What purpose does a security policy serve in an organization?

A security policy serves as a foundational document in an organization that outlines the rules and practices necessary for safeguarding its information assets. This policy defines the organization's approach to managing security, detailing specific protocols, guidelines, and best practices that employees must follow to protect sensitive data and resources. It establishes a framework for identifying security risks, implementing preventive measures, and responding to incidents, thus ensuring that everyone is aligned with the organization's security goals.

The clarity and structure provided by a security policy help ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, manage internal and external threats, and promote a culture of security awareness among employees. By outlining roles and responsibilities related to security, the policy facilitates better accountability and governance as well.

The other choices, while relevant to certain aspects of organizational security, do not encapsulate the comprehensive role of a security policy. For instance, assigning roles to employees is a component of an effective security strategy but is not the primary purpose of a policy itself. Preventing all forms of cyber attacks is an unrealistic expectation; instead, a policy aims to mitigate risks. Additionally, serving as a technical manual for hardware is too narrow a function, as security policies encompass broader organizational practices rather than just technical specifications.