Introduction
This Cyber Security Policy outlines the guidelines and procedures to safeguard the digital assets and infrastructure of Shrewsbury Colleges Group. The policy is designed to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including the Computer Misuse Act 1990, the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. It is imperative that all members of the college community adhere to these guidelines to mitigate risks associated with cyber threats and maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of college information systems.
1. General Security Practices
- 1.1. User Authentication and Access Control: All users must use unique, secure passwords and adhere to the college's password policy. Access to sensitive systems and data should be restricted based on job responsibilities and authorized by appropriate personnel.
- 1.2. Data Encryption: Sensitive data, including personally identifiable information (PII), must be encrypted during storage, transmission, and processing.
- 1.3. Software Updates and Patch Management: All software and operating systems must be regularly updated with security patches to mitigate vulnerabilities.
- 1.4. Physical Security: Physical access to IT infrastructure must be restricted to authorized personnel only. Servers, networking equipment, and other critical infrastructure should be housed in secure locations.
2. Data Protection and Privacy
- 2.1. Data Classification: Data should be classified based on its sensitivity, and appropriate security controls must be implemented accordingly.
- 2.2. Data Backup and Recovery: Regular backups of critical data must be performed, and backup integrity should be verified periodically. Procedures for data recovery in the event of a breach or data loss must be documented and tested.
- 2.3. Privacy Compliance: The college must comply with relevant data protection regulations, ensuring that personal data is collected, processed, and stored in accordance with applicable laws.
3. Acceptable Use Policy
- 3.1. Authorized Use: College IT resources should only be used for legitimate academic, administrative, and research purposes. Unauthorized use, including but not limited to accessing or distributing illegal content, is strictly prohibited.
- 3.2. Copyright Compliance: Users must respect copyright laws and licensing agreements when accessing, sharing, or distributing digital content.
- 3.3. Prohibited Activities: Activities that violate the Computer Misuse Act 1990, such as unauthorized access to computer systems, malware distribution, or network interference, are strictly prohibited.
4. Incident Response and Reporting
- 4.1. Security Incident Reporting: All suspected security incidents or breaches must be reported to the IT department immediately for investigation and mitigation.
- 4.2. Forensic Investigation: In the event of a security incident, forensic analysis may be conducted to identify the cause, extent of the damage, and appropriate remediation measures.
- 4.3. Legal Compliance: The college will cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of cybercrime, in compliance with relevant legislation such as the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
5. Training and Awareness
- 5.1. Security Awareness Training: All users, including students, faculty, and staff, must receive regular training on cyber security best practices, policies, and procedures.
- 5.2. Phishing Awareness: Users should be educated about the risks of phishing attacks and how to identify and report suspicious emails or messages.
6. Policy Enforcement and Review
- 6.1. Compliance Monitoring: The IT department will regularly monitor compliance with this policy and take appropriate action against any violations.
- 6.2. Policy Review: This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to address emerging threats, technological advancements, and changes in legislation.
Conclusion
This Cyber Security Policy serves as a framework for protecting the college's digital assets and promoting a secure computing environment. By adhering to these guidelines and staying informed about cyber security best practices, we can collectively mitigate risks and safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of college information systems.