In the context of information security, what is policy?

In information security, a policy serves as a formalized guide that outlines the rules and expectations regarding the management and protection of data within an organization. It establishes a framework for how data should be handled, ensuring that there is a clear understanding of acceptable behaviors and procedures related to information security.

A written list detailing the organization's rules provides guidance on what actions are permissible or prohibited, reinforcing the desired security posture. This allows employees to understand their roles in maintaining security and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Although other aspects mentioned, such as practices that should be observed (which might encompass procedures or standards) and specific responsibilities assigned to individuals, are integral to an organization's overall security strategy, the core definition of a policy focuses on the formal writing of rules. Therefore, while it's important to recognize the broader context of security governance, the quintessence of what constitutes a "policy" in this scenario is most accurately captured by the definition focused on it being a written list of rules.