Administrative policy

A formal document defining an organization's security principles, roles, responsibilities, and acceptable use guidelines for managing information security.

An administrative policy in cybersecurity is a formal document that establishes an organization's strategic approach and guiding principles for managing information security. These policies translate high-level security objectives into clear, actionable mandates for human behavior and operational processes. They define roles, responsibilities, and acceptable use guidelines for all personnel interacting with information systems and data assets, serving as essential security controls that address procedural and managerial aspects of protection.

Administrative policies are instrumental in establishing a robust security posture by proactively mitigating risks arising from human factors and operational vulnerabilities. They dictate standards for critical areas such as data handling, access control, incident reporting, and security awareness training. By setting precise expectations for conduct and accountability, these policies ensure consistent adherence to internal security standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices, ultimately fostering a security-conscious culture and reinforcing comprehensive risk management.