ISSP: the guide

Partage

The Information System Security Policy (or ISSP) enables an organisation to define its strategic vision in terms of cyber security. But it is more than just a roadmap: the ISSP defines a framework, responsibilities and objectives to be achieved. And by including all the company’s employees, this approach ultimately forms part of the company’s overall vision. How do you draw up a PSSI? What are its objectives? Why should companies take it seriously, and how can it be implemented? Here’s a comprehensive guide to answer all these questions.

What is an ISSP?

The information systems security policy is a formal document that defines the security principles, procedures and controls designed to protect an organisation’s employee data and IT assets.

The ISSP establishes a framework for managing the level of information security by :

  • identifying risks ;
  • defining responsibilities ;
  • specifying the measures to be taken to prevent, detect and respond to security incidents.

It should be noted that the SIP is not the sole preserve of the IT team! It must be signed and approved by the company’s management – a formal approval that ensures the alignment of the ISP with strategic objectives. This agreement guarantees the support of the COMEX, which is essential during the investment and implementation stages of security measures.

The importance of drawing up an ISSP for organisations

One of the missions of the IT security policy is to make employees understand that corporate governance cannot be achieved without taking cybersecurity issues into account.

This view is shared by Baptiste David, Head Of Market Strategy at Tenacy: ‘The ISSP involves understanding the place that cyber security occupies in a company’s overall strategy, and must answer the question: why do it at all? What are the objectives behind this document?

In this context, the PSSI offers a number of advantages:

  • it reinforces the company’s internal security posture;
  • the communication surrounding this tougher stance can be seen as a strategy to differentiate the market;
  • This approach meets a number of compliance requirements (NIS 2, NIST, ISO 27001, etc.).

By highlighting their ability to ensure the protection of sensitive data and critical assets, companies are not simply meeting expectations in terms of cybersecurity: they are using this commitment as a selling point.

What should be included in an ISSP?

There is no formal method for drafting a ISSP. However, there are the following categories.

#1 The scope of the policy

Determining the scope of the ISSP means defining the systems, processes and stakeholders that will be governed by the ISSP. This may include (but is not limited to) :

  • all the company’s IT networks;
  • customer databases ;
  • interactions with subcontractors accessing these systems.
#2 Everyone’s responsibilities

The ISSP must clearly establish the responsibilities of all employees in terms of information security. This involves defining the roles of each player involved, from management to operational teams. Certain players will be particularly concerned, such as Information Systems Security Managers (ISSMs), Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and internal auditors. These responsibilities cover monitoring, auditing and steering the security of the information processed.

#3 Safety principles to be applied

The ISSP must specify the guiding principles and security rules with which the organisation must comply. These security principles guide all IS developments, defining a framework for information management within the company. There is therefore a clear distinction between the PSSI and a simple IT charter, the latter being more focused on users’ day-to-day practices than on overall security strategies.

How do you implement an ISRP in your organisation?

#1 Conduct a risk analysis

Start by identifying and assessing the risks to which the organisation is exposed in order to understand your security needs. This involves examining potential threats and system vulnerabilities, as well as the potential impact of security incidents. The results of this analysis will help to prioritise security actions… and justify the necessary investment.

#2 Review existing security measures

Document and evaluate the protocols, rules and security measures already implemented within the organisation. This step will help you determine the effectiveness of existing measures and identify any gaps or needs for reinforcement.

#3 Define the new safety measures to be implemented

Develop new rules and procedures based on risk analysis and evaluation of existing measures. Depending on the direction you want your ISSP to take, this may include :

  • the definition of new technical controls;
  • the introduction of improved safety procedures;
  • employee training…
#4 Drafting and validating the PSSI

Next, draw up the document that formalises all the rules and procedures in your ISP. If your document is properly structured, you can extract a roadmap with an action plan. Bear in mind that this reference document must be reviewed and approved by management to ensure that it reflects the company’s security commitments and objectives. Without this approval, it is likely that your ISSP will be inapplicable… and that would be a shame!

#5 Updating the ISSP

Plan regular revisions of the ISSP to ensure that it remains relevant to changes in your IS, while guaranteeing that new operating methods are taken into account. Updates must therefore take into account not only new risks and regulatory changes, but also feedback from experience.

3 expert tips for your ISSP

Get management on board

The successful implementation of the ISSP depends heavily on the support of management. By obtaining their approval and commitment right from the start of the drafting process, you can guarantee the resources and authority needed to apply your IT security policy!

Articulate clear rules and principles

The principles of your ISSP must reflect the organisation’s security objectives and be aligned with its overall strategic vision. And that’s not all: the rules derived from these principles must be specific, measurable AND achievable, providing clear guidance on security expectations.

Use dedicated management tools

Monitoring and managing your IT security plan can be greatly facilitated by the use of appropriate technological tools. Tenacy (at random) can be used to monitor compliance with established rules and track the progress of protection measures in place. Such tools can also help to document and report security actions for internal or external audits.

The essentials

The information systems security policy is the cornerstone of any company’s cyber security strategy. This document is not just a technical measure: it is a truly integrated strategy, reflecting management’s commitment. The ISSP provides a clear framework for :

  • risk management ;
  • assigning responsibilities ;
  • applying safety rules in a consistent and enforceable way.

For companies looking to develop or improve their ISP, it’s crucial to adopt a methodical approach and rely on appropriate management tools. If you’d like to find out more about how to implement an ISSP, or if you need specialist support, please don’t hesitate to contact us!