Update security protocols regularly.

Keep Security Protocols Alive and Evolving

Security protocols aren’t static documents, they should evolve as threats, technology, and business needs change.  Outdated rules create blind spots and false confidence.  By treating protocols as “living documents,” you create a culture of resilience that adapts and improves over time.

Best Practices for Updating Security Protocols:

1. Review Regularly

   • Schedule reviews at least quarterly.

   • Always re-evaluate after incidents, audits, or significant system changes.

2. Cover All Key Areas

   • Password & Authentication Policies: Update to reflect MFA adoption and modern standards.

   • Incident Response Plans: Align with new threats and lessons learned from exercises.

   • Access Controls: Reassess permissions and remove outdated accounts.

   • Data Handling Procedures: Ensure compliance with regulations (e.g., GDPR).

3. Involve Your Team

   • Gather input from staff who use protocols daily to keep them practical.

   • Run awareness sessions to explain updates in plain language.

4. Document & Communicate Clearly

   • Use simple, accessible formats (one-page guides, checklists).

   • Store protocols in a central, easy-to-find location.

5. Test in Real Situations

   • Run tabletop exercises or simulations to check if protocols actually work.

   • Adjust based on gaps revealed during testing.

6. Balance Security and Usability

   • Avoid overly complex rules that lead to workarounds.

   • Ensure protocols support productivity while maintaining security.

7. Stay Ahead of Threats

   • Monitor advisories from NCSC, CISA, or vendors for evolving risks.

   • Benchmark protocols against frameworks like NIST or ISO 27001.

Remember: A protocol written once and forgotten quickly becomes a liability.  A protocol that evolves, tested, updated, and understood, becomes a shield that grows stronger over time.