What is the primary purpose of a security policy?

The primary purpose of a security policy is to define acceptable behavior within an organization in relation to its information systems and data. It establishes guidelines and expectations for all employees and stakeholders regarding how to handle sensitive information, utilize organizational resources, and respond to security incidents. By defining what is considered acceptable or unacceptable behavior, the policy helps to foster a culture of security awareness and compliance, ensuring that everyone understands their responsibilities in protecting the organization's assets.

While outlining procedures and setting compliance standards are important components of a comprehensive security program, they are typically derived from the broader framework established by the security policy. Monitoring security events is a function that occurs after the policies are in place and aims to ensure adherence to the defined acceptable behaviors, but it does not represent the foundational purpose of the security policy itself.