The Role of Policies and Standards in Cybersecurity: 5 Insights for Professionals
Cybersecurity is now a top priority for consumers and businesses alike. With new daily threats, organizations require guidelines for protecting their sensitive data. It is where policy and standards come into the picture.
While most people use the terms synonymously, they are employed with different objectives. A policy is a high-level regulation the management sets that guides an organization’s security operations. A standard is a detailed specification that ensures the policy is enforced effectively. Both are the cornerstone of a strong cybersecurity framework.
This article will explore five key insights into how policies and standards impact cybersecurity.
1. Policies Set the Direction, Standards Define the Details
Understanding the difference between policies and standards is essential to maintaining a healthy cybersecurity program. A policy is a broad statement of intent specifying what the company plans to do regarding security. It provides the foundation for security-related actions and sets expectations for the employees. A policy might specify, for example, that employees must use strong passwords for company accounts so no one who is not supposed to can access them.
However, without specific guidelines, policies alone are not enough. This is where a policy vs standard distinction becomes essential. A standard defines the precise requirements needed for policy compliance. A standard provides clear and measurable requirements for consistent implementation.
Also, a standard might require 12 characters or longer passwords and a mix of numbers, symbols, and capital letters. Whereas top leadership creates policy strategically to provide overall guidance, standards are technical and ensure enforcement of the security measures is carried out equally and effectively.
More importantly, workers are not likely to understand what is expected of them unless stated standards exist. A policy can prescribe the direction, but the standard is the one that brings the policy into Practice. Standards make security measures measurable and enforceable and ensure organizations have a structured approach to cybersecurity.
2. Policies and Standards Reduce Security Risks
Without definitive policies and guidelines, organizations are vulnerable to the threat of cyberattacks. A clear policy for cybersecurity minimizes the risks through the enforcement of the best security practices.
For instance, where a company’s data protection policy states that customer data needs protection, a related standard may require encryption of all such data using certain encryption methods. By enforcing such guidelines, organizations can prevent data breaches, protect company and customer data, and meet legal and regulatory requirements.
Also, companies create a security culture where everybody knows their role by implementing policies that outline the expectations and standards for the execution. This considerably minimizes the chances of human errors and gaps within security and makes the company resistant to threats.
3. Policies Should Be Simple and Practical
One common mistake many organizations make is crafting policies that are too convoluted or confusing. When security policies are confusing or complicated, employees will likely ignore or work around them.
For example, a policy requiring employees to change their passwords every 30 days might seem good. However, employees may use weak or duplicate passwords to comply with the policy. A better policy would be to require password changes only upon compromise detection.
A good policy must be clear, straightforward, and free of unnecessary complexity and jargon. Standards must also be feasible and reasonable. Too stringent standards can create frustration and motivate employees to find ways around the measures rather than follow them.
Getting the appropriate balance between usability and security is essential. Employees will resist a policy that is too rigid and, instead of reducing security risks, may enhance them.
4. Standards Help with Compliance and Audits
Most industry sectors have robust cybersecurity regulations that organizations must follow. Examples include GDPR for European data protection, HIPAA for medical data within the United States, and PCI DSS for payment protection.
Well-documented standards make it possible for organizations to prove compliance upon auditing. Instead of simply asserting protection for customer data, organizations can prove specific standards they follow, such as the need for multi-factor authentication for all sensitive systems, the encryption of all customer data in motion and at rest, and regular employee security training.
Auditors require concrete evidence of compliance, and unambiguous standards simplify the process. Without them, it could be difficult for the company to demonstrate it has done sufficient work towards protecting its data, leading to penalties, lawsuits, and reputations. Organizations can avoid these risks by taking a systematic approach and following all the regulations.
5. Policies Must Evolve with Changing Threats
Cyber threats are evolving and are dynamic by nature. Hence, the policy must also evolve. A policy sufficient five years ago might not be sufficient now. Remote work was not a priority, but organizations now require remote access and a personal device security policy.
So, to avoid new threats, businesses must occasionally review their guidelines and standards, preferably every year. They must update their guidelines with new risks, technological developments, and security measures. Their employees also need to be trained for any new changes made so that they know and adhere to the latest security requirements.
For example, most organizations now employ zero-trust security architectures where no device or user can be trusted by default. Including these measures within the new policy ensures security within the dynamic digital world. Not regularly updating would leave the company behind and open to becoming a cyberattack target.
Final Thoughts
Policies and standards are two crucial aspects of cybersecurity. While policies chart the overall path, standards outline the rules that must be followed. Standards help organizations reduce risks, ensure compliance, and protect valuable data.
Security professionals must recognize the difference between a policy and a standard. A good program needs strong policies and standards for adequate protection.