Security Policy

Website Security Policy

1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish standards for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the website and its associated data. This policy ensures secure access, usage, and management of the website to protect against cyber threats and unauthorized activities.

2. Scope This policy applies to all employees, contractors, vendors, and third parties who manage, access, or use the website’s infrastructure, data, and services. It includes hosting platforms, content management systems, databases, and third-party integrations.

3. Security Roles and Responsibilities

• Website Administrator: Responsible for maintaining website security configurations, monitoring for vulnerabilities, and applying updates.

• Content Contributors: Must adhere to secure content practices, including avoiding the upload of malicious files.

• IT Security Team: Monitors and responds to security incidents and ensures compliance with this policy.

• Third-Party Vendors: Must comply with this security policy and provide evidence of their security practices upon request.

4. Access Control

• Use strong, unique passwords and implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts.

• Restrict access based on roles and responsibilities.

• Regularly review and revoke access for inactive or unauthorized users.

5. Data Protection

• Encrypt all sensitive data in transit using SSL/TLS protocols.

• Implement secure storage methods for sensitive information, such as hashed passwords.

• Regularly back up website data and ensure backups are stored securely.

6. Software Updates and Patching

• Apply security updates and patches to the website’s content management system, plugins, and other software components promptly.

• Use only trusted and regularly updated plugins and extensions.

7. Monitoring and Logging

• Enable monitoring tools to track unauthorized access, changes, or anomalies.

• Retain logs of access, changes, and errors for at least 90 days.

• Regularly review logs for suspicious activities.

8. Incident Response

• Develop and maintain an incident response plan.

• Immediately report any suspected breaches to the IT Security Team.

• Document and investigate security incidents to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.

9. Vulnerability Management

• Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing.

• Address identified vulnerabilities promptly, prioritizing critical issues.

10. Employee Training

• Provide regular security awareness training to all employees.

• Educate on topics such as phishing, secure password practices, and reporting suspicious activities.

11. Third-Party Integrations

• Evaluate the security of third-party services and integrations.

• Ensure all third-party services comply with relevant data protection regulations.

12. Compliance and Review

• Ensure compliance with relevant legal, regulatory, and industry standards.

• Review and update this policy annually or as needed to address evolving threats.

13. Policy Enforcement Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, as well as potential legal consequences.

14. Contact Information For questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact the IT Security Team.