1. Purpose
This Information Security Policy outlines the standards and practices that Nextsulting adheres to in order to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and systems managed by the agency. The policy applies to all employees, contractors, and third-party vendors.
2. Scope
This policy covers all digital assets managed by Nextsulting, including websites, databases, communication systems, and client data. It applies to all employees, contractors, and third-party vendors who have access to these assets.
3. Responsibilities
- Employees and Contractors: All personnel must comply with the security policies and procedures outlined in this document. They are responsible for safeguarding the information and systems they have access to.
- Management: Ensures that all employees and contractors are aware of and trained on security policies. Management is also responsible for regularly reviewing and updating the policy.
- Digital Security Team: Responsible for implementing and maintaining security measures, conducting regular audits, and responding to security incidents.
4. Information Classification
All information handled by Nextsulting must be classified into the following categories:
- Confidential: Information that could cause damage to Nextsulting or its clients if disclosed. This includes client data, financial records, and proprietary business information.
- Internal Use Only: Information that is not public but is less sensitive than confidential information. This includes internal communications and operational procedures.
- Public: Information that is intended for public dissemination, such as marketing materials and published content.
5. Data Protection
- Storage: Sensitive client data may be stored in restricted Google Drive folders. These folders must have access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can view or edit the contents.
- Encryption: All confidential and internal use information must be encrypted both at rest and in transit using industry-standard encryption methods.
- Access Control: Access to information systems and data is granted based on the principle of least privilege. Employees and contractors should only have access to the data necessary for their role.
- Authentication: Strong password policies must be enforced. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required for accessing sensitive systems.
6. Remote Work
- Approved Platforms: All remote work must be conducted using company-approved platforms and programs to ensure security standards are maintained.
- Secure Connections: Remote access to sensitive data must be conducted over secure connections, such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN), when applicable.
- Device Security: Employees and contractors must ensure that their devices are secured with up-to-date antivirus software and that sensitive data is not stored on personal devices.
7. Incident Response
- Reporting: All employees and contractors must report any suspected security incidents immediately to the Digital Security Team.
- Response: The Digital Security Team will investigate and mitigate any security incidents, documenting the response process and outcomes.
- Recovery: Steps must be taken to restore any affected systems to normal operation, and lessons learned from the incident should inform future security practices.
8. Vendor Management
Third-party vendors who access Nextsulting’s systems or data must adhere to the same security standards outlined in this policy. Contracts with vendors must include specific clauses addressing data security and incident response.
10. Training
All employees and contractors must undergo regular training on information security practices, including recognizing phishing attempts, secure data handling, and incident reporting.