In cybersecurity, a procedure is a detailed set of sequential actions designed to achieve a specific security objective or respond to a particular event. Unlike policies, which state what should be done, procedures outline how it should be done, providing explicit instructions for various security operations such as user access management, incident handling, data backup and recovery, vulnerability patching, and security system configuration.

What is a Security Procedure in Cybersecurity?

A security procedure is a documented, step-by-step guide that directs personnel through specific tasks required to maintain an organization's security posture. These procedures translate high-level security policies into actionable, repeatable processes that anyone with appropriate training can follow.

Security procedures typically include:

• Clear objectives and scope
• Defined roles and responsibilities
• Sequential steps with specific instructions
• Required tools and resources
• Expected outcomes and success criteria
• Escalation paths and decision points

Why Are Security Procedures Important for an Organization?

Security procedures are critical for organizations for several key reasons:

• Consistency: They ensure that security tasks are performed the same way every time, regardless of who executes them
• Reduced Human Error: Detailed instructions minimize mistakes that could lead to security breaches
• Training Facilitation: New employees can quickly learn established processes
• Compliance Demonstration: Documented procedures help prove adherence to regulatory requirements such as those outlined in ISO/IEC 27001 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework
• Audit Readiness: Organizations can demonstrate due diligence during security audits

How to Create an Effective Cybersecurity Procedure

Creating effective security procedures requires careful planning and input from relevant stakeholders. Follow these guidelines:

1. Identify the objective: Clearly define what the procedure should accomplish
2. Involve subject matter experts: Collaborate with those who perform the tasks regularly
3. Document step-by-step instructions: Write clear, unambiguous steps that leave no room for interpretation
4. Include visual aids: Add screenshots, flowcharts, or diagrams where helpful
5. Define roles and responsibilities: Specify who is responsible for each action
6. Test the procedure: Have someone unfamiliar with the process follow it to identify gaps
7. Establish review cycles: Schedule regular reviews to keep procedures current

Which Types of Security Procedures Are Essential for Businesses?

Organizations should develop procedures for various security functions. Here are two critical examples:

Incident Response Procedure

An incident response procedure outlines the steps for handling security incidents. For example, when a ransomware attack is detected:

• Detection: Security monitoring tools alert the team to suspicious file encryption activity
• Containment: Isolate affected systems from the network immediately
• Eradication: Remove the malware and identify the entry point
• Recovery: Restore systems from clean backups
• Post-Incident Analysis: Document lessons learned and update defenses

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provides valuable resources for developing incident response procedures.

Vulnerability Management Procedure

This procedure guides the process of identifying and addressing security weaknesses. For instance:

• Identification: Run automated vulnerability scans weekly
• Assessment: Evaluate discovered vulnerabilities using CVSS scores
• Prioritization: Rank vulnerabilities based on business impact and exploitability
• Remediation: Apply patches or implement compensating controls within defined timeframes
• Verification: Rescan to confirm successful remediation

The SANS Institute and ISACA offer frameworks and best practices for vulnerability management.

When Should Security Procedures Be Updated?

Security procedures should be living documents that evolve with your organization. Update them when:

• New threats or attack vectors emerge
• Technology infrastructure changes
• Regulatory requirements are updated
• After security incidents reveal gaps
• During scheduled periodic reviews (typically annually)
• When organizational structure or responsibilities change

Regular reviews ensure procedures remain relevant, effective, and aligned with current best practices and compliance requirements.