1. Purpose
The purpose of this Security Policy is to ensure the safety, integrity, and confidentiality of the HPA Progress Plexus project, which aims to revive and preserve historical internet technologies. This policy sets forth the security protocols and practices to safeguard the platform, its data, and its users from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber threats.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all components of the HPA Progress Plexus project, including but not limited to:
- Web applications and platforms
- Servers and cloud infrastructure
- Data storage and backups
- Code repositories and version control systems
- Development, testing, and production environments
- End users and administrators interacting with the platform
3. Information Classification
- Confidential Information: Data that is sensitive and should be protected from unauthorized access, including user credentials, payment information, and proprietary data.
- Public Information: Data that is publicly available, such as general project information, documentation, and public-facing content.
- Internal Information: Data used for development, testing, or internal operations that is not publicly available, including source code and system configurations.
4. Data Protection
- Data Encryption: All sensitive data must be encrypted both in transit (using HTTPS) and at rest. This includes user data, passwords, and any internal communications.
- Password Management: Passwords must be stored using strong hashing algorithms (e.g., bcrypt) and should never be stored in plaintext. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) must be implemented for access to critical systems.
- Data Retention: Personal data should only be retained for as long as necessary for the operation of the project and in compliance with relevant data protection laws. Once no longer needed, data should be securely deleted.
- Backup and Recovery: Regular backups of all critical data must be made, stored securely, and periodically tested to ensure the ability to recover in case of system failure or data loss.
5. Access Control
- User Authentication: Access to the platform should be restricted based on role and necessity. Administrative and sensitive accounts should be protected by MFA, and strong, unique passwords must be enforced.
- Least Privilege Principle: Users should only have access to the information and systems they need to perform their jobs. Access to critical resources should be limited to authorized personnel.
- Regular Access Reviews: User access levels should be reviewed on a quarterly basis to ensure only authorized individuals have access to sensitive systems.
6. Secure Development Practices
- Code Security: All code must be reviewed for security vulnerabilities before being deployed to production. Static and dynamic analysis tools should be used to detect potential issues.
- Software Dependencies: Regularly update and patch third-party libraries and software dependencies to protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Testing and QA: Security testing must be part of the development lifecycle, including penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and threat modeling.
7. Incident Response and Reporting
- Incident Detection: Implement monitoring tools to detect unusual activity or security breaches. Logs should be generated and stored securely for analysis and reporting.
- Incident Response Plan: A formalized incident response plan must be in place to handle data breaches, unauthorized access, and other security incidents. The plan should include steps for containment, eradication, recovery, and notification.
- User Notification: In case of a data breach or other security incident that may affect user data, affected users must be notified promptly with information on the breach, steps being taken, and recommended actions.
8. User Privacy and Rights
- Data Privacy Compliance: HPA Progress Plexus is committed to complying with global data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA). User data should be handled in a manner consistent with these laws.
- Transparency: Users should be informed about what data is collected, how it is used, and how they can manage their privacy preferences.
- User Rights: Users have the right to access, modify, or delete their personal data. Requests for data access or deletion should be handled in a timely and transparent manner.
9. Security Awareness and Training
- Training for Developers and Staff: Regular security training sessions should be held for all developers, administrators, and staff to ensure they are aware of security best practices and emerging threats.
- Security Best Practices for Users: Educate platform users on security measures, such as recognizing phishing attempts and maintaining strong personal passwords.
10. Compliance and Audits
- Compliance with Standards: The project will strive to comply with relevant security frameworks and standards (e.g., NIST, ISO/IEC 27001).
- Security Audits: Regular third-party security audits should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of security controls, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend improvements.
11. Security in the Revival Process
Given the nature of the HPA Progress Plexus project—reviving old internet technologies—it is important to also focus on the security risks associated with outdated or obsolete systems, including:
- Legacy Software Risks: Thoroughly review and test legacy code, libraries, and protocols for security vulnerabilities before they are integrated into modern systems.
- Compatibility and Integration: Ensure that older internet technologies are integrated securely with modern infrastructure, applying security patches and upgrades where necessary.
12. Enforcement
Failure to comply with this Security Policy may result in disciplinary action, including removal of access rights, termination of employment, or legal action depending on the severity of the breach. All project participants are expected to report any security vulnerabilities, incidents, or policy violations to the security team immediately.
13. Policy Review and Updates
This Security Policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to address emerging security risks and changes to the project or legal requirements. Any changes to the policy will be communicated to all project stakeholders.
By adhering to this Security Policy, the HPA Progress Plexus project aims to maintain a secure environment that ensures the protection of both historical internet technologies and the data of its users.