What is a Security Procedure?
A security procedure consists of a series of documented steps and practices used to ensure safe day-to-day operations in any organization. These organizational security procedures work alongside security policies, standards, and guidelines to enforce appropriate safety controls and secure environments.
In essence, security protocols and procedures are operational blueprints that implement and enforce the security measures defined by company policy. Every organization must define and follow proper security policies and procedures to safeguard assets, systems, and personnel.
These processes act as a foundation for IT security procedures, emergency response planning, and regulatory compliance.
Key elements include:
- Security Policies
- Standards
- Baselines
- Procedures
Why Are Security Procedures Important?
Security procedures play a vital role in preserving the integrity, safety, and continuity of workplace operations. Whether we talk about basic security procedures in a small business or complex company security procedures in an enterprise, they all aim to prevent incidents that may compromise employee safety or disrupt operations.
Moreover, well-documented security measures and procedures reduce risks, improve compliance, and support data integrity. They also build trust among employees and clients by showing a commitment to protecting sensitive information and maintaining operational stability.
In terms of cybersecurity, such procedures mitigate internal and external threats and are aligned with industry-specific compliance standards.
What Are the Different Types of Security Policies?
Security policies and procedures come in various forms. Broadly, there are three main types of security procedures:
1. Administrative Security Policies
These are focused on regulating human behavior to reduce hazards. Examples include access control rules, remote work policies, and protocols for reporting security breaches. Administrative security policies help assess organizational security procedures by establishing a framework to handle risks effectively.
2. Technical Security Policies
Also referred to as IT security procedures, these involve controls like firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), access management, and network monitoring. They serve as security protocols and policies that define how systems should be accessed, protected, and monitored.
3. Physical Security Policies
These relate to the tangible environment — controlling who can enter certain areas, CCTV monitoring, or server room access. A strong organisational security procedure includes these physical safeguards alongside digital controls.
All three types of policies must work together to ensure an integrated security process that supports long-term risk management.
What Does a Security Procedure Entail?
A thorough security procedure definition involves implementing consistent steps to reduce vulnerabilities, respond to threats, and ensure continuity. Below are 10 essential steps to crafting effective security procedures and guidelines:
1. Identify Security Risks
Before creating policies, identify threats to people, systems, and assets. This step is critical in any organizational security policy and guides the creation of relevant security procedures examples.
2. Research Current Security Practices
Benchmark against existing security protocols and procedures used in your industry. Adapt proven methods to enhance internal practices.
3. Ensure Legal Compliance
Align all practices with laws and regulatory frameworks. Security policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines should collectively ensure legal and ethical compliance.
4. Balance Risk and Protection
Avoid over-engineering. The proper security procedures will increase efficiency only if they match the actual level of risk.
5. Include All Departments
All departments must contribute to organisational security procedures. This holistic approach ensures practical implementation and accountability.
6. Train Your Staff
Education is essential. Whether it’s onboarding or ongoing sessions, everyone must understand what are security procedures, how to follow them, and why they matter.
7. Document Everything
Maintain a written list of security procedures so everyone has clarity. It supports accountability and helps explain security procedures in the workplace to both staff and auditors.
8. Define Penalties and Backups
Every security process must outline consequences for non-compliance and provide fallback plans in case of failure or breach.
9. Keep Everyone Updated
Security is dynamic. Regularly update staff about evolving company security procedures and newly implemented tools.
10. Install Necessary Tools
Utilize tools like antivirus software, firewalls, VPNs, and access control software. The use of such tools reflects security procedures and guidelines in action.
What is the End Result of a Security Procedure?
For an organisation, the proper security procedures will reduce risk exposure while improving regulatory readiness and operational efficiency. Whether it’s for:
- Individuals
- Infrastructure
- Supply chains
- International partners
Security procedures form the backbone of all security protocols and policies that enable growth with confidence.
They result in:
- Clear task assignments
- Reduced liability
- Stronger internal controls
- Improved stakeholder trust
When designed correctly, security measures and procedures protect organizational resources while enabling secure access, collaboration, and decision-making.
What Are Key Elements in Security Policies and Procedures?
Every secure environment must emphasize the following five principles:
- Confidentiality
- Integrity
- Availability
- Authenticity
- Non-repudiation
These principles define what is security procedures aiming to achieve and are embedded in each component of a well-structured security policies and procedures document.
How Can EDC Help?
If your organization needs help implementing or updating its security protocols and procedures, Essential Data Corporation is here to help. We specialize in delivering clear, actionable documentation that includes everything from technical security procedure examples to strategic planning.
Our consultants are trained to assess organizational security procedures, identify gaps, and draft robust protocols suited to your exact business needs. Whether you need a single writer or a full team, EDC provides cost-effective, professional support with local Engagement Managers in over 30 cities. Contact us at (800) 221-0093 or [email protected]
FAQs
What is the difference between a security policy and a security procedure?
A policy defines the “what” — your organization’s intent. A procedure outlines the “how” — actionable steps to meet that intent. Both are parts of a complete security protocols and policies framework.
What are security procedures in the workplace?
These are task-based practices that define how employees handle, report, and respond to security threats or violations in real time.
Can you list some examples of security procedures?
Yes. Examples include password reset processes, employee access revocation after termination, data backup schedules, and CCTV monitoring protocols.
What does a company gain from implementing proper security procedures?
The proper security procedures will increase data security, reduce internal error rates, prevent breaches, and improve compliance — leading to better organizational resilience.
How do technical security procedures differ from physical ones?
Technical ones involve software-based safeguards (e.g., antivirus, MFA), while physical ones manage access to buildings or secure areas (e.g., keycards, visitor logs).
What are security protocols and procedures in IT?
These are standard operating practices for managing digital threats, such as user authentication, data encryption, firewall rules, and access controls.
What makes a good organizational security procedure?
It must be clear, documented, enforced, updated regularly, and aligned with your organizational security policy. Most importantly, it must reflect actual risk levels.
Read more about: What is included in a policy and procedure manual?