1. Purpose
This policy defines the guidelines and procedures for managing and configuring firewalls to protect Igile Technologies India Pvt Ltd's network infrastructure from unauthorized access, cyber threats, and data breaches. The objective is to ensure robust security controls are in place to safeguard the company's assets and information.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all firewalls implemented within the company's network infrastructure, including both hardware and software firewalls. It covers all employees, contractors, and third-party service providers responsible for managing, configuring, or maintaining firewall systems.
3. Definitions
- Firewall: A network security device or software designed to monitor, filter, and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
- Network Traffic: Data packets that travel through a network and can be categorized as incoming (data entering the network) or outgoing (data leaving the network).
- Ruleset: A collection of rules used by the firewall to determine whether to allow or block network traffic.
4. Firewall Configuration and Management
- Default Deny Policy: By default, firewalls must be configured to deny all traffic unless explicitly allowed by the ruleset. This approach ensures that only authorized traffic is permitted.
- Ruleset Design: Firewall rulesets should be designed based on the principle of least privilege, allowing only the necessary traffic required for business operations. Each rule should be specific, with clear source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols.
- Rule Review: Firewall rulesets must be reviewed at least quarterly to ensure they align with current business requirements and security policies. Obsolete or redundant rules should be removed to minimize potential vulnerabilities.
5. Access Control
- Administrative Access: Access to firewall management interfaces should be restricted to authorized personnel only. Administrative accounts must use strong authentication mechanisms and be regularly audited.
- User Access: Access to network resources should be controlled based on user roles and responsibilities. Firewall rules must enforce access controls to ensure that users can only access the resources necessary for their job functions.
6. Monitoring and Logging
- Traffic Monitoring: Firewalls must continuously monitor network traffic for anomalies, unauthorized access attempts, and other security events. Monitoring tools should be configured to provide real-time alerts for suspicious activity.
- Logging: Firewalls must log all traffic, including allowed and blocked requests, and maintain logs for a minimum of one year. Logs should be securely stored and regularly reviewed to detect and investigate potential security incidents.
7. Security Updates and Patching
- Firmware Updates: Firewall hardware and software must be kept up-to-date with the latest security patches and firmware updates. Updates should be applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and tested in a staging environment before deployment.
- Patch Management: A formal patch management process must be in place to ensure timely application of security patches and updates. This process should include vulnerability assessments and impact analysis.
8. Incident Response
- Incident Handling: In the event of a firewall-related security incident, the company’s incident response procedures must be followed. This includes identifying, containing, and mitigating the impact of the incident, as well as conducting a post-incident review.
- Reporting: All security incidents related to firewall breaches or anomalies must be reported to the designated Incident Response Team (IRT) and documented for further analysis and resolution.
9. Firewall Testing
- Penetration Testing: Regular penetration testing must be conducted to assess the effectiveness of firewall configurations and identify potential vulnerabilities. Tests should be performed by qualified security professionals and followed by corrective actions as needed.
- Configuration Audits: Periodic audits of firewall configurations must be conducted to verify compliance with this policy and identify any deviations or weaknesses.
10. Policy Review and Updates
- Policy Review: This policy will be reviewed annually or as needed based on changes in the threat landscape, business requirements, or regulatory obligations. Updates will be made to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
- Employee Training: All employees involved in firewall management must receive regular training on this policy and related security practices to ensure adherence and awareness.
11. Compliance
- Regulatory Compliance: The firewall policy must comply with applicable regulatory requirements and industry standards, such as ISO/IEC 27001, NIST, or PCI-DSS, depending on the company’s operational context.
- Enforcement: Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Compliance will be monitored through regular audits and assessments.
12. Responsibilities
- Firewall Administrators: Responsible for configuring, managing, and maintaining firewall systems according to this policy.
- IT Security Team: Responsible for monitoring, logging, and responding to security incidents related to firewalls.
- Management: Responsible for ensuring that adequate resources and support are provided for implementing and enforcing this policy.