What is the role of an Enterprise Information Security Policy (EISP)?

The role of an Enterprise Information Security Policy (EISP) is to provide a framework and direction for the development of specific security policies within an organization. This overarching policy establishes the principles and guidelines for managing information security in a way that aligns with the organization's goals and regulatory requirements. By defining the scope and purpose of information security efforts, the EISP ensures that all specific policies—such as those addressing data handling, access controls, and incident response—are consistent and supportive of the organization's overall security objectives.

While aspects like data storage procedures, physical security measures, and user access control are important elements of information security, they are more specific and fall under the purview of the policies developed based on the guidelines set forth by the EISP. The EISP itself does not aim to eliminate user access to data; rather, it seeks to ensure that access is managed appropriately in line with the organization’s security posture and risk management strategy. Thus, the primary function of the EISP is indeed to guide the organization in establishing a comprehensive and cohesive set of security policies.