Cybersecurity Policy Template for United States

A Cybersecurity Policy sets clear rules and guidelines for protecting an organization's digital assets, data, and network systems. It outlines how employees, contractors, and stakeholders should handle sensitive information, use company devices, and respond to security incidents in line with Philippine data privacy laws and the National Cybersecurity Plan.

Your policy needs to address specific security requirements under Republic Act 10173 (Data Privacy Act) and comply with guidelines from the National Privacy Commission. It covers essential areas like access controls, password management, incident reporting procedures, and data breach response protocols - helping organizations stay secure and legally compliant while building trust with customers and partners.

Organizations need a Cybersecurity Policy when handling sensitive digital information or operating any IT systems that store customer data. This becomes especially crucial when expanding operations, onboarding new employees, or implementing remote work arrangements where data security risks increase significantly.

The policy proves essential during Data Privacy Act compliance audits, cyber insurance applications, and business partner due diligence reviews. It's particularly important for companies processing financial transactions, healthcare information, or personal data covered by Philippine privacy laws. Having this policy ready helps prevent data breaches, guides incident response, and demonstrates compliance commitment to regulators and stakeholders.

• Information Security Risk Assessment Policy: Focuses specifically on risk evaluation procedures and controls, often serving as the foundation for broader cybersecurity measures. Common in financial institutions and technology companies dealing with sensitive customer data under Philippine privacy laws.
• Enterprise-Wide Policy: Comprehensive framework covering all aspects of digital security across an organization, including network protection, access controls, and incident response protocols.
• Industry-Specific Policy: Tailored to meet unique requirements of sectors like healthcare, banking, or education, incorporating specific regulatory compliance needs and risk factors.
• Cloud Security Policy: Addresses specific challenges of cloud computing environments, data storage, and third-party service provider security requirements.

• IT Security Teams: Lead the development and implementation of Cybersecurity Policies, ensuring technical controls align with business needs and regulatory requirements.
• Executive Management: Approve policies, allocate resources, and demonstrate commitment to cybersecurity governance across the organization.
• Data Protection Officers: Ensure compliance with Philippine Data Privacy Act requirements and coordinate policy updates with privacy regulations.
• Department Managers: Help tailor policies to operational realities and oversee implementation within their teams.
• Employees and Contractors: Follow policy guidelines daily when handling company data, devices, and network resources.
• Compliance Officers: Monitor adherence to policies and report on security metrics to management and regulators.

• Asset Inventory: List all digital assets, systems, and data types your organization handles, including their sensitivity levels and storage locations.
• Risk Assessment: Document potential security threats, vulnerabilities, and their impact on business operations under Philippine privacy laws.
• Stakeholder Input: Gather requirements from IT, legal, HR, and department heads to ensure comprehensive coverage.
• Compliance Check: Review Data Privacy Act requirements and National Privacy Commission guidelines relevant to your industry.
• Access Controls: Map out user roles, responsibilities, and authorization levels for different systems and data.
• Incident Response: Plan procedures for security breaches, including notification requirements and recovery steps.

• Policy Scope: Clear definition of covered systems, data types, and individuals under Philippine Data Privacy Act.
• Security Controls: Detailed technical and organizational measures for protecting sensitive information.
• Access Management: Rules for user authentication, authorization levels, and password requirements.
• Data Classification: Categories of information sensitivity and corresponding handling procedures.
• Incident Response: Mandatory breach notification procedures aligned with NPC guidelines.
• Compliance Framework: References to relevant laws, including RA 10173 requirements.
• Employee Obligations: Specific responsibilities and consequences for policy violations.
• Review Process: Schedule for policy updates and compliance assessments.

A Cybersecurity Policy differs significantly from a Data Breach Response Policy in both scope and purpose. While both support data protection compliance under Philippine law, they serve distinct functions in an organization's security framework.

• Scope and Coverage: Cybersecurity Policies provide comprehensive guidelines for all digital security aspects, while Data Breach Response Policies focus specifically on incident handling procedures.
• Timing of Application: Cybersecurity Policies guide daily operations and preventive measures, whereas Data Breach Response Policies activate only during security incidents.
• Regulatory Requirements: Both documents help meet Data Privacy Act compliance, but Cybersecurity Policies address broader NPC guidelines while Data Breach Response Policies align specifically with mandatory breach notification rules.
• Implementation Focus: Cybersecurity Policies emphasize proactive protection measures, while Data Breach Response Policies outline reactive steps after a security incident occurs.