6 Important IT Policies Any Size Business Should Implement

Many small businesses make the mistake of skipping policies. They feel that things don’t need to be so formal. They’ll just tell staff what’s expected when it comes up and think that’s good enough.

However, this way of thinking can cause issues for small and mid-sized business owners in businesses like yours in Lancashire. Employees aren’t mind readers. So things that are obvious to you, might not be to them.

Not having policies can also leave your company in poor legal standing should a problem arise; such as a lawsuit due to misuse of a company device or email account.

Did you know that 77% of employees access their social media accounts while at work? Further, 19% of them average 1 full working hour a day spent on social media. In some cases, employees are ignoring a company policy. But in others, there is no specific policy for them to follow.

J700 Group believes that IT policies are an important and vital part of your IT security and technology management.  Whatever the size of your business, you should have them. J700 Groups technical experts say “We’ll get you started with some of the most important IT policies your company should have in place”.

Do You Have These IT Policies?

(If Not, You Should)

Password Security Policy

About 77% of all cloud data breaches originate from compromised passwords. Compromised credentials are also now the number one cause of data breaches globally.

A password security policy will lay out for your team how to handle their login passwords. It should include things like:

• How long passwords should be
• How to construct passwords (e.g., using at least one number and symbol)
• Where and how to store passwords
• The use of multi-factor authentication (if it’s required)
• How often to change passwords

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

The Acceptable Use Policy is a comprehensive policy, it includes how to properly use technology and data in your organization. This policy will govern things like device security. For example, you may need employees to keep devices updated. If this is the case, please ensure you should include that in this policy.

Another thing to include in your AUP would be where it is acceptable to use company devices. You may also restrict remote employees from sharing work devices with family members.

Data is another area of the AUP. It should dictate how to store and handle data. The policy might require an encrypted environment for security.

Cloud & App Use Policy

The use of unauthorized cloud applications by employees has become a big problem. It’s estimated that the use of this “shadow IT” ranges from 30% to 60% of a company’s cloud use.

Often, employees use cloud apps on their own because they don’t know any better. They do not realize that using unapproved cloud tools for company data is a major security risk.

J700 Group recommends your business cloud and app use policy should tell employees what cloud and mobile apps are okay to use for business data. It should restrict the use of unapproved applications. It should also provide a way to suggest apps that would enhance productivity.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy

Approximately 83% of companies use a BYOD approach for employee mobile use. Allowing employees to use their own smartphones for work saves companies money. It can also be more convenient for employees because they don’t need to carry around a second device.

But if you don’t have a policy that dictates the use of BYOD, there can be security and other issues. Employee devices may be vulnerable to attack if the operating system isn’t updated. There can also be confusion about compensation for the use of personal devices at work.

The BYOD policy clarifies the use of employee devices for business. Including the required security of those devices. It may also note the required installation of an endpoint management app. It should also cover compensation for business use of personal devices.

Wi-Fi Use Policy

Public Wi-Fi is an real issue when it comes to cybersecurity. 61% of surveyed companies say employees connect to public Wi-Fi from company-owned devices.

Many employees will not think twice about logging in to a company app or email account, even when on a public internet connection. This could expose those credentials and lead to a breach of your company network.

Your company Wi-Fi use policy should explain how employees are to ensure they have safe connections. It may dictate the use of a company VPN. Your policy may also restrict the activities employees can do when on public Wi-Fi. Such as not entering passwords or payment card details into a form.

Social Media Use Policy

With social media use at work so common, it’s important to address it. Otherwise, endless scrolling and posting could steal hours of productivity every week.

We recommend including details in your social media policy, such as:

• Restricting when employees can access personal social media
• Restricting what employees can post about the company
• Noting “safe selfie zones” or facility areas that are not okay for public images

Get Help Improving Your IT Policy Documentation & Security

Our experts at J700 Group can help your organization in Lancashire and surrounding areas address IT policy deficiencies and security issues. Please reach out today to schedule a no obligation consultation to get started.

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