In the realm of cybersecurity, policies serve as the cornerstone of organizational defense strategies. They provide a roadmap for implementation, setting clear expectations for employees and stakeholders alike. However, the art of policy writing isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor; it requires careful consideration and adherence to established best practices. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the essentials of crafting robust cybersecurity policies, drawing on industry standards and practical insights.

Why Policies Matter

Virtually every compliance framework mandates the creation of cybersecurity policies, underscoring their pivotal role in risk management. Whether it’s NIST SP 800-53 or NIST SP 800-171, the need for clear and concise policy directives remains paramount. Policies serve as the organization’s authoritative voice, outlining expectations and guidelines for security implementation.

Choosing the Right Approach

When it comes to policy writing, organizations have several options at their disposal. Some opt for a monolithic document encompassing various topics, while others prefer multiple documents aligned with the structure of their chosen compliance framework. Regardless of the approach, the goal remains consistent: to minimize ambiguity and ensure adherence to established standards.

At Planet, we advocate for the latter approach—organizing policies based on control frameworks. For instance, in the case of NIST 800-171 rev 2, which comprises 110 controls grouped into fourteen control families, we recommend creating one policy document per control family. This granular approach enhances clarity and facilitates alignment with assessment objectives.

Key Recommendations for Effective Policy Writing

To streamline policy development and enhance readability, we recommend the following best practices:

1. Standardized Structure: Adopt an uniform format for policy documents, including a title page, version numbering, change history table, table of contents, and executive summary.
2. Scope Definition: Clearly define the scope of the policy, specifying its applicability to different organizational units or personnel categories.
3. Alignment with Frameworks: Number policy declaratives to align with the chosen risk framework, enabling easy reference and mapping to security requirements.
4. Clarity and Precision: Use clear and unambiguous language, avoiding technical jargon and unnecessary complexity.
5. External References: Incorporate references and citations to authoritative documents, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
6. Enforcement Mechanisms: Clearly outline enforcement procedures and consequences for non-compliance, directing readers to relevant corporate policies or employee handbooks.
7. Acronyms and Definitions: Provide an acronyms section and a definitions section to clarify terms and abbreviations used throughout the document, following established conventions for citation and glossary usage.

By adhering to these recommendations, organizations can develop policies that not only meet compliance requirements but also serve as effective guides for cybersecurity implementation. Policies shouldn’t be viewed as mere formalities; they’re the linchpin of a robust security posture, guiding stakeholders towards a shared understanding of best practices and expectations.

In conclusion, effective policy writing is a foundational aspect of cybersecurity governance. By following established best practices and leveraging insights from industry standards, organizations can craft policies that are clear, concise, and actionable. In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, policies serve as the bedrock upon which resilient defenses are built.