Security Policy
A security policy is developed by senior management to assign certain responsibilities and mandate certain requirements, which are usually aligned with the agency's mission.
A new policy was just created to prohibit peer-to-peer software downloads, as most are illegal and may bring malicious content to the workplace. You, the security officer, noticed that employees resisted the policy and chose to continue downloading peer-to-peer software. In an initial post, explain how you would handle this situation. What would you do to enforce the policy?
Sample Solution
- Meet with senior management to discuss the situation. I would explain to them that employees are resisting the new policy and continuing to download peer-to-peer software. I would also discuss the risks associated with peer-to-peer software, such as the potential for malware infection and illegal file sharing.
- Develop a communication plan to educate employees about the new policy and the risks associated with peer-to-peer software. I would create a presentation or email that explains the policy in detail and provides information about the risks of peer-to-peer software. I would also develop a Q&A document to address any questions that employees may have.
Full Answer Section
- Implement the communication plan. I would meet with employees in groups or individually to educate them about the new policy and the risks of peer-to-peer software. I would also distribute the Q&A document and make it available on the company's intranet.
- Monitor employee compliance with the policy. I would use network monitoring tools to identify employees who are downloading peer-to-peer software. I would also meet with employees on a regular basis to discuss the policy and answer any questions they may have.
- Take disciplinary action against employees who violate the policy. If an employee violates the policy after being educated about it, I would take disciplinary action, which could range from a warning to termination.
- Make sure the policy is clear and concise. Employees should be able to easily understand what the policy is and what the consequences are for violating it.
- Be consistent in enforcing the policy. All employees should be treated equally, regardless of their position or department.
- Be fair and reasonable. Employees should feel like they are being treated fairly and that the policy is being enforced in a reasonable manner.
- Provide employees with support. Employees should feel like they can come to the security team with questions or concerns about the policy.