SOP_NUMBER: 105.02
TITLE: Information Security
DIVISION: Executive Division (Office of Information Technology)
TOPIC_AREA: 105 Policy-Information Technology
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2021-01-11
WORD_COUNT: 2767
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/242282
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/105.02/

SUMMARY:
This policy establishes the Georgia Department of Corrections' framework for protecting information security across all agency data, systems, and assets. It applies to all GDC employees, contractors, business partners, and third parties who handle agency data in any format. The policy requires implementation of security controls, risk assessments, and compliance with applicable federal regulations and standards to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information.

KEY_TOPICS: information security, data protection, security controls, risk assessment, confidentiality, integrity, availability, IT assets, data classification, security program, compliance, CJIS, HIPAA, NIST standards, access control, threat assessment, security infrastructure, information security officer, sensitive data

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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF<br>CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|
|**Policy Number:**105.02|**Effective Date:**1/11/2021|**Page Number:**1 of 11|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:**<br>Executive Division (Office of<br>Information Technology)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



**I.** **Introduction and Summary:**

A. The Georgia Department of Correction (GDC) shall maintain a strong information

security position through the application of security controls, data ownership
responsibilities, and maintenance of the security infrastructure. This policy
articulates requirements that assist in defining a framework that establishes a
secure environment. This framework provides the overarching structure for
safeguarding information technology assets, and ensuring the confidentiality,
integrity and availability of sensitive data.

B. The GDC has the responsibility to have controls in place and in effect that provide

reasonable assurance that security objectives are adequately addressed. The
Information Security Officer (ISO) has the responsibility to exercise due diligence
in the adoption of this framework. The GDC must achieve compliance with the
overall information security goals of the Agency including compliance with laws,
regulations, policies, and standards to which agency technology resources and data
are subject.

C. This policy applies to:


1. All GDC data, systems, activities, and assets owned, leased, controlled, or used

by GDC, its agents, contractors, or other business partners on behalf of GDC;

2. All GDC employees, contractors, sub-contractors, and their respective

facilities supporting GDC business operations, wherever GDC data is stored or
processed, including any third party contracted by GDC to handle, process,
transmit, store, or dispose of GDC data;

3. All business partners that access GDC information technology assets or shared

environments; and


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF<br>CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|
|**Policy Number:**105.02|**Effective Date:**1/11/2021|**Page Number:**2 of 11|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:**<br>Executive Division (Office of<br>Information Technology)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



4. All third parties in any aspect of the process of providing goods and services

to the agency. These include, but are not limited to, electronic data collection,
storage, processing, disposal, dissemination, and maintenance.


D. Violations:


1. Any user of GDC information technology assets found to have violated any

policy, standard, or procedure may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and
including termination of employment. Violators of local, state, Federal, and/
or international law may be reported to the appropriate law enforcement
agency for civil and/or criminal prosecution.

E. Other GDC divisions are encouraged to adopt security requirements in accordance

with the GDC Information Security Policy at a minimum, or a more stringent
division specific policy in compliance with division and business-related
directives, laws, and regulations.

**II.** **Authority:**

A. Georgia Technology Authority: Enterprise Policies, Standards, and Guidelines 
PS-08- 005 Enterprise Information Security Charter;

B. Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy, Version 5.5 CJISD
ITS- DOC-08140-5.5, 06/01/2016;

C. NIST 800-53 Rev. 4, Recommended Security Controls for Federal Information

Systems and Organizations, February 2013, January 2012;

D. HIPAA Administrative Simplification Regulation, Security and Privacy, CFR 45

Part 164, March 2013; and

E. ACA Standards: 2-CO-1F-06, 5-ACI-1F-02 (ref. 4-4100), and 5-ACI-1F-03 (ref.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF<br>CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|
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|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:**<br>Executive Division (Office of<br>Information Technology)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



4-4102).

**III.** **Definitions:** None.

**IV.** **Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:**

A. The GDC shall implement policies, associated procedures and controls that protect

the agency’s information assets from all internal and external threats, whether
deliberate or accidental. All sensitive or confidential data, whether contained in
paper, physical, or media format will be protected throughout collection, storage,
retrieval, access, use, and transmission processes. In addition to the guiding
principles of information security (confidentiality, integrity, and availability), the
agency must review the overall implementation of security controls against all
applicable laws, regulations, policies, standards, and associated risks.


1. Information Security Management Program: The GDC shall implement an

Information Security Program (ISP) that represents the policies and controls
implemented within the organization. The ISP shall provide both management
and users with a detailed understanding of the goals, approach, and
implemented controls for securing the organization’s information assets,
including, but not limited to, sensitive information, and must address the ISP
lifecycle including risk assessment, risk treatment, selection and
implementation of security controls, and ongoing evaluation and maintenance.

2. Risk Assessment: The GDC shall identify, quantify, and prioritize risks against

operational and control objectives, and design, implement, and exercise
controls that provide reasonable assurance that objectives will be met, and that
risk will be managed to an acceptable level.


a. Risk assessments shall include at a minimum:


i. Identification of risk factors: Evaluation of risk by considering the


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF<br>CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|
|**Policy Number:**105.02|**Effective Date:**1/11/2021|**Page Number:**4 of 11|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:**<br>Executive Division (Office of<br>Information Technology)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



potential threats to the information and to information technology
assets, including:


1) Loss of data or systems due to accident or malicious intent;

2) Loss of availability, such as data or systems being unavailable for

an unacceptable length of time; and

3) Unknown changes to the data or systems rendering the information

no longer reliable.

ii. Identification of threat **:** Evaluation of impact and likelihood of

potential threat, including:

1) Cost if each threat actually occurred. Costs shall be interpreted

broadly to include money, resources, time, and loss of reputation
among other factors; and

2) Evaluation of the probability of each threat occurring.


3. Risk Treatment: The Department of Corrections shall monitor and evaluate the

specific controls that must be implemented to meet the stated security
objectives. This process must identify which security controls shall be or are
implemented and identify and justify which security controls are not deemed
necessary or applicable.

4. Statement of Applicability: The Statement of Applicability shall list the

Agency’s information security control objectives, controls and adopted
policies that are relevant and applicable to the agency's Information Security

Program. The Agency shall maintain a statement of applicability for all data


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF<br>CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|
|**Policy Number:**105.02|**Effective Date:**1/11/2021|**Page Number:**5 of 11|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:**<br>Executive Division (Office of<br>Information Technology)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



and information technology assets. Specific information security objectives
and controls, including document sources and details, shall be defined within
the Statement of Applicability document.

5. Security Policy, Policy Adoption and Documentation Review: The GDC shall

adopt and document a comprehensive information security program consisting
of a granular set of policies based on an evaluation of business drivers.


a. The GDC shall review the ISP annually at a minimum. The purpose of the

review is to ensure the continued suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of
the policies. The ISP may require review on a more frequent basis,
particularly if significant changes occur within the Agency that may have
an impact on the effectiveness of the policy. Divisions should inform the
Office of Information Technology (OIT) of any policy related changes that
are necessary but conflict with current agency security policies.

b. Changes to the components of the ISP shall be subject to appropriate

review and approval and shall be adequately documented.


6. Organization of Information Security: The GDC shall maintain the security of

the agency’s data and information processing facilities that are accessed,
processed, communicated to, or managed by employees and contractors (staff)
and third parties by:


a. Documenting the specific responsibilities of staff and third parties; and

b. Ensuring that all applicable contractual agreements incorporate and

support the security-based requirements.

7. Asset Management: The GDC shall achieve and maintain appropriate

protection of data and information technology assets by assigning the


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF<br>CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|
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|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:**<br>Executive Division (Office of<br>Information Technology)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



responsibility to implement controls for achieving:

a. Inventory of information technology related assets;

b. Data classification;

c. Appropriate tagging and data handling per classification; and

d. Acceptable use via implementation and enforcement of an Acceptable Use

Policy.


8. Human Resources Security: The GDC shall ensure that employees,

contractors, and third-party users understand their security responsibilities and
have the requisite skills and knowledge required for effectively executing their
assigned roles. In order to reduce the risk of unauthorized access, use or
modification of data or information technology assets (theft, fraud, or misuse
of facilities), these security responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to:


a. Risk assessment to determine applicable level of employee screening prior

to and upon change in responsibility during employment;

b. Security awareness and training during employment;

c. Disablement of access rights to data systems after an extended period of

inactivity;

d. Return of agency issued equipment and/or devices upon termination or

change of employment; and

e. Removal of access rights upon termination of employment.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF<br>CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|
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|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:**<br>Executive Division (Office of<br>Information Technology)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



9. Physical and Environmental Security: The GDC shall secure against

unauthorized physical access or damage to, or interference with, the agency’s
premises and information technology assets, including data, by implementing:

a. Workforce security;

b. Facility access controls of information technology assets;

c. Equipment security;

d. Least privilege;

e. Visitor control; and

f. Secure disposal or reuse of equipment.

10. Communications and Operations Management: The GDC shall implement

procedures for managing system activities associated with access to data and
information systems, modes of communication, and information processing by
implementing:


a. Controls for securing removable media;

b. Data backup procedures;

c. Data collection and secure disposal of data;

d. Monitoring of system use;

e. Audit logging;


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF<br>CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|
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|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:**<br>Executive Division (Office of<br>Information Technology)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



f. Protection of log information, including administrator and operator logs;


g. Fault logging;

h. Antivirus;

i. Network controls;

j. Clock synchronization; and

k. Network management controls.


11. Access Control: The GDC shall protect applications, data, and information

technology assets and infrastructure against improper or unauthorized access
that could result in compromise of confidentiality, integrity or availability of
data or information technology assets. Access control rules shall take into
account the existing agency policies for information dissemination and
authorization.

12. Information Systems Acquisition Development and Maintenance: The GDC

shall ensure that information security is an integral component of information
technology assets from the onset of the project or acquisition through
implementation:


a. Application and system security;

b. Configuration management;

c. Change control procedures;


d. Encryption and key management; and


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF<br>CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|
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|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:**<br>Executive Division (Office of<br>Information Technology)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



e. Software maintenance including, but not limited to, upgrades, antivirus,

patching and malware detection response systems.


13. Information Security Incident Management: The GDC shall implement

management controls that result in a consistent and effective approach for
addressing incidents including:


a. Incident reporting procedures;

b. Staff roles and responsibilities for incident response and management;

c. Incident investigation procedures;

d. Incident remediation and closure procedures; and

e. Post-incident review and action planning procedures that focus on

preventing future reoccurrences.


14. Business Continuity Management: The GDC shall document, implement and

annually test plans, including the testing of all appropriate security provisions,
to minimize impact to systems or processes from the effects of major failures
of information technology assets or disasters via adoption of a:


a. Disaster recovery plan; and

b. Continuity of operations plan.

15. Compliance **:** The GDC shall implement the security requirements of this

policy in addition to any state or federal law, regulatory, and/or contractual
obligations to which agency data or information technology assets are subject,
including but not limited to:


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF<br>CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|
|**Policy Number:**105.02|**Effective Date:**1/11/2021|**Page Number:**10 of 11|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:**<br>Executive Division (Office of<br>Information Technology)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



a. Security and privacy of personal information;

b. Patent, copyright, and trade secret protection;

c. Documented plans for all audit requirements and activities for information
systems and assets, as appropriate;

d. Results of self-audits conducted at a minimum of annually; and

e. Compliance with security policies and standards.


16. Roles and Responsibilities: The roles and responsibilities associated with

implementation of, and compliance with, this policy are as follows:


a. Information Security Officer (ISO) and Chief Information Officer (CIO):

The ISO and CIO are responsible for exercising due diligence in adoption
of this framework to meet the obligations of the Department of Corrections
by ensuring that adequate security controls are in place and in effect to
promote reasonable assurance of security control objectives that safeguard
the information assets including, but not limited to, sensitive data.

i. Ensure that all information systems and applications developed

conform to this and all related agency information technology policies,
standards, and procedures. Non-conforming information systems or
applications shall not be deployed unless the purchasing entity and their
contractor have jointly applied for and received approval in writing
from the ISO or designee for a specified variance.

ii. Provide communication, training and enforcement that support the

security goals of the agency.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF<br>CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|
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|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:**<br>Executive Division (Office of<br>Information Technology)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



iii. Provide proper third-party oversight as applicable for any information

systems and applications.

iv. Review and sign all agency security programs, plans, self-audits, and

reports.

v. The CIO shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with all

applicable laws, regulations, and contractual obligations.

vi. The CIO shall be responsible for signing off on the agency’s acceptable

risk level for meeting information security objectives.


b. Information Security Officer (ISO):


i. Ensure that the goals and requirements of the Information Security

Program are implemented and met.

ii. Maintain all required documentation as specified in information

technology policies, standards, and procedures.

iii. Conduct self-audits at a minimum annually, documenting reasonable

assurance that compliance with information technology policies,
standards, and procedures has been achieved.

iv. Coordinate the GDC’s compliance with the requirements of applicable

executive orders, federal and state laws and regulations, OIT security
standards and policies, and security-related contractual requirements.


v. Recommend revisions and updates to this policy and related standards.

vi. Manage the variance process and provide recommendations to the


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|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:**<br>Executive Division (Office of<br>Information Technology)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



Chief Information Officer (CIO) for approval.

vii. Develop security policies, standards, and guidelines.

viii.Act in a consultative capacity to the Office of Information Technology

(OIT) and the agency.


c. Office of Information Technology (OIT):


i. Establish, adopt, and implement agency-wide policies and standards as

determined by the Information Security Officer in support of the
agency’s information security goals including:


1) Continuous testing and monitoring of the environment;

2) Providing ongoing education and outreach; and

3) Consult with agency divisions and the Georgia Technology

Authority (GTA) on the planning and deployment of IT assets.


d. Third Parties:


i.  Ensure that all information systems and applications developed by or

for the GDC or operating within the agency network conform to this
and other applicable information technology policies, standards, and
procedures. Non-conforming information systems or applications shall
not be deployed unless the purchasing entity and their contractor have
jointly applied for and received approval in writing from the ISO or
designee for a specified variance.

**V.** **Attachments:** None.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF<br>CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|**Policy Name:**Information Security|
|**Policy Number:**105.02|**Effective Date:**1/11/2021|**Page Number:**13 of 11|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:**<br>Executive Division (Office of<br>Information Technology)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



**VI.** **Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:** None.