What does a security policy provide to an organization?

A security policy serves as a foundational document that articulates an organization’s overall approach to managing and protecting its assets. By providing a broad, general statement of management's intent, the policy outlines the principles and goals that guide an organization’s security efforts. This helps ensure that all employees understand the priorities around security and the importance of protecting sensitive information.

While a detailed incident response guide, a comprehensive threat list, or specific disciplinary actions could be components of a broader security framework, they do not encapsulate the overarching purpose of a security policy. The security policy sets the stage for more specific procedures, providing a context that informs and aligns all security strategies and actions within the organization. This overarching intent is critical in establishing a security culture and ensuring that all employees are aware of their responsibilities in safeguarding organizational assets.