Policy requiring workspaces to be cleared of sensitive information when unattended.
A clean desk policy requires employees to secure sensitive information when leaving their workspace—locking away documents, logging off computers, and removing sensitive materials from view. Clean desk policies protect against visual observation (shoulder surfing), opportunistic theft, and after-hours cleaning staff access. Implementation requires secure storage, clear guidelines, and regular compliance checks. Clean desk is basic information security hygiene.
Why It Matters
The DSC Perspective:
Sensitive information left in plain view is easily compromised. Clean desk policies are simple but effective. Implement and enforce clean desk as basic security hygiene.