Free Network Security Policy Builder

1. Purpose

We need to protect our network infrastructure from unauthorized access, attacks, and data breaches. This policy establishes network security controls to protect our systems and satisfy SOC 2 requirements.

2. Scope

Covers all network infrastructure including firewalls, routers, switches, load balancers, VPNs, wireless access points, and cloud network configurations. This includes both on-premises equipment and cloud-based network services (VPCs, security groups, etc.).

3. Roles

• Network Security Lead – owns this policy, manages network security architecture, approves firewall changes
• Network Team – implements network configurations, monitors network traffic, maintains network devices
• Security Team – reviews firewall rules, monitors security alerts, responds to network incidents
• DevOps/Cloud Team – manages cloud network configurations, security groups, and VPC settings
• IT Operations – maintains network documentation, coordinates maintenance windows

4. Core Principles

• Defense in depth – multiple layers of network security controls
• Least privilege network access – only required ports and protocols allowed
• Network segmentation – separate production from non-production environments
• Zero trust – never trust, always verify network connections
• Continuous monitoring – real-time detection of network anomalies

5. Network Architecture and Segmentation

• Production Isolation: Production environments are logically segregated from non-production environments using:
  • Separate VLANs or VPCs
  • Different subnets and IP ranges
  • Firewall rules blocking direct non-production to production traffic
• Network Zones: Networks are divided into security zones:
  • Public/DMZ: Internet-facing services (web servers, load balancers)
  • Application: Application servers and middleware
  • Database: Database servers and data storage
  • Management: Admin access and monitoring tools
• Traffic between zones requires explicit firewall rules with business justification.
• Sensitive data (PCI, PII) networks have additional isolation controls.

6. Firewall Management

• All network traffic to/from untrusted networks passes through managed firewalls.
• Firewall rules follow the principle of "deny all, permit by exception."
• Each firewall rule must document:
  • Source and destination IP/network
  • Ports and protocols
  • Business justification
  • Rule owner
  • Expiration date (for temporary rules)
• Firewall changes require:
  • Change request ticket with business justification
  • Network Security Lead approval
  • Testing in non-production (when possible)
  • Change window scheduling
• Firewall rule reviews are conducted every 6 months to remove obsolete rules.
• Any "ANY-ANY" rules require CISO approval and compensating controls.

7. Network Access Control

• Default Deny: All network access is denied by default; access is explicitly granted based on need.
• Access Control Lists (ACLs): Network ACLs restrict traffic at the subnet level.
• Security Groups: Host-based firewalls/security groups provide additional protection.
• Network Access Control (NAC): Devices must authenticate before network access (802.1X where applicable).
• IP Allowlisting: Administrative access restricted to specific IP ranges or jump hosts.

8. Remote Access and VPN

• Remote access to internal networks requires VPN with multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• VPN access is granted based on role and business need.
• VPN configurations enforce:
  • Strong encryption (AES-256 or better)
  • Perfect forward secrecy
  • Split tunneling disabled (all traffic through VPN)
  • Idle timeout after 30 minutes
• VPN access logs are retained for at least 90 days.
• Vendor/third-party VPN access requires additional approval and time-limited access.

9. Wireless Network Security

• Corporate wireless networks use WPA3 Enterprise (or WPA2 Enterprise minimum).
• Guest wireless networks are isolated from corporate networks.
• Wireless access points are configured with:
  • Strong administrative passwords
  • Disabled SSID broadcast (for corporate networks)
  • MAC address filtering (where feasible)
  • Regular firmware updates
• Rogue wireless access point detection is performed monthly.
• Personal hotspots and unauthorized wireless devices are prohibited in secure areas.

10. Network Monitoring and Intrusion Detection

• Network traffic is continuously monitored for anomalies and security events.
• Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) are deployed at network perimeters.
• Network monitoring includes:
  • Traffic flow analysis
  • Port scanning detection
  • DDoS attack detection
  • Unusual data transfer volumes
  • Geographic anomaly detection
• Security alerts are sent to Security Team for investigation within 15 minutes.
• Network flow logs are retained for at least 90 days.

11. Network Device Security

• Network devices (routers, switches, firewalls) are hardened according to vendor guidelines.
• Default passwords are changed immediately upon deployment.
• Unnecessary services and ports are disabled.
• Management interfaces are restricted to specific admin networks.
• SNMP community strings are changed from defaults and use SNMPv3 where possible.
• Network device configurations are backed up weekly.
• Firmware updates are applied within 30 days of release (after testing).

12. Cloud Network Security

• Cloud VPCs are configured with private subnets for internal resources.
• Public cloud resources use Web Application Firewalls (WAF) where applicable.
• Network security groups follow least-privilege principles.
• VPC flow logs are enabled for all production VPCs.
• Cross-account network access requires explicit peering/transit gateway configuration.
• Cloud network configurations are managed through Infrastructure as Code (IaC).

13. Network Documentation

• Network diagrams are maintained showing:
  • Network topology and segmentation
  • IP address ranges and VLANs
  • Firewall placement and zones
  • Data flow between systems
• Documentation is updated within 30 days of network changes.
• Network documentation is classified as confidential and access-restricted.

14. Exceptions

Network security exceptions require Network Security Lead approval with documented business justification, compensating controls, and expiration date.

15. Enforcement

Violations of this policy may result in network access revocation and disciplinary action per the Employee Handbook.

16. References

• SOC 2 – CC6.1, CC6.6
• [Your Company] Information Security Policy
• [Your Company] Change Management Policy
• NIST SP 800-41: Guidelines on Firewalls and Firewall Policy
• CIS Critical Security Controls

17. Revision History

Date	Version	Author	Description
[Date]	1.0	Network Security Lead	Initial release