Security Communications Plan

Author: [Your Name], Cybersecurity Director

Date: [Date]

Revision: 1.0

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Purpose and Scope
3. Definitions
4. Severity Levels and Message Types
5. Communication Channels
6. Approval Process
7. Archiving Procedures
8. Legal and Regulatory Requirements
9. Training and Awareness
10. Review and Revision

1. Introduction

Cybersecurity is a critical concern for any organization. Effective communication is vital in ensuring a prompt and coordinated response to security incidents. This Security Communications Plan outlines procedures for handling all security-related communications within the organization. The plan aims to ensure timely dissemination of critical information, raise awareness, and facilitate collaboration across departments.

2. Purpose and Scope

This plan establishes a framework for communicating security incidents, vulnerabilities, threats, and other security-related information within the organization. It applies to all employees, contractors, and third-party vendors with access to organizational systems and data.

3. Definitions

• Security Incident: An event that compromises the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of organizational assets (data, systems, networks).
• Vulnerability: A weakness in a system, network, or process that can be exploited by a threat actor.
• Threat Actor: An individual or entity that poses a potential risk to the organization’s security.
• Security Awareness: The knowledge and understanding of security risks and best practices.
• Disclosure: The act of revealing security information to authorized individuals or entities.

4. Severity Levels and Message Types

Security incidents and vulnerabilities will be classified based on severity level, which determines the urgency and scope of communication.

• Severity Level 1 (Critical): High-impact incident with significant potential for damage. Requires immediate action and communication to all relevant personnel. (e.g., data breach, major system outage)
• Severity Level 2 (High): Significant incident with potential for disruption or data loss. Requires prompt communication to key personnel and affected departments. (e.g., ransomware attack, critical system vulnerability)
• Severity Level 3 (Moderate): Moderate incident with potential for limited impact. Requires communication to relevant IT personnel and potentially affected departments. (e.g., suspicious phishing attempt, minor system malfunction)
• Severity Level 4 (Low): Low-impact incident or potential vulnerability. Requires communication within the IT security team for monitoring and potential future action. (e.g., informational security alert)

Message Types:

• Security Alerts: Time-sensitive notifications about critical security incidents or vulnerabilities requiring immediate action.
• Security Advisories: Information about identified vulnerabilities and recommended mitigation strategies.
• Security Awareness Updates: Informational messages to educate employees about security best practices and potential threats.

5. Communication Channels

The communication channel for security messages will depend on the severity level and urgency.

• Severity Level 1 (Critical): Emergency notification system (e.g., mass email, SMS alerts), in-person meetings with key personnel.
• Severity Level 2 (High): Urgent email notifications to relevant personnel and affected departments, potential conference calls with key stakeholders.
• Severity Level 3 (Moderate): Targeted email notifications to IT personnel and potentially affected departments, internal security team communication channels.
• Severity Level 4 (Low): Security team communication channels, internal security awareness platforms.

6. Approval Process

All security messages, except for Security Awareness Updates, require approval before dissemination.

• Severity Level 1 (Critical): The Cybersecurity Director, or designee, in consultation with relevant department heads, approves the message.
• Severity Level 2 (High): The Cybersecurity Director, or designee, approves the message.
• Severity Level 3 (Moderate): The IT Security Team Lead approves the message.

7. Archiving Procedures

All security communications, including emails, logs, and meeting minutes, will be archived for a minimum of [number] years according to organizational record retention policies and legal requirements.

8. Legal and Regulatory Requirements

The organization must comply with all applicable data breach notification laws and industry regulations regarding security incident reporting. The Security Communications Plan will be updated to reflect any changes in legal or regulatory requirements.

9. Training and Awareness

The organization will provide regular security awareness training to all employees, contractors, and third-party vendors. The training will cover topics such as identifying phishing attempts, reporting suspicious activity, and best practices for password management.

10. Review and Revision

This Security Communications Plan will be reviewed and updated annually or in response to significant changes in the organization’s security posture, legal requirements