Cybersecurity Policy Template

Network Security Policy (DORA Compliant)

1. Introduction

Purpose and Scope: This policy establishes the minimum acceptable standards for securing the organization's network architecture, including firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), wireless networks, and other network controls. This policy aims to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of organizational data and systems, aligning with the principles of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA).

Relevance to DORA: This policy directly addresses DORA's requirements related to ICT risk management, incident reporting, and operational resilience. Specifically, it contributes to the organization's ability to:

  • Identify and manage ICT risks: By defining security standards and controls, the policy helps identify and mitigate vulnerabilities within the network infrastructure.

  • Respond effectively to ICT incidents: The policy outlines procedures for managing security incidents, ensuring timely detection and response, which is crucial under DORA's incident reporting obligations.

  • Maintain operational resilience: By securing the network, the policy safeguards critical business functions from disruption, contributing to the organization's overall operational resilience.

2. Key Components

This Network Security Policy includes the following key components:

  • Network Architecture Security: Defining security standards for network segmentation, access control, and data protection.

  • Firewall Management: Establishing rules for firewall configuration, maintenance, and logging.

  • VPN Security: Defining secure VPN configurations, access controls, and monitoring procedures.

  • Wireless Network Security: Specifying security protocols, access controls, and encryption for wireless networks.

  • IDS/IPS Management: Outlining the deployment, configuration, and monitoring of IDS/IPS systems.

  • Vulnerability Management: Describing the process for identifying, assessing, and remediating network vulnerabilities.

  • Security Incident Response: Defining procedures for detecting, responding to, and recovering from security incidents.

  • Access Control and Authentication: Establishing strong authentication mechanisms and access control policies for network resources.

3. Detailed Content

3.1 Network Architecture Security:

  • In-depth explanation: This section defines the principles for designing a secure network architecture, focusing on segmentation, minimizing attack surfaces, and implementing defense-in-depth strategies. This includes defining DMZs, restricting access based on roles and responsibilities, and using micro-segmentation techniques where appropriate.

  • Best practices: Utilize network segmentation to isolate sensitive systems, implement least privilege access, and regularly review and update network diagrams.

  • Example: Segmenting the network into three zones: Public (DMZ), Internal (for general employees), and Restricted (for sensitive data and systems). Access between zones is strictly controlled via firewalls and access control lists (ACLs).

  • Common pitfalls: Failing to segment the network adequately, granting excessive privileges, and neglecting regular network architecture reviews.

3.2 Firewall Management:

  • In-depth explanation: This section outlines the rules for configuring, maintaining, and monitoring firewalls. It includes specifications for firewall rules, logging, and alerting.

  • Best practices: Implement a strong firewall policy based on the principle of least privilege, regularly review and update firewall rules, and utilize intrusion detection capabilities.

  • Example: All inbound connections to the internal network are blocked by default, except for explicitly allowed ports (e.g., 80, 443 for web traffic, 22 for SSH). All outbound connections are allowed unless explicitly blocked. Firewall logs are centrally monitored and reviewed daily.

  • Common pitfalls: Overly permissive firewall rules, inadequate logging, and neglecting regular updates and maintenance.

3.3 VPN Security:

  • In-depth explanation: This section defines security standards for VPN configurations, including encryption protocols, authentication mechanisms, and access controls.

  • Best practices: Use strong encryption protocols (e.g., IPSec, OpenVPN with strong cipher suites), enforce multi-factor authentication, and regularly update VPN software and firmware.

  • Example: All remote access to the organization's network must be through a VPN using IPSec with AES-256 encryption and mutual authentication. VPN connections are subject to rigorous logging and monitoring.

  • Common pitfalls: Using outdated or weak encryption, neglecting multi-factor authentication, and inadequate monitoring of VPN connections.

3.4 Wireless Network Security (and other sections follow a similar structure): This section defines security protocols (WPA3 or stronger), strong password policies, and access controls for wireless networks. It includes measures for detecting and mitigating rogue access points. Best practices include using strong encryption, implementing role-based access controls, and regular security audits.

4. Implementation Guidelines

  • Step-by-step process:

1. Assessment: Conduct a thorough network security assessment to identify existing vulnerabilities and gaps.

2. Policy Development: Finalize this Network Security Policy, ensuring it aligns with DORA requirements and organizational needs.

3. Implementation: Deploy and configure security controls according to the policy.

4. Testing: Conduct thorough testing to validate the effectiveness of implemented controls.

5. Training: Provide training to all relevant personnel on the policy and its implementation.

6. Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation of the network security infrastructure and configurations.

  • Roles and Responsibilities:

* Network Administrator: Responsible for the day-to-day management and maintenance of the network infrastructure.

* Security Officer: Oversees the implementation and enforcement of this policy.

* IT Department: Responsible for the overall security of the IT systems.

5. Monitoring and Review

  • Monitoring: Regularly monitor firewall logs, VPN activity, IDS/IPS alerts, and security scanning results. Utilize security information and event management (SIEM) systems to centralize and analyze security data.

  • Frequency and process: This policy will be reviewed and updated at least annually, or more frequently as needed in response to changes in the threat landscape, regulatory requirements, or business needs. The review process involves a formal assessment of the policy's effectiveness and alignment with DORA.

6. Related Documents

  • Incident Response Plan

  • Data Security Policy

  • Access Control Policy

  • Vulnerability Management Policy

7. Compliance Considerations

  • Specific DORA clauses addressed: This policy directly supports DORA's requirements related to ICT risk management (Article 4), incident reporting (Article 16), and operational resilience (Article 5).

  • Legal and regulatory requirements: This policy must comply with all relevant national and international laws and regulations regarding data protection, cybersecurity, and network security. This might include GDPR, NIS2, or other relevant legislation depending on the organization's location and activities. Regular legal reviews are crucial to ensure ongoing compliance.

This comprehensive template provides a solid foundation for a DORA-compliant Network Security Policy. Remember to tailor it to your organization's specific needs and regularly review and update it to maintain its effectiveness. Consult with legal and security experts to ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations.

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