Four Key IT Policies for Small Business

Policy

How many of your employees have branched off and started business' of their own? This makes it the responsibility of every business, especially those collecting and storing customer/client information, to implement a multi pronged approach to safeguard information. All businesses are now technology dependent. Regardless of  your size or type, practically every organization has valuable digital assets and data that should not be breached under any circumstances.

Protecting your business and its reputation comes down to developing, implementing, and monitoring a robust security plan that adequately addresses everything from physical access and theft to the threat of compromised technology security. This involves defining and outlining acceptable uses of your network and business resources to deter inappropriate use.

Here are four key components to consider.

1. Network Security Policy

Limitations must be defined when it comes to acceptable use of the network.  Passwords should be strong, frequently updated, and never shared.  Policies regarding the installation and use of external software must be communicated.

If personal devices such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones are accessing the network, they should be configured to do it safely, which can be done easily with a reliable Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution.

 2. Communications Policy

Use of company email and Internet resources must be outlined for legal and security reasons. Restricting data transfers and setting requirements for the sharing or transfer of digital files within and outside of the network is recommended. Specific guidelines regarding personal Internet use, social media, and instant
messaging should also be clearly outlined. If the company reserves the right to monitor all communication sent through the network, or any information stored on company-owed systems, it must be stated here.

3. Privacy Policy

Restrictions should be set on the distribution of proprietary company information or the copying of data.  Spell out explicitly what can and cannot be shared outside of the department, other employees, suppliers and to other entities.  Set up a policy which defines that information must never be distributed unless it is explicitly defined as okay for outside use.

4. Inappropriate Use

Obviously, any use of the network or company-owned system or device to distribute viruses,
hack systems, or engage in criminal activity must be prohibited with the consequences clearly noted. Any website that employees cannot visit should be identified if not altogether blocked and restricted. For instance, downloading an entire season of Breaking Bad from a Bit Torrent site isn


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