What establishes the standards of behavior for activities and dictates cybersecurity conduct within an organization?

The correct answer is based on the understanding that a policy is a formal set of principles or rules that outline the expected standards of behavior within an organization. In the context of cybersecurity, policies specifically define the framework for security practices, including acceptable use, data protection, and incident response. By establishing these standards, policies ensure that all employees understand their responsibilities regarding cybersecurity, which is crucial for protecting organizational assets.

Policies serve as a foundational element for effective cybersecurity management, as they provide clear directives that help create a culture of security awareness and compliance among staff. They also play a key role in risk management by setting the tone for how security issues should be approached and handled.

In contrast, procedures are specific steps that must be followed to implement a policy. Protocols refer to established rules governing how data packets are transmitted over a network, while guidelines offer general recommendations without the same enforcement as a policy. Thus, while all these elements contribute to an organization's security framework, the policy is the primary document that establishes the standards of behavior and guides cybersecurity conduct.