6 Important IT Policies Any Size Company Should Implement

Even with good intentions, small business owners sometimes forget how important it is to set and enforce clear policies. Relying only on informal conversations can cause misunderstandings or even expensive mistakes later. Clear rules help everyone work together smoothly.

Owners of small and mid-sized businesses should watch out for employee misunderstandings. Even clear instructions can sometimes be misunderstood. Miscommunication can lead to expensive mistakes, so giving clear guidance is important for success.

If your business doesn’t have clear policies, you could face problems like lawsuits over device misuse or employees accessing company emails inappropriately. Protect your business by putting the right policies in place.

Many employers don’t realize how much time staff spend on social media. Almost one-fifth of employees spend an hour each day on posts and messages, especially if there is no clear policy. Still, 77% of employees use social media only during breaks or lunch.

All businesses, big or small, need IT policies. A clear policy helps your business manage technology better. Now is a good time to set up these steps, and we are ready to help.

Does your organization have up-to-date IT policies?

Protecting your identity is more important than ever.

In an alarming 77% of cases, cloud data breaches are the result of stolen or weak passwords. Compromised credentials have become one of the most significant sources of security risks in today’s digital world.

A password security policy will lay out for your team how to handle their login passwords. It should include things like:

1. How long passwords should be

2. How to construct passwords (e.g., using at least one number and symbol)

3. Where and how to store passwords

4. The use of multi-factor authentication (if it’s required)

5. How often to change passwords

We should all use technology responsibly.

Our Acceptable Use Policy explains how technology and data should be used in our organization. Everyone should make sure their devices are secure by keeping them updated. This is just one of the rules in our policy.

Setting clear guidelines for using company devices is important. Acceptable Use Policies should also address the risks when remote employees share work devices with family members. Employers should decide how to handle this situation.

Data security is of utmost importance and the AUP ensures that no digital stone goes unturned when it comes to protecting important information. From encryption requirements to data-handling instructions, this policy provides a comprehensive framework for maintaining confidential records with uncompromising safety protocols.

With the ever-evolving digital landscape

Companies across the globe are facing a growing issue – their own employees using unauthorized cloud applications. An estimated 30-60% of businesses’ cloud usage is due to these mysterious, ‘shadow IT’ solutions popping up all over corporate workspaces.

Employees usually don’t realize the repercussions that come with utilizing personal cloud applications to store company data. However, it creates a massive security vulnerability that puts businesses at risk of suffering serious consequences.

A cloud and app use policy is essential to keep business data secure by restricting the unauthorized usage of apps. It also provides a platform for employees to suggest tools that can help improve productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

Bring modern convenience to your workplace with BYOD.

Many companies are finding that letting employees use their own devices is not only cost-effective but also convenient. Employees don’t have to manage two devices. Now, 83% of companies use BYOD, and this trend is likely to continue.

Without a clear policy in place, BYOD can be leaving your business open to dangerous security risks. If personal devices aren’t running the latest version of their operating system, malicious threats may have an opportunity to wreak havoc on company data – not just what’s stored locally on employee machines but potentially even more if those networks are connected with corporate systems. To make sure everyone is compensated fairly for using tablets and phones at work, it’s critical that all employees understand exactly how they should use these tools when representing the organization.

Our Bring-Your-Own Device policy explains how to use personal devices securely for work. It covers installing an endpoint management app and shows our commitment to fairly compensating employees who use their own devices for business.

Stay connected by following our Wi-Fi policy.

With 61% of surveyed companies reporting employees connecting with public Wi-Fi on their devices, staying secure while browsing is a major concern. Companies must ensure they take the right precautions to protect against potential threats related to using public networks.

Employees might put company cybersecurity at risk by using apps and emails on public networks without thinking about the risks. This can lead to serious problems, including network breaches.

A Wi-Fi use policy helps employees browse the web safely. It protects their privacy by requiring a company VPN and limiting risky actions, such as entering passwords or payment information on public networks.

Stay up to date on our policies for social media use

Because social media is common at work, it is important to set clear rules. Without these rules, employees might spend too much time scrolling and sharing instead of working.

Include details in your social media policy, such as:

1. Restricting when employees can access personal social media

2. Restricting what employees can post about the company

3. Noting “safe selfie zones” or facility areas that are not okay for public images

Do you need help improving your IT policy documents and security?

Your organization can benefit from a custom IT policy and stronger security systems. Contact us for a free consultation, and we will help your business succeed.