Network Security Policy (ENG-POL-004)

1. Objective

The objective of this policy is to establish comprehensive security requirements for the design, implementation, operation, and monitoring of [Company Name]’s network infrastructure and communications. This policy ensures that all network components including perimeter security, internal network segmentation, wireless networks, and network traffic monitoring are configured and managed with appropriate security controls to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data in transit and electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). This policy addresses network-level security controls, traffic monitoring, intrusion detection and prevention, and network access management while maintaining compliance with HIPAA, HITECH, and SOC 2 requirements.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all [Company Name] workforce members, contractors, and third parties involved in the design, deployment, configuration, or management of network infrastructure and communications. It encompasses all network components including routers, switches, firewalls, wireless access points, network security appliances, VPN concentrators, and network monitoring systems. This policy covers all network environments (production, staging, development, testing) and connection types including wired networks, wireless networks, remote access connections, site-to-site connections, and cloud network services. It applies to both on-premises network infrastructure and cloud-based networking services including Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs), software-defined networks, and hybrid network configurations.

3. Policy

• [Company Name] shall implement comprehensive network security controls across all network infrastructure to ensure secure data transmission, prevent unauthorized network access, and maintain regulatory compliance through defense-in-depth network protection strategies.

3.1 Network Security Architecture

A comprehensive network security architecture shall be implemented to provide layered protection against network-based threats and unauthorized access.

3.1.1 Network Segmentation and Micro-Segmentation

• Network Segmentation Strategy:
  • Production, staging, development, and management network separation
  • Application-tier segmentation (web, application, database layers)
  • Security zone implementation with different trust levels and access controls
  • DMZ (demilitarized zone) for external-facing services and applications
  • Management network isolation for administrative access and monitoring
• Production Network Isolation:
  • Dedicated VLANs or VPCs for production, staging, development, and management networks
  • Inter-VLAN routing restrictions with explicit allow rules only
  • Production database isolation with application-layer access controls
  • DMZ implementation for external-facing services with restricted internal access
  • Network address translation (NAT) and firewall controls for internet access
• Micro-Segmentation Strategy:
  • Application-tier segmentation isolating web, application, and database layers
  • East-west traffic inspection and filtering between network segments
  • Zero-trust network access implementation for privileged users
  • Software-defined perimeter (SDP) implementation where technically feasible
  • Container network policies for microservices isolation
• Segregation Monitoring and Enforcement:
  • Continuous monitoring of network traffic between segments
  • Automated violation detection and remediation for unauthorized cross-segment communication
  • Regular testing of segregation effectiveness through penetration testing
  • Documentation and approval required for all cross-segment communication
  • Quarterly review of network segregation policies and implementation
• Security Zone Access Controls:
  • Internet Zone: External internet access with full inspection and filtering
  • DMZ Zone: External-facing services with restricted internal network access
  • Internal Zone: Corporate network with standard access controls and monitoring
  • Restricted Zone: High-security network segments with enhanced access controls
  • Management Zone: Administrative network with privileged access and monitoring

3.1.2 Traffic Control and Network Filtering

• Traffic Control and Filtering:
  • Default-deny network access policies with explicit allow rules
  • Application-layer firewalls and web application firewalls (WAF) deployment
  • Network traffic inspection and filtering for known threats and malicious content
  • Rate limiting and DDoS protection for internet-facing services
  • Network access control lists (ACLs) and security groups for granular traffic control

3.2 Network Security Monitoring and Detection

Comprehensive network security monitoring shall provide real-time threat detection and rapid response capabilities across all network infrastructure.

3.2.1 Network Security Monitoring Implementation

• Cloud-Native Security Monitoring:
  • Cloud-native security monitoring services (AWS GuardDuty, Azure Sentinel, GCP Security Command Center) shall be configured to automatically monitor VPC flow logs, DNS logs, and network traffic for suspicious activities
  • Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) shall provide 24/7 network security monitoring, threat analysis, and incident response capabilities with HIPAA/HITECH compliance and HITRUST CSF certification
  • Cloud security monitoring tools shall be integrated with MSSP SIEM platforms with automated log forwarding and proper data retention
• Network Traffic Analysis:
  • Automatic baseline learning for normal network traffic patterns using cloud-native machine learning capabilities with automated alerting for significant deviations
  • Threat intelligence integration with commercial and government feeds for enhanced detection capabilities
  • Weekly security reviews and monthly executive summary reports including threat trends, incident summaries, and service performance metrics
• Network Security Monitoring Operations:
  • 24/7 network traffic monitoring and analysis
  • Network behavior analysis for detecting advanced persistent threats (APTs)
  • DNS monitoring and filtering for malicious domain detection
  • Integration with threat intelligence feeds for proactive threat detection

3.2.2 Network Incident Response

• Automated Network Response:
  • Automated response capabilities for detected network threats
  • Network isolation and quarantine procedures for compromised systems
  • Traffic capture and analysis capabilities for incident investigation
  • Network forensics tools and procedures for security incident analysis
  • Coordination with security operations center (SOC) for incident response

3.3 Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems

Comprehensive intrusion detection and prevention capabilities shall protect against network-based attacks and unauthorized access attempts.

3.3.1 Intrusion Detection and Prevention Implementation

• Cloud-Native IDS/IPS Services:
  • Cloud-native intrusion detection services shall be enabled with default threat detection rule sets and automatic threat intelligence updates
  • Network security groups and access control lists (NACLs) shall be configured to provide network-level intrusion prevention with default-deny policies
  • Web Application Firewall (WAF) services shall be deployed on internet-facing applications to detect and block common web attacks including SQL injection, XSS, and DDoS attempts
• Automated Threat Response:
  • Automated threat response capabilities shall include automatic IP blocking, traffic inspection escalation, and alert generation for security team review
  • DNS-based threat protection services shall block access to known malicious domains and command & control servers automatically
  • VPC Flow Logs and virtual network monitoring shall capture network traffic metadata for analysis with automated detection of suspicious patterns and geographic anomalies
• IDS/IPS Management:
  • Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signature and anomaly-based detection
  • Regular updates of IDS/IPS signatures and threat detection rules
  • Tuning and optimization of IDS/IPS systems to minimize false positives
  • Integration with network security monitoring and incident response systems

3.4 Firewall Management and Administration

Comprehensive firewall management shall provide perimeter protection and network access control across all network boundaries.

3.4.1 Firewall Management Implementation

• Firewall Architecture:
  • Firewall deployment architecture shall provide defense-in-depth protection including perimeter firewalls, internal segmentation firewalls, web application firewalls, and cloud security groups
  • Network security zones shall be defined and implemented including Internet, DMZ, Internal, Management, and High-Security zones with zone-based access controls
• Firewall Rule Management:
  • Firewall rule development shall require business justification, security risk assessment, specific rule parameters, and documented purpose with expiration dates
  • Change management workflows shall require Security Officer approval for high-risk firewall rules with additional approvals for critical external access
  • Firewall logs shall be monitored continuously for security events including blocked connections, policy violations, and administrative access attempts
  • Quarterly firewall rule reviews shall identify unused or expired rules, overly permissive access, and opportunities for optimization and consolidation

3.5 Wireless Network Security

Comprehensive wireless network security controls shall ensure secure wireless communications while protecting against unauthorized wireless access and threats.

3.5.1 Wireless Network Security Implementation

• Corporate Wireless Network Security:
  • WPA3-Enterprise authentication with 802.1X authentication for all corporate wireless networks
  • Certificate-based authentication for corporate devices accessing wireless networks
  • Network Access Control (NAC) integration for device compliance verification
  • Corporate wireless network segregation from guest and public networks
  • Wireless network monitoring and intrusion detection capabilities

3.5.2 Wireless Security Monitoring Implementation

• Wireless Intrusion Detection and Prevention:
  • Wireless intrusion detection system (WIDS) sensors shall be deployed throughout all facilities with [Coverage Percentage, e.g., 95%] coverage
  • WIDS shall monitor all wireless frequencies including 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and [Additional Frequencies, e.g., 6GHz] for comprehensive threat detection
  • Baseline inventory of authorized wireless access points shall be established including MAC addresses, locations, SSIDs, and security configurations
  • Automated alerts shall be configured for detection of unauthorized access points, evil twin attacks, wireless deauthentication attacks, and rogue devices
  • Security Operations Center shall monitor wireless security dashboard continuously with investigation of alerts within [Duration, e.g., 15 minutes] of detection
• Wireless Security Assessment and Validation:
  • Daily wireless site surveys shall be performed to identify unauthorized access points, signal interference, and coverage gaps
  • Weekly vulnerability scans of all authorized wireless access points shall be conducted using [Scanning Tools, e.g., Nessus, OpenVAS]
  • Daily review of wireless access logs shall identify suspicious connection patterns, failed authentication attempts, and data exfiltration indicators
  • Monthly wireless penetration testing shall validate security controls and identify configuration weaknesses
  • Quarterly review of wireless security architecture shall update detection rules based on emerging threat intelligence
• Wireless Incident Response and Remediation:
  • Confirmed rogue access points shall trigger immediate containment by blocking the device and investigating potential data compromise
  • Incident Response Team shall coordinate wireless security incident response with appropriate escalation and notification procedures
  • Wireless monitoring logs and incident documentation shall be maintained for minimum [Retention Period, e.g., 3 years] for audit compliance
  • Monthly wireless device inventory updates shall remove decommissioned devices from monitoring systems and security baselines
  • Weekly wireless security reports shall include threat detection statistics, vulnerability findings, and remediation status
• Wireless Security Performance Metrics:
  • Monthly wireless security metrics shall include mean time to detection (MTTD) and mean time to response (MTTR) for threats
  • Quarterly wireless security assessments shall be reviewed by the Information Security Officer with approval for monitoring procedure changes
  • Wireless security monitoring effectiveness shall be measured through penetration testing results and threat detection capabilities
  • Continuous improvement of wireless security controls based on threat intelligence and industry best practices

3.6 Guest Network Security

Guest network infrastructure shall provide secure visitor access while maintaining complete isolation from corporate networks and sensitive data.

3.6.1 Guest Network Isolation and Security Implementation

• Guest Network Infrastructure Requirements:
  • Dedicated guest network infrastructure with complete Layer 2 and Layer 3 isolation from corporate networks containing ePHI and sensitive business data
  • Guest network VLAN configuration with no routing to corporate VLANs and dedicated internet gateway with NAT
  • Separate physical or logical infrastructure components to prevent any potential cross-contamination with corporate resources
  • Guest network equipment shall be managed and monitored independently from corporate network infrastructure
  • Geographic and logical separation of guest network components from production systems
• Guest Network Access Controls:
  • Guest network access controls requiring [Authentication Method, e.g., sponsored access, SMS verification] for connection approval
  • Time-limited guest credentials valid for [Duration, e.g., 8 hours] with automatic expiration and termination
  • Visitor information collection and identity verification by reception or security staff prior to access provisioning
  • Guest access request approval through [Guest Management System] with business justification and access duration specification
  • Automated provisioning of guest credentials with specified time limits, bandwidth restrictions, and content filtering policies
• Guest Network Traffic Management:
  • Content filtering configuration blocking access to malicious websites, social media, streaming services, and inappropriate content
  • Bandwidth limiting for guest users with maximum [Bandwidth Limit, e.g., 10 Mbps per device] and total [Total Bandwidth, e.g., 100 Mbps]
  • Quality of service (QoS) policies to prevent guest traffic from impacting corporate network performance
  • Traffic shaping and rate limiting to ensure fair usage and prevent network abuse
  • Deep packet inspection (DPI) capabilities for enhanced security monitoring and threat detection
• Guest Network Monitoring and Logging:
  • Continuous monitoring of guest network traffic for malicious activity, data exfiltration attempts, and policy violations by the Security Operations Center
  • Comprehensive logging of all guest network connections including device MAC addresses, connection times, data usage, and visited websites
  • Daily review of guest network logs by network administrators to identify security events, policy violations, and system performance issues
  • Real-time alerting and automated response capabilities for suspicious guest network activities
  • Integration with SIEM systems for correlation with other security events and threat intelligence
• Guest Network Security Validation:
  • Investigation and response to guest network security alerts within [Duration, e.g., 30 minutes] including device isolation if necessary
  • Automatic termination of guest access upon credential expiration and removal of device associations from access control systems
  • Weekly guest network penetration testing to verify isolation effectiveness and identify potential security gaps
  • Monthly guest network security reports including usage statistics, security events, and compliance metrics reviewed by the Information Security Officer
  • Quarterly guest network security assessment and update of isolation controls based on risk assessment findings by the Network Security Manager
• Guest Network Compliance and Retention:
  • Maintenance of guest network access logs for minimum [Retention Period, e.g., 1 year] for security incident investigation and compliance requirements
  • Documentation of guest network policies, procedures, and security controls for audit and compliance purposes
  • Regular compliance assessments to ensure guest network implementation meets regulatory requirements
  • Incident response procedures specific to guest network security events and policy violations
  • Integration with organizational privacy and data protection requirements for guest network usage data

3.7 Network Access Control and Remote Access

Comprehensive network access controls shall ensure authorized access to network resources while preventing unauthorized access and maintaining security monitoring.

3.7.1 Network Access Control Implementation

• Network Access Control (NAC) Systems:
  • Automated device discovery and classification for all devices connecting to corporate networks
  • Device compliance verification including security patch status, antivirus updates, and configuration compliance
  • Dynamic VLAN assignment based on device type, user role, and compliance status
  • Quarantine network for non-compliant devices with limited access and remediation capabilities
  • Integration with identity management systems for user-based access policies

3.7.2 Remote Access Security

• VPN and Remote Access Controls:
  • Multi-factor authentication required for all remote access connections
  • End-to-end encryption for all remote access sessions using approved protocols
  • Remote access session monitoring and logging for security analysis
  • Time-limited remote access sessions with automatic disconnection
  • Device compliance verification for remote access endpoints

3.8 Network Performance and Capacity Management

Network performance monitoring shall ensure adequate capacity and optimal performance while maintaining security monitoring capabilities.

3.8.1 Network Performance Monitoring

• Performance Monitoring Implementation:
  • Real-time network performance monitoring including bandwidth utilization, latency, and packet loss
  • Capacity planning and forecasting based on historical usage patterns and business growth
  • Quality of Service (QoS) implementation to prioritize critical business traffic
  • Network optimization and traffic engineering to ensure optimal performance
  • Performance alerting and notification for capacity or performance issues

4. Standards Compliance

See Annex: Control Mapping

5. Definitions

See Annex: Glossary

6. Responsibilities

Role	Responsibility
Network Security Manager	Develop network security policies, oversee network security architecture, manage network security controls, and coordinate network security incident response.
Network Engineers	Design and maintain secure network architecture, implement network security controls, configure network devices, and monitor network security events.
Security Operations Center (SOC)	Monitor network security events 24/7, analyze network security alerts, coordinate network incident response, and provide network security monitoring.
Information Security Officer	Oversee network security program, approve network security policies, review network security assessments, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)	Provide 24/7 network security monitoring, threat analysis, incident response capabilities, and network security expertise.
System Administrators	Configure network security settings on systems, implement network access controls, and maintain network security compliance.
Wireless Network Administrator	Manage wireless network infrastructure, implement wireless security controls, monitor wireless networks, and respond to wireless security incidents.
Firewall Administrators	Configure and maintain firewall rules, monitor firewall logs, implement firewall changes, and ensure firewall compliance.
Cloud Engineers	Implement cloud network security controls, configure VPC security, manage cloud network services, and ensure cloud network compliance.
All Engineering Staff	Follow network security policies, implement network security controls in their areas, report network security issues, and participate in network security training.