What is the MOST important characteristic of good security policies?

The most important characteristic of good security policies is that they are aligned with organizational goals. This alignment ensures that the security practices and measures put in place not only protect the organization's assets but also support its mission and business objectives. When security policies reflect and reinforce the overarching goals of the organization, they gain relevance and importance, thereby promoting adherence and compliance among employees and stakeholders.

Policies that are in sync with organizational goals foster a culture of security that is integrated into everyday operations, making it easier for employees to understand the purpose and necessity of these policies. This alignment also helps in securing necessary resources and support from management, as goals that resonate with the organization's strategic direction are more likely to receive attention and funding.

Strong alignment means that security policies address the specific risks and needs of the organization, making them effective in mitigating threats and protecting critical assets, which ultimately enhances the organization's resilience and reduces potential vulnerabilities.