Information Security Policy Template

Information Security Policy

Purpose of Information Security Policy

This Information Security Policy sets out the principles and minimum requirements for protecting [Company Name] information, systems, and technology assets. The policy exists to preserve the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, to reduce security risks, and to ensure consistent behavior by employees, contractors, and third parties who access company information.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, temporary staff, consultants, and other authorized users who access or manage [Company Name] information or systems. It covers all information in electronic and physical form, and all IT resources owned, leased, or managed by [Company Name].

Roles and Responsibilities

All personnel must follow the rules and practices in this policy. Specific responsibilities include:

• Employees: Protect credentials, follow acceptable use rules, and report security incidents promptly.
• Managers: Enforce policy, approve role-based access, and ensure team members receive required security training.
• IT and Security Teams: Implement technical controls, manage access, maintain monitoring, and lead incident response.
• Human Resources: Include security expectations in onboarding and performance processes and support disciplinary actions when necessary.

Acceptable Use of Information and Systems

Use company IT resources primarily for business purposes. Personal use is allowed only where permitted by local policy and must not interfere with work or expose the organization to risk. Prohibited activities include unauthorized access, sharing credentials, installing unapproved software, and using resources for illegal or unethical purposes.

Access Control and Account Management

Access to systems and data must be granted on a least-privilege basis and approved by the data owner or manager. User accounts must be unique and tied to an individual. Shared accounts are only permitted where technically required and must be documented and approved. Access reviews must occur regularly.

Passwords and Authentication

All users must follow the company password and multi-factor authentication requirements. Passwords must be protected and not shared. Devices and applications must use approved authentication methods where available.

Data Classification and Handling

Information must be classified according to its sensitivity and handled accordingly. Confidential data requires stronger protections, including encryption for storage and transmission, and restricted access. Employees must follow data retention and disposal procedures.

Device and Endpoint Security

All devices that access company systems must meet security standards, including up-to-date operating systems, supported antivirus or endpoint protection, and approved configuration. Lost or stolen devices must be reported immediately.

Remote Work and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

Remote access must use approved VPN or secure access methods. BYOD devices must comply with minimum security requirements and may be subject to management controls to protect company data. Personal devices are subject to the same reporting and protection obligations as company devices.

Incident Reporting and Response

All security incidents, suspected breaches, or unusual system behavior must be reported immediately to the IT or Security Team. The incident response process will include containment, investigation, remediation, and communication as appropriate. Employees must cooperate with investigations.

Monitoring and Audit

[Company Name] may monitor systems and networks to detect and prevent security incidents, to ensure compliance, and to maintain operational integrity. Monitoring will be conducted in a manner consistent with business needs and privacy expectations.

Training and Awareness

Employees must complete required security awareness training during onboarding and at regular intervals. Managers must ensure team members participate in required training and apply best practices in daily work.

Approval Process

Exceptions to this policy must be requested in writing and include a documented business justification and risk assessment. Requests are reviewed by the IT or Security Team and require final approval by the relevant business manager and Human Resources when the exception affects employee obligations. Temporary approvals must include an expiration date and mitigation measures. Access requests, role changes, and privileged account approvals must follow established workflows and require manager endorsement.

Role of Managers and HR

Managers are responsible for enforcing this policy within their teams, approving access based on job requirements, and ensuring employees receive required training. HR will support enforcement through onboarding, role definitions, and disciplinary processes when policy violations occur. HR and managers will collaborate with IT on investigations that affect personnel matters.

Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in corrective action, up to and including termination of employment, loss of access privileges, and other disciplinary measures. Non-compliance that leads to security incidents may also result in civil or criminal consequences for the individual in accordance with applicable rules and internal procedures. Violations will be investigated and documented.

Note

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in technology, risk, or business needs. Employees are expected to review and comply with the latest version. For questions or clarification, employees should contact Human Resources or the IT Security Team.