Secure Configuration Management Policy
1. Purpose
Establish requirements for securely configuring enterprise assets, software, and network infrastructure to reduce the attack surface and prevent unauthorized access.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all enterprise assets, operating systems, applications, network devices, and services managed by [ORGANIZATION], in all environments (production, staging, development, and test).
3. Policy
3.1 Secure Baseline Configuration
[ORGANIZATION] shall establish and maintain documented secure baseline configurations for all enterprise asset types, based on industry-recognized hardening standards (CIS Benchmarks, DISA STIGs, or vendor security guides).
Secure baselines shall address: removing or disabling unnecessary services, ports, and protocols; configuring security-relevant settings; removing default accounts and passwords; and enabling logging and auditing.
Baseline configurations shall be reviewed and updated at least [CUSTOMIZE: quarterly/bi-annually] or when significant new vulnerabilities are disclosed.
All new assets shall be configured to the approved baseline before deployment to the production network.
3.2 Configuration Enforcement
Automated configuration management tools shall be used to enforce secure baselines across enterprise assets where technically feasible.
Configuration compliance scans shall be performed at least [CUSTOMIZE: monthly/weekly] to identify deviations from approved baselines.
Configuration deviations shall be remediated within [CUSTOMIZE: 14/30] days of detection, or a documented exception shall be approved by [CUSTOMIZE: CISO/IT Security].
Administrative privileges for making configuration changes shall be restricted to authorized personnel and logged.
3.3 Network Device Configuration
Network infrastructure devices (routers, switches, firewalls, wireless access points) shall be configured according to documented secure baselines.
The latest stable firmware or operating system version shall be maintained on all network devices.
Network device configurations shall be stored in a secure, version-controlled repository with access restricted to authorized network administrators.
Configuration backups shall be performed before and after any changes, and retained for at least [CUSTOMIZE: 90 days/1 year].
3.4 Browser and Email Configuration
Web browsers shall be configured to block or restrict: unnecessary plugins and extensions, auto-run of scripts from untrusted sources, and access to known malicious domains.
Only approved web browsers that receive regular security updates shall be authorized for use on enterprise assets.
Email client configurations shall include: blocking of executable attachments, enabling of email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and integration with email security gateway filtering.
4. Compliance
Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all personnel within its scope. Compliance will be monitored through periodic audits, automated controls, and management review.
Exceptions to this policy must be documented with a business justification, approved by [CUSTOMIZE: CISO/Security Team], and reviewed at least annually.
5. Enforcement
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or contract, and may result in civil or criminal penalties where applicable law has been violated.
[ORGANIZATION] reserves the right to audit compliance with this policy at any time, with or without notice.
6. Review and Revision
This policy shall be reviewed at least annually by [CUSTOMIZE: CISO/Policy Owner] and updated as necessary to reflect changes in the threat landscape, regulatory requirements, or organizational structure.
All revisions shall be documented with version number, date, author, and description of changes.
Policy Approval
Approved By
Title
Date
Document Control