Network security policy

A security policy is a generic document that outlines rules for computer network access, determines how policies are enforced and lays out some of the basic architecture of the company security environment. The document itself is usually several pages long and written by a committee.

A security policy goes far beyond the simple idea of keep the bad guys out . It s a very complex document, meant to govern data access, World Wide Web-web browser habits, use of passwords and Encryption, Electronic mail attachments and more. It specifies these rules for individuals or groups of individuals throughout the company.

Security policy should keep the malicious users out and also exert control over potential risky users within your organization. The first step in creating a policy is to understand what information and services are available (and to which users), what the potential is for damage and whether any protection is already in place to prevent misuse.

In addition, the security policy should dictate a hierarchy of access permissions; that is, grant users access only to what is necessary for the completion of their work.

While writing the security document can be a major undertaking, a good start can be achieved by using a Template. National Institute for Standards and Technology provides a security-policy guideline.

=See also=

*Internet security *Security engineering *Computer security *Industrial espionage *Information security

=External links=

*[http://csrc.nist.gov/ National Institute for Standards and Technology] *[http://www.securestandard.com/Policies_and_Procedures Secure Standard Sample Security Polices and Procedures] *[http://www.packetdefense.com PacketDefense Network Security News] *[http://www.data-recovery-reviews.com/internetnetwork-security-policy.htm Network security policy - A new rethink]