1. Introduction
These guidelines are established to ensure the smooth, secure, and efficient operation of the ADEMAR network. They cover all aspects of network access, management, security, and usage.
2. Network Access and Authentication
- User Access: Only authorized personnel may access ADEMAR’s network. All users must have a unique login ID and password.
- Authentication: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be implemented to ensure secure access to the network.
- User Responsibilities: Users are responsible for protecting their credentials and immediately reporting any suspicious activity or unauthorized access.
3. Network Security
- Firewall Configuration: All network traffic must be routed through firewalls configured to filter and block unauthorized connections.
- Encryption: Sensitive data must be encrypted both in transit and at rest using industry-standard encryption protocols.
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): Implement an IDPS to monitor and respond to potential threats or attacks.
- Regular Patching: Ensure all network devices, systems, and software are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- VPN Access: Secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) access is required for remote users.
4. Network Monitoring and Performance
- Network Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of network traffic, devices, and performance should be conducted to detect anomalies or bottlenecks.
- Performance Standards: The network must meet defined performance metrics, including bandwidth, latency, and uptime.
- Bandwidth Management: Traffic shaping and prioritization should be applied to ensure that critical services maintain optimal performance.
5. Incident Management and Response
- Incident Reporting: All network incidents, including security breaches, connectivity issues, and performance failures, must be reported immediately to the IT support team.
- Incident Response: A documented incident response plan must be followed to investigate, mitigate, and resolve any network security or operational incident.
- Root Cause Analysis: After resolution, a root cause analysis (RCA) should be conducted to prevent future occurrences.
6. Data and Privacy
- Data Retention: Data on the network should be retained for a period defined by applicable policies or regulations, after which it should be securely deleted.
- Privacy Compliance: The network must comply with relevant privacy laws, including GDPR, HIPAA, or other regional privacy regulations as applicable.
- Access Control: Only authorized users should have access to sensitive data. Implement role-based access control (RBAC) and principle of least privilege.
7. Backup and Disaster Recovery
- Data Backup: Regular backups of network configurations, critical data, and services should be conducted and stored in secure locations.
- Disaster Recovery Plan: A disaster recovery plan (DRP) should be in place to restore network services and data in case of system failure or disaster.
- Testing: Disaster recovery procedures should be tested at regular intervals to ensure that recovery goals are met.
8. Network Maintenance
- Scheduled Maintenance: Regular maintenance windows should be established for system updates, hardware upgrades, and network improvements.
- Documentation: All network configurations, hardware inventories, and changes must be documented for audit and troubleshooting purposes.
9. User Training and Awareness
- Security Awareness: Users must be regularly trained on cybersecurity best practices, including safe browsing, identifying phishing attempts, and securing personal devices.
- Policy Acknowledgment: All users must acknowledge and agree to follow ADEMAR’s network usage policies.
10. Network Usage
- Acceptable Use: ADEMAR’s network should be used only for business-related activities. Personal use of the network should be minimized and must not interfere with network performance or security.
- Prohibited Activities: Unauthorized access, use of illegal software, or attempts to disrupt network operations are prohibited.
11. Compliance and Audits
- Compliance Monitoring: The network operations must comply with relevant industry standards and government regulations.
- Regular Audits: Network usage, security, and performance should be subject to regular audits to ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
12. Conclusion
Following these guidelines will help ensure that ADEMAR’s network operates securely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulations. Regular updates and reviews of these guidelines should be conducted to accommodate evolving technology and threats.