What is a security policy?

A security policy is a formal set of rules and guidelines that govern how an organization’s information is protected. This foundational document outlines the organization's security objectives and delineates responsibilities for compliance, creating a framework for decision-making regarding security measures and protocols. It may cover various aspects, including data protection, access controls, user responsibilities, incident response procedures, and compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

This formalized approach ensures that all employees understand their roles in protecting information assets and helps to establish a consistent security posture across the organization. By having a clearly defined security policy, organizations can better identify threats, manage risks, and implement appropriate security measures to protect their data and systems effectively.

The other options, such as detailing network device configurations, employee background check guidelines, or summarizing security incidents, serve important functions within the realm of organizational security but do not encompass the broader scope and intent of a security policy. These are specialized documents that support the enforcement and operationalization of the principles contained within a security policy rather than defining the policy itself.