Tag Archive for: IT Policies

If your organization is looking to maximize the potential of your technology platform, you need IT policies in place to protect and clarify how your team uses technology resources. We’ve found that some businesses believe they’re too small to require IT policies. In our experience, any company that uses computers, email, or the internet for day-to-day operations can benefit from enacting a set of IT policies. In the post, we’ll explore the core IT policies every company should have and how they can help protect your mission-critical assets.

Acceptable Technology Use Policies

Anytime your team has access to technology during work hours, there’s the potential for misuse or abuse. Creating acceptable technology use policies is the first step to ensuring your team understands what’s allowed during work and what isn’t. That way, you can be sure your organization is using technology resources as intended without the risk of confusion. Acceptable-use policies should clarify guidelines for all the technology platforms your team members have access to, including:

  • Computers
  • Mobile devices
  • Telephones
  • Internet
  • Email
  • Voicemail

On top of clarifying the legitimate uses for these platforms, your acceptable-use policies should include a disciplinary framework to prevent continued abuse following an incident.

Cybersecurity Policies

Network data is more critical to businesses than ever before. Chances are if your network stops working, so does your team. That’s why you need to create and implement specific cybersecurity policies that protect your network. Rudimentary cybersecurity policies include:

 Passwords

Include guidelines for password creation and refreshing. We recommend that all network users be required to use passwords composed of a variety of letters, numbers, and symbols. At the same time, users should be required to create a new, unique password every three to four months. Implementing fundamental password policies is essential to protecting your network from data breaches or unauthorized access.

User Access and Data Usage

Your cybersecurity policies should include a framework for which users have access to certain data on your network. These policies should also clarify how you protect sensitive client and customer data.

Virus Protection

You’re probably already taking steps to protect your network from viruses and malware. Clarifying these steps in writing can ensure your team is taking all necessary measures while helping you pinpoint potential security vulnerabilities.

Disaster Recovery

As with IT policies, some companies think they’re too small for a disaster recovery platform. On the contrary, disaster can strike any business at any time, and on average, a single minute of downtime costs the average company $1,250. That means a comprehensive disaster recovery strategy can quickly pay for itself in the event of a network outage. Putting your disaster recovery strategies in writing ensures everyone on your team understands their roles and responsibilities in the event of a disaster, so your network can get back up and running as quickly as possible while minimizing data loss.

Springfield IT Support

If your organization needs assistance developing IT policies to protect your network, employees, and clients, contact the experts at PCnet today. We’ll work with you to identify the systems your team depends on for day-to-day operations and implement policies that protect you at every level.