[Trae Johnson]

A strong security program relies on well-developed and consistently enforced policies covering all areas of an organization’s operations. One such critical policy is the Access Control Policy, which ensures that only those who should see certain systems and data, based upon their role, can see it, thereby reducing insider threat risks by limiting exposure. A Password and Authentication Policy enforces strong password requirements and, when possible, adds MFA for increased protection.

Another important aspect is the Data Protection and Privacy Policy, which defines how sensitive data like customer or employee information are collected, stored, shared, and destroyed in a secure manner. In turn, equally important will be the Network Security Policy that defines standards for firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular network monitoring.

Organizations also need an Incident Response Policy in order to prepare for, detect, and recover from security breaches. Such a policy ensures structured responses that limit damage and speed up recovery. Finally, a Security Awareness and Training Policy equips staff with the ability to recognize phishing, social engineering, and other types of cyber threats. Together, these policies establish a proactive security culture that will help an organization stay resilient in response to emerging cyber risks.