1. Purpose

This Information Security Policy outlines the controls, processes, and responsibilities that keep PakPedia’s systems, data, community contributions, and civic information secure. It protects both the platform and its users by preventing unauthorized access, misuse, corruption, or loss of information.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• PakPedia’s website, backend systems, and databases
• User-submitted civic data and corrections
• Contributor accounts and editorial systems
• Internal tools, administrative access, and archives
• All staff, contractors, volunteers, and contributors with access to internal or sensitive systems

PakPedia does not store sensitive personal data and maintains strict privacy boundaries.

3. Security Principles

3.1 Confidentiality

Data is accessed only by authorized individuals on a need-to-know basis.

3.2 Integrity

Civic content, maps, district data, and legal references must remain accurate and protected from unauthorized modification.

3.3 Availability

PakPedia maintains systems designed to remain operational, stable, and accessible to the public.

4. Governance & Roles

4.1 Security Oversight

PakPedia maintains an internal team responsible for:

• Monitoring system health
• Managing access rights
• Reviewing logs
• Responding to incidents

4.2 Contributor Responsibilities

Contributors with account access must:

• Use strong passwords
• Protect their login credentials
• Avoid unauthorized software or scripts
• Report suspicious activity immediately

Unauthorized sharing of access credentials is strictly prohibited.

5. Access Control

5.1 Role-Based Access

Users receive access based on their function:

• Readers/Visitors: public access
• Contributors: limited editing ability
• Moderators: review and verification rights
• Administrators: full system-level controls

5.2 Least Privilege

Each role receives the minimum access necessary to perform their duties.

5.3 Authentication

Administrative accounts require:

• Strong passwords
• Multi-factor authentication (where applicable)
• Secure connection protocols

6. Data Protection

6.1 Data Storage

PakPedia stores:

• Civic data
• Legal references
• Administrative boundaries
• Public records

PakPedia does not store sensitive personal information.

6.2 Encryption

Data is protected using:

• Encrypted channels for all system communications
• Encrypted storage for administrative credentials
• Secure handling of uploaded or submitted files

6.3 Backups

Critical data is backed up regularly and stored securely with integrity checks.

7. System & Application Security

7.1 Platform Hardening

PakPedia maintains:

• Secure server configurations
• Updated software and patches
• Firewall and threat-prevention measures

7.2 Monitoring

Continuous monitoring includes:

• System logs
• Access logs
• Error reports
• Suspicious activity patterns

7.3 Vulnerability Management

Security vulnerabilities are identified, evaluated, and addressed promptly.

8. Protection Against Misuse

PakPedia prohibits:

• Unauthorized data modification
• Attempted hacking or infiltration
• Upload of malicious files
• Automated abuse or bots
• Manipulation of civic data for political purposes

Violations may result in suspension, blocking, or legal follow-up.

9. Incident Response

9.1 Detection

Incidents may include:

• Unauthorized system access
• Data tampering
• Service disruption
• Security vulnerabilities

9.2 Response Steps

Upon detection, the security team:

1. Contains the issue
2. Identifies impact
3. Restores affected services
4. Conducts forensic review
5. Implements fixes to prevent recurrence

9.3 Notification

If an incident affects public content or data integrity, PakPedia may issue a transparency notice.

10. Third-Party & Integration Security

10.1 External Services

PakPedia uses reputable service providers for:

• Hosting
• Analytics
• Mapping APIs
• Content delivery

10.2 Third-Party Data

External datasets are accepted only after:

• Verifying authenticity
• Confirming source authority
• Reviewing licensing conditions

PakPedia does not share internal data with third parties.

11. Contributor Device Security

Contributors must ensure:

• Secure devices
• Updated software
• Antivirus protection
• No use of public or shared computers for account access

12. Policy Violations

Non-compliance may result in:

• Access removal
• Contributor suspension
• Content rollback
• Reporting to appropriate authorities (if legally required)