Acceptable Use Policy Cyber Security Policy

What is a acceptable use policy template?

An acceptable use policy (AUP) establishes a set of rules for using the company network and devices. This will protect your business from dangerous behavior plus hold offenders accountable. Many organizations require that their employees or members sign an AUP before being granted access.It is sometimes also referred to as an Internet and E-mail Policy or Acceptable IT Use Policy. Despite the difference in terms, these policies provide statements as to what behavior is acceptable from users that work in or are connected to a network.

Why does you business need an acceptable use policy?

The AUP protects your organization from any legal actions, while clearly communicating to employees and members your expectations regarding their behavior. It is far better to lay out acceptable usage during on-boarding than to have to backpedal if something goes wrong. An employee’s ability to intentionally or inadvertently compromise the security of your company is one of the reasons to consider implementing an AUP. It ensures employees understand their responsibilities and rights as well as the organization’s expectations of them regarding IT in the workplace. It also helps educate employees on how to identify potential threats and keep themselves safe from cyber-criminals.

How to create an effective AUP?

Creating an effective AUP begins by collaborating with HR, finance, legal, IT, and security.  The sections below can provide a good starting point when creating your policy:

1. Consider the impact before implementing
2. Define which data/information matters
3. Ensure compliance. Are there legal restrictions?
4. Gather feedback from main stakeholders.
5. How to manage BYOD that access the organizational network?
6. Social Media
7. How to inform and train?
8. How to monitor and enforce?

The document provided is a good guideline to help you setup your own acceptable use policy. It is a excellent starting point. The provided document is in Word format (DOCX) and is fully editable so you can adjust it to your own needs. Feel free to download it.