Recognising the value of IT policies

Many Council organisations have embarked on a digital transformation journey to improve citizen experience, awareness and engagement, increase efficiency and to use information to create valuable insights - leading to better decision making, innovation and communication.

The first step towards creating a secure digital environment is to define the rules and guidelines for managing, operating and using the organisation's information systems. This first step is critical and involves developing policies and procedures that document the organisation's intentions to diligently manage digital information throughout its life cycle and keep it safe from unauthorised persons.

IT Policies address the requirement to protect information from disclosure, unauthorised access, loss, corruption and interference and are relevant to information in both digital and physical formats.

Information security can be defined by three things:

• Confidentiality - information must not be made available or disclosed to unauthorised individuals, entities, or processes
• Integrity - data must not be altered or destroyed in an unauthorised manner, and accuracy and consistency must be preserved regardless of changes
• Availability - information must be accessible and useable on demand by authorised entities

It is important to remember that the policies protect staff just as much as they do the organisation. Policies are the first very important step in managing IT system security and information security. To be successful, they must be based on plain old common sense and all staff, contractors and third parties should be required to understand their obligations.

Why IT Policies are required

In an evolving digital world nothing will stay the same for long. Ensuring Councils can operate in this environment long term - serving citizens and conducting business – means they must be aware of security issues and take the appropriate measures that protect key assets, i.e.-

• People
• Business and the infrastructure supporting the business
• Information and services

Security attacks are increasing and evolving all the time and it is important that systems and information can be protected against these threats. By complying with these written guidelines management can be sure they are doing everything they can to protect both systems and people from a security threat.

What the Policies do

• Provide the computer security framework for an organisation
• Help protect the assets of the business
• Endorse the commitment of the CEO and senior management in protecting valuable information assets
• Provide a uniform level of control and consistent guidelines for management
• Communicate one IT security message to all
• Advise staff about IT security and about their responsibilities

Kaon Security assist organisations to put the foundations in place to ensure their digital transformation journey starts off on the right track and goes smoothly thereafter.

Our next EDM will expand upon 3 points –

• Why IT Policies are Important
• Who should be involved in the development of IT Policies - with Digital Transformation in mind or underway?
• How organisations are managing their policies today

Click here to read - Recognising the value of IT Policies – Part 2

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