecurity measures within a company, the management committee must first define its vision. This vision is formalized in a document simply called the information system security policy (ISSP).

And while it is often perceived as a practice associated with large organizations, security policy can actually be applied to businesses of any size.

But then, what is the point of implementing such a policy? How does it enable a company to (better) manage its information security? Here are its five main advantages.

1. Clarify roles and responsibilities within the organization

The company's security policy is intended to serve as a reference document. One of its objectives isto identify the parties involved: employees, subcontractors, service providers, etc. Its implementation clarifies the scope, roles, and responsibilities related to IT system security.

This clarification:

• facilitates the implementation of security policies;
• ensures that every member of the organization understands their obligations and responsibilities;
• imposes a framework that must be complied with.

The goal? To ensure that security policy is both pragmatic and applicable to all!

Some examples of assigned roles

• The CISO is responsible for the overall supervision of IT security.
• System administrators manage technical and production aspects, such as implementing security rules and maintaining security equipment.
• End users, for their part, have responsibilities regarding the use of the company's IT tools. This includes, for example, implementing password protection tools and secure data processing, accompanied by awareness-raising activities throughout the year.

Since cybersecurity must be a shared responsibility within the organization, this accountability helps reduce the risk of negligence or internal malice. It is worth remembering that in 2024, 95% of data leaks were due to human error, according to an IBM study. The stakes are therefore high!

2. Gain insight into the company's cybersecurity posture

Risk analysis

By analyzing the risks faced by the company and its level of security in advance, the security policy helps identify strengths and weaknesses within the organization.

This analysis has a threefold purpose:

• highlight potential threats;
• assess the criticality level of IT assets (servers, network, workstations, telephony);
• measurethe potentialimpact of their malfunction on the company.

Based on these results AND the company's governance plan, management can establish a strategic and tactical vision for information system security. It is then possible to prioritize security measures over the medium and long term.

Continuous monitoring

In addition, the P.S.S.I. implements a regular review process to ensure that the security strategy remains aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

In the event that a company discovers that new technologies or emerging practices present risks not covered by the current policy, the PSSI will provide a framework for quickly integrating appropriate security and mitigation measures. This was the case, for example, with the advent of generative artificial intelligence at the end of 2021, which raised many questions about data security and privacy.

3. Support internal cybersecurity projects

Another advantage of the PSSI is that by establishing a schedule for implementing actions, it helpsaccelerate investment in the company's cybersecurity projects —which is not always an easy task.

Let's take a concrete example. Imagine that a company's information system security policy stipulates:

• the need for strong authentication;
• strengthening role-based access rights management;
• regular monitoring of access activities.

The CISO may then require the implementation of identity and access management (IAM) and privileged access management (PAM) solutions.

Similarly, if the PSSI requires enhanced protection for workstations, the CISO can support this request by proposing the adoption of endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions.

In short, the clear guidelines contained in the PSSI enable faster and more effective implementation of technologies that are essential to corporate IT security!

4. Involve executives in cybersecurity issues

It is not uncommon for company management to be unfamiliar with (or even uninterested in) cybersecurity issues. This is precisely why IT security policy must reflect the position taken by management.

The latter is thus directly involved, as it may be exposed to management errors if it is found not to be involved.

5. Ensure regulatory compliance through a security policy

Adopting an information systems security policy helps companies meet compliance requirements.

And for good reason, clause 5.2 of the ISO 27001 standard itself states that management must:

• Establish a security policy that is aligned with the organization's objectives.
• meet applicable safety requirements;
• promote continuous improvement in information security management.

The NIS2 Directive is no exception, as Article 20 stipulates that managers of essential and important entities (EE and IE) must approve and oversee cybersecurity risk management measures to ensure compliance with Article 21. They may also be held liable for violations of this directive.

This naturally implies greater accountability on the part of senior management, prompting them to become more involved in cybersecurity strategies and to ensure effective oversight of their implementation.

Finally, in some cases, the PSSI is simply mandatory. This is the case with Instruction No. SG/DSSIS/2016/309 of October 14, 2016, which requires the implementation of an IT security plan for healthcare facilities.

More than just an administrative formality, the PSSI is the cornerstone of the company's IT security.

By formalizing security requirements, it enables accelerated implementation of the necessary technological solutions and procedures, supports regulatory compliance, and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder within the organization. This well-defined structure not only helps to effectively protect IT resources, but also engages management through a shared vision of security.