Information Transfer Policy Template Download

An information transfer policy is a set of rules and procedures that govern the flow of information within an organization. The policy is intended to safeguard the confidentiality and accuracy of information. The information transfer policy's primary goal is to ensure the safe and secure Transfer of information from one level within an organization to another.

This helps ensure that information is accurate before it's transferred. A policy on information transfer can also help to prevent unauthorized access. This policy is designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information when it is transferred. All employees must follow the guidelines outlined in this document when transferring data.

Information can be transferred in three different ways:

Physical Transfer includes transferring information via hard copies (e.g., printouts, USB drives, etc.). Electronic Transfer (e.g., email, file-sharing platforms) or verbal transmission (e.g., face-to-face conversations, phone calls).

Logical Transfer includes the Transfer of information between computer systems and devices owned by organizations, as well as personal devices.

Technical Transfer includes transferring information via CCTV systems, access control systems, or other security systems.

The Transfer of Information Procedures

When transferring information, you must follow the following procedure:

• Employees must protect confidential information when transferring physical information. (For example, using a secure bag or envelope). Employees should consult their supervisor if the information is sensitive before transferring it.

• Employees must make sure that when transferring logical data, the destination system is equipped with appropriate security measures to protect confidentiality (e.g., by encrypting data). Employees must also determine if it is necessary to send the information electronically and if it is, a secure platform for file sharing can be used. If both questions are yes, the employee must proceed with the Transfer. If not, they need to consult their supervisor.

• Employees must ensure that when transferring technical data, the destination system is equipped with appropriate security measures to protect the confidential nature of the information. (e.g., by implementing an access control measure). Employees must also determine if it is necessary to send the information electronically and, if it is, whether a secure platform for file sharing is available. If both questions are yes, the employee must proceed with the Transfer. If not, they need to consult their supervisor.

ISO 27001 Guidelines to Transfer Information

You need to implement processes and controls as part of the information security management system of your organization to ensure that your information is secure when it leaves your organization. ISO/IEC 27001 is the international standard for managing information security. It provides guidelines on how to achieve this. This blog will discuss the critical points of ISO/IEC 27001 that you should know to transfer information securely.

1. Create a Policy on Information Transfer:

First, you need to create a policy on information transfer. This policy should include the following:

• What information can be shared outside the organization?

The policy should state what information can be transferred and any restrictions. You may, for example, only allow certain types to be transferred out of the organization or restrict the transfer of sensitive data.

• Who has the authority to transfer data?

The policy should state who can transfer information and how. You may require that all employees get their supervisor's approval before transferring information outside of the organization.

2. Encrypt any Information Sent Outside Your Organization:

It is essential to encrypt data when you send it outside your organization to prevent it from being accessed unauthorizedly. You can choose from a variety of encryption methods.

3. Make sure that you can track who is able to access the information:

It is essential to know who can access the information you transfer. You can do this by tracking the IP addresses of the computers accessing the data. Keep a record of all system activity.

What Should You Include in Your Information Transfer Policy?

• Determine the Type of Information: Identify the type of information First, the organization must determine what information it needs to protect. This includes any confidential information or trade secrets. Organizations should also determine what information is not protected. Information that is already public or available to the public, for example, does not require protection.

• Parties in the Transfer of Information: The parties in the Transfer of information process must be mentioned. The sender is the first party involved in the information transfer process. It is the sender's responsibility to provide accurate and complete information. When sending information, the sender must consider who is receiving it. The recipient is the second party to be involved in information transmission. The recipient is responsible for understanding and receiving the information sent. In some instances, the recipient may be expected to take action based on the information they receive.

• Training on Information Transfer: Training is essential because it helps employees to understand the importance of protecting information. They also understand their role when it comes to protecting information. If employees are in charge of handling confidential information, for example, they must know how to properly protect it. Employees can benefit from awareness training to identify possible threats to their information and to know how to report these threats.

• Law & Jurisdiction- Today, the volume of data being transferred daily internationally is astounding. It raises a number of complex legal questions, such as jurisdictional issues and questions about law enforcement. Data privacy and data safety are the two main concerns of the law when it comes to policy on information transfer. Data privacy laws regulate how personal information may be collected, disclosed, or used. Most data privacy laws, which vary by country, require consent from organizations before they can collect, use, or disclose personal information.