An Overview of Ontario’s IT Security Standard (GO-ITS 25.0)

If you’re going to work with the Government of Ontario, you first need to be introduced to GO-ITS 25.0. It is the Government of Ontario’s foundational document for IT security, establishing the general requirements for protecting the government’s information and technology assets. Think of it as the official rulebook that everyone who handles government data must follow—from internal employees to third-party contractors.

At first glance, a document full of security requirements can seem a bit intimidating, but it’s really just built on four key pillars.

1. Data Protection

The government is particular about its information, requiring that it all be classified and protected accordingly. For the really sensitive stuff, encryption is mandatory, and access to backups must be strictly controlled.

Key requirements include:

• Data Classification: You must get into the habit of thinking about the sensitivity of the data you handle, such as whether it is public, internal, or highly confidential.
• Encryption: For any sensitive data you handle, encryption should be non-negotiable. This applies both when it’s just sitting on your laptop (at rest) and when it’s flying across the internet (in transit).
• Secure Backups: Your data backups must not only be reliable but also secure, with access limited only to those who absolutely need it.

2. Access Control

This pillar is all about making sure only the right people can access the right things. It’s built on the principle of “least privilege,” which is a fancy way of saying “you only get the keys you actually need.” Every user must have their own unique ID, because sharing is not caring in this context.

Key requirements include:

• Principle of Least Privilege: Give your team members access only to the data and systems they absolutely need to do their jobs. It’s not about a lack of trust; it’s a fundamental security practice that minimizes risk.
• Formalized Processes: A clear, documented process for granting and revoking access is required. When an employee or contractor leaves, their access should be terminated immediately.
• Unique User IDs: Avoid shared accounts at all costs. Every person who accesses your systems should have their own unique login credentials, which is crucial for accountability.

3. Incident Management

Sooner or later, something goes wrong. This pillar is about not running around with your hair on fire when it does. A formal plan must be in place to respond to security incidents like data breaches or system failures.

Key requirements include:

• Incident Response Plan: You need a clear, written plan for what to do when things go sideways. It must define who is responsible for what and how you will communicate with your client.
• Response Practice: It helps to run through a few “what if” scenarios. A little practice with a hypothetical stolen laptop or code vulnerability can make a huge difference in a real crisis.

4. Audit Trails & Monitoring

This is the “who did what, and when?” section of the standard. Systems are required to log user activities, and these logs must be protected and actually looked at from time to time to detect potential security breaches.

Key requirements include:

• Event Logging: Ensure that your systems are logging important events, such as who logged in and what major actions they took.
• Log Protection: Store your logs securely. They can contain sensitive information and are a prime target for attackers trying to cover their tracks.
• Log Review: A log that is never reviewed is basically useless. Set aside some quality time to regularly review your logs for any unusual or suspicious activity.

Would you like me to also tighten the tone a bit (more formal / professional), or do you prefer to keep the approachable style you have here?