B-Rating Requirements

Question

Explanation

Question

Do you have a current information security policy (or IT security policy) that applies to your company?

Explanation

The information security policy must cover the essential requirements for information security (all core topics - if applicable - must be described in this policy) and should be based on an existing set of rules (e.g. ISO 27001/27002, NIST 800, IT Grundschutz, IT security manual). WKO etc.). The policy must be approved by management and available to all employees. At least every two years, a review of the actuality, suitability and effectiveness of the security measures must take place and, if necessary, the policy must be adjusted.

Question

Do you regularly train your employees in Information Security?

Explanation

The training must cover the content of the information security policy and address current threats. The content must include at least the following topics:

Proficient use of computers and information
Select and manage passwords correctly
Safe on the Internet (e.g. use of company data in AI services and social networks)
Emails, spam, and phishing
Dangerous malware
Behavior and procedure if an IT security incident is suspected

Full training must take place at least upon entry and updated information must be communicated at least every two years.

Question

Is there one or more designated people in your company who are responsible for information security?

Explanation

There must be at least one named person who is responsible for the topic of information security, i.e. who creates the policy and takes care of the implementation of the measures and is given the necessary time for this. This person must have the necessary basic technical knowledge of the topics and keep themselves informed about cyber risks. This activity can be carried out in addition to other activities or can also be carried out by external parties on behalf of the company.

Question

Do you regularly maintain a record of all your IT assets and services (including cloud services) and associated responsibilities?

Explanation

There must be a directory of all IT assets used (systems, services - cloud and on-premise). This directory must at least contain the name and version of the system and the person responsible for it.
The directory must be kept complete and up to date.

Question

Do you manage system access according to an authorization concept that only grants everyone the rights necessary for his work?

Explanation

Both access to the applications and to the file systems must be regulated and correctly set authorizations must be used to ensure that only those people who have a need for it based on their job profile (need-to-know) can access it.
There is a documented procedure for granting and revoking permissions.

Question

Do you require your employees to use passwords with a secure minimum strength for all applications?

Explanation

There must be clearly described minimum criteria for passwords, which implement the recommendations of current standards (password strength, two-factor authentication where necessary and appropriate, separation of passwords, etc.) Reference: BSI, NIST 800, etc.

Question

Do you use the security settings recommended by the manufacturer and do you ensure that all your IT systems are securely configured?

Explanation

There must be a document that describes the requirements for the safe configuration of the systems used. References to manufacturer recommendations are sufficient. These settings must also be actually implemented on all devices used - as far as technically possible. Alternatively, a vulnerability scan is verifiably carried out before commissioning.

Question

Do you check - if available - individually developed applications accessible from the Internet for security gaps before going live (or don’t you use such software at all)?

Explanation

Individual software (e.g. adapted open source software, but not standard software) that can be accessed from the Internet must be checked for vulnerabilities before being put into operation using a penetration test (resp. code review) adapted to the individual software.

Question

Do you regularly update all IT systems and applications with security updates?

Explanation

Regularly updating systems with updates provided by the manufacturer. No security update may be more than one quarter overdue (unless there is a documented reason why an update cannot be deployed).
Systems that are no longer provided with security updates by the manufacturer are decommissioned in a timely manner or there are defined exception processes including a list of deviations and compensating measures.

B10

Question

Do you protect your network against unauthorized access from outside?

Explanation

A network segmentation device (e.g. firewall, router, etc.) is in use, which limits network traffic from the Internet to the internal network based on rules that are as restrictive as possible.

B11

Question

Do you monitor your IT systems for malware?

Explanation

At least antivirus software must be in use, which continuously checks the systems and files for malware. The software must be continually updated and this update must be checked centrally at least once a month. There is a well-known process for handling security incidents.

B12

Question

Do you encrypt sensitive data when transmitted over the Internet?

Explanation

It must be possible to transfer files in encrypted form, either via email (e.g. S/MIME, PDF encrypted, mandatory enforced TLS, etc.) or via encrypted upload.
Form data on the website is only uploaded via https.

B13

Question

Do you log the use of your IT systems to make security incidents traceable?

Explanation

At least the standard protocols of the operating systems which are security relevant must be activated. The logs must be available to the company.
There is an overview of all active system logs and their storage location.
Server logs are kept for at least 90 days, and client logs for at least 60 days.

B14

Question

Do you have an emergency plan in place to respond to an IT security incident?

Explanation

The emergency plan (including backup concept) must describe how to respond to a serious IT security incident. Serious security incidents include:

System failure,
Malware infection (including cryptolocker) as well
Data leakage

Plans must be tested at least every two years. The test must include at least data and service recovery.