Security Compliance and Vulnerability Management Program Policy

To maintain compliance and secure our systems, I need to establish a comprehensive vulnerability management program covering all web applications, cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP), and network devices (firewalls, routers, switches). This program must align with PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance frameworks.

Given our organization’s moderate risk appetite, develop a policy document outlining the following:

1. A detailed process for regular vulnerability scanning and assessment, specifying scanning frequencies for each system type (e.g., weekly for web applications, monthly for cloud infrastructure). Please provide specific steps and tools involved in each phase of the process.
2. A risk-based vulnerability prioritization methodology considering both impact and likelihood, incorporating CVSS scores and potential business disruption. Clearly define the criteria for High, Medium, and Low severity vulnerabilities, aligning with our defined risk tolerance levels. For example, High severity vulnerabilities must be remediated within 7 days, Medium within 30 days, and Low within 90 days. Define the specific CVSS ranges and business impact examples that fall into each severity category.
3. Recommended remediation strategies and tools, including but not limited to Nessus and OpenVAS, for efficient patch management and configuration hardening. Include guidance on creating and applying exception requests where immediate patching is not feasible. Specify a process for verifying the effectiveness of implemented remediations, including rescan procedures and sign-off requirements.
4. A clearly defined schedule for all vulnerability management activities, including scanning, assessment, reporting, remediation, and verification. Assign responsible parties for each activity, including specific roles and departments.
5. A process for handling zero-day vulnerabilities, including identification, assessment, communication, and mitigation strategies.
6. A section on training and awareness for employees regarding vulnerability management best practices, outlining the frequency and content of training programs.
7. The policy document should be comprehensive and detailed, approximately 10-15 pages in length, and formatted with clear headings, subheadings, and a table of contents. Use Times New Roman, 12pt font, with 1-inch margins. The ‘Policy Scope’ section should provide a high-level overview, while the ‘Risk Assessment’ section requires a more technical and detailed approach, including formulas or scoring mechanisms where appropriate. It should include sections on policy scope, roles and responsibilities, vulnerability identification, risk assessment, remediation, reporting, and exceptions management. Please provide the policy document in a .docx format.