<!-- Copyright (c) 2026 defconxt. All rights reserved. -->
<!-- Licensed under AGPL-3.0 — see LICENSE file for details. -->
<!-- NERF is a trademark of defconxt. -->
---
name: implementing-security-policy-framework
description: >-
  Design and implement enterprise security policy hierarchies including policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines aligned to ISO 27001, NIST CSF, and CIS Controls.
domain: cybersecurity
subdomain: governance-risk-compliance
tags:
  - security-policy
  - iso-27001
  - nist-csf
  - policy-hierarchy
  - policy-lifecycle
version: "1.0"
author: defconxt
license: AGPL-3.0
metadata:
  mitre-attack: []
---

# Implementing Security Policy Framework

## Overview

Security policies form the foundation of any governance program. This technique covers creating a complete policy hierarchy — from board-level policies through standards, procedures, and guidelines — with version control, approval workflows, and periodic review cycles.

Mode: `[MODE: ARCHITECT]` — Policy framework design and implementation.

## Prerequisites

| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Document management system | SharePoint, Confluence, or Git-based |
| Policy templates | ISO 27001 Annex A mapped |
| Python 3.10+ | For agent tooling |

## Workflow

### 1. Policy Hierarchy Design

```
Enterprise Policy Framework:
├── Tier 1: Policies (Board-approved, strategic intent)
│   ├── Information Security Policy
│   ├── Acceptable Use Policy
│   ├── Data Classification Policy
│   ├── Incident Response Policy
│   └── Business Continuity Policy
├── Tier 2: Standards (Mandatory technical requirements)
│   ├── Encryption Standard (AES-256, TLS 1.2+)
│   ├── Access Control Standard (RBAC, MFA)
│   ├── Logging Standard (retention, format)
│   └── Vulnerability Management Standard
├── Tier 3: Procedures (Step-by-step instructions)
│   ├── Onboarding/Offboarding Procedure
│   ├── Incident Escalation Procedure
│   ├── Change Management Procedure
│   └── Backup and Recovery Procedure
└── Tier 4: Guidelines (Recommended practices)
    ├── Password Selection Guidelines
    ├── Remote Work Security Guidelines
    └── Secure Development Guidelines
```

### 2. Policy Development Workflow

```
Lifecycle stages:
├── Draft: Author creates initial version
├── Review: SMEs and stakeholders provide feedback
├── Approve: Policy committee or CISO signs off
├── Publish: Distribute to all affected personnel
├── Acknowledge: Track employee attestation
├── Review: Annual review cycle (or triggered by change)
└── Retire: Archive superseded policies

Metadata per policy:
├── Policy ID, Title, Version
├── Owner, Approver, Review Date
├── Scope, Applicability
├── Regulatory mappings (ISO, NIST, CIS)
└── Exception process reference
```

### 3. Compliance Mapping

```
Map each policy to framework controls:

Information Security Policy → 
├── ISO 27001: A.5.1 (Policies for information security)
├── NIST CSF: GV.PO (Policy)
├── CIS Controls: 1.1 (Establish security governance)
├── SOC 2: CC1.1 (COSO principle 1)
└── PCI DSS: 12.1 (Security policy established)
```

## Verification

- [ ] Process documented and approved
- [ ] Stakeholders identified and engaged
- [ ] Tooling configured and automated where possible
- [ ] Outputs reviewed and validated
- [ ] Reporting integrated into GRC program
- [ ] Periodic review schedule established
