What is the main role of a security policy?

The main role of a security policy is to establish guidelines for protecting information assets. A security policy serves as a foundational document that outlines the organization's approach to managing and safeguarding its sensitive data against theft, loss, or unauthorized access. It encompasses the rules, practices, and procedures that personnel must follow to ensure that the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information are maintained.

By setting forth the expectations and responsibilities regarding security measures, a security policy not only helps in compliance with regulatory requirements but also fosters a culture of security awareness among employees. This creates a structured environment where all members of the organization can understand their role in protecting the organization's assets and the shared responsibility of cybersecurity.

In contrast, defining user roles pertains more to the organizational structure and functionality rather than the overarching aspect of safeguarding information. Monitoring network traffic is a technical operational aspect that falls under the implementation of security measures, and creating software applications is unrelated to the goals of a security policy, which focuses on information protection rather than development tasks.