The Reality of Security Policies: Less Paper, More Action

It's often the first question organizations get asked about their digital security. But after spending seven years in the trenches of information security, I've learned it's the wrong question entirely. The right question is: "Do you have security practices that actually work?"

Let me paint you a picture: Somewhere right now, there's a 47-page security policy sitting in a shared drive, meticulously copied from some enterprise template, carefully edited to include all the right buzzwords, and completely ignored by everyone in the organization. I've seen hundreds of these documents. Most of them are perfect paperwork. Most of them are also perfectly useless.

This isn't another rant about how organizations are doing security wrong. Instead, it's an invitation to have an honest conversation about what actually works - especially for small organizations, independent media outlets, and NGOs who can't afford to waste resources on security theater.

Because here's what nobody tells you: Sometimes NOT having a formal security policy is the right choice. And when you do need one, it probably looks nothing like what you're imagining.

Let's talk about what really matters in protecting your organization, and why the best security policy might be the one you never write.

What a Working Security Policy Actually Looks Like

A effective security policy isn't a document you copy from the internet and forget about. It's a living system built on these core elements:

The Foundation: Risk Management

1. Asset inventory - what needs protection?
   • Devices
   • Systems
   • Processes
   • Data
   • Websites
   • Social media accounts
   • Sensitive sources
2. Risk assessment
3. Decision-making for priority risks
4. Implementation planning
5. Monitoring and evaluation
6. Incident response procedures

The Structure

• Core Policy: Contains your fundamental risk assessments and decisions
• Derivative Policies: Specific guidelines for different roles:
  • System administrators
  • Web admins
  • Social media editors
  • HR
  • General staff

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. The Outsourcing Trap: Having external consultants write your policy without internal involvement
2. Copy-Paste Syndrome: Adopting generic policies without customization
3. The "Write and Forget" Approach: Treating the policy as a one-time document
4. Vague Responsibilities: Not specifying who does what
5. Overcomplexity: Using unnecessary jargon and making policies too long
6. Magical Thinking: Believing a formal policy will automatically improve security
7. Unrealistic Expectations: Trying to implement everything at once

How to Know If Your Policy Actually Works

Your security policy is effective when: - Everyone knows it exists - People understand their responsibilities - Staff have the skills to implement it - Resources are available for implementation - People actually follow it - It evolves with your organization

The Way Forward

Creating an effective security policy isn't about producing an impressive document - it's about developing a practical, living system that actually protects your organization. Start small, focus on what matters most to your organization, and build from there. Remember: a simple policy that's actually followed is infinitely better than a comprehensive one that sits in a drawer.

Keep in mind that this is an ongoing process. Your policy should evolve as your organization grows and as the threat landscape changes. It's not about perfection - it's about progress and practical protection of what matters most to your organization.