A single unprotected endpoint, one weak password, one employee clicking the wrong link — that’s all it takes. IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report puts the average breach cost at $4.88 million. For many small and mid-sized businesses, that’s not a setback. That’s a shutdown.
The gap between secure organizations and vulnerable ones is rarely about technology. It’s almost always about documentation. Teams that operate without a written information security policy are essentially asking people to make judgment calls under pressure, and that never ends well.
A well-crafted policy removes the guesswork. It tells every person in your organization exactly what is expected of them, what is off-limits, and what happens when things go wrong. The three samples below are ready to use, written clearly, and built to protect your organization from the inside out.
Information Security Policy Samples
Getting your policy right the first time saves you from costly revisions, compliance headaches, and security gaps down the road. Each sample below covers a distinct scope, so you can pick the one that fits your situation or combine elements from all three.
1. General Information Security Policy
[Organization Name] — General Information Security Policy
Policy Number: ISP-001 Effective Date: [Insert Date] Review Date: [Insert Date — typically 12 months from effective date] Approved By: [Name, Title] Department: Information Technology / Compliance
1. Purpose
This policy establishes the principles and requirements governing the protection of [Organization Name]’s information assets. It applies to all employees, contractors, consultants, and third-party users who access organizational systems or handle company data in any capacity.
The goal is to preserve the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all information assets, reduce exposure to security risks, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All information systems owned or operated by [Organization Name]
- All data created, stored, processed, or transmitted on behalf of [Organization Name]
- All individuals granted access to organizational systems, regardless of employment status or location
3. Information Classification
All organizational data must be classified into one of the following categories:
| Classification | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Information approved for external release | Marketing materials, press releases |
| Internal | General business information for internal use | Internal memos, process documents |
| Confidential | Sensitive information with limited access | HR records, financial data |
| Restricted | Highest sensitivity, strictly controlled access | Trade secrets, regulated personal data |
Data must be labeled, handled, and disposed of in accordance with its classification level.
4. Access Control
- Access to systems and data is granted on a least-privilege basis, meaning users receive only the minimum access required to perform their job functions.
- All user accounts must be unique to the individual. Shared accounts are prohibited unless formally approved and documented.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is mandatory for all accounts with access to Confidential or Restricted data, and for all remote access sessions.
- Access rights must be reviewed every 90 days and revoked immediately upon termination or role change.
5. Password Standards
All passwords must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Minimum 12 characters in length
- Must include at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one special character
- Must not contain the user’s name, username, or common dictionary words
- Must be changed every 90 days or immediately upon suspected compromise
- Passwords must not be reused for at least 10 previous cycles
- Passwords must never be shared, written down, or transmitted in plain text
6. Incident Reporting
Any actual or suspected security incident — including unauthorized access, lost or stolen devices, malware detection, or data disclosure — must be reported to the Information Security team within 4 hours of discovery.
Reports should include:
- Date and time the incident was discovered
- A description of what occurred
- Systems or data potentially affected
- Any immediate actions already taken
Failure to report a known security incident is a violation of this policy and may result in disciplinary action.
7. Acceptable Use
Organizational systems and resources are provided for business purposes. Incidental personal use is permitted provided it does not compromise security, consume significant resources, or violate any provision of this policy.
The following activities are strictly prohibited:
- Accessing, storing, or transmitting illegal content
- Attempting to circumvent security controls or gain unauthorized access to systems
- Installing unapproved software or applications
- Sharing credentials or access with unauthorized individuals
- Using organizational resources for personal financial gain
8. Physical Security
- All devices containing organizational data must be physically secured when not in use.
- Screens must be locked when a workstation is left unattended, even briefly.
- Sensitive documents must be stored in locked storage and shredded when no longer needed.
- Visitors to secure areas must be escorted at all times.
9. Compliance and Enforcement
Compliance with this policy is mandatory. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or contract. Violations involving criminal activity will be referred to the appropriate authorities.
All employees must acknowledge receipt and understanding of this policy upon onboarding and annually thereafter.
10. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant security incident, regulatory change, or major organizational change. The Information Security team is responsible for maintaining and updating this document.
2. Remote Work and Data Access Security Policy
[Organization Name] — Remote Work and Data Access Security Policy
Policy Number: ISP-002 Effective Date: [Insert Date] Review Date: [Insert Date] Approved By: [Name, Title]
1. Purpose
This policy defines the security requirements for employees and contractors who access [Organization Name] systems, data, or networks from locations outside of company-managed facilities. It exists to ensure that remote work does not introduce security risks that would otherwise be controlled within a managed office environment.
2. Eligibility and Authorization
Remote access to organizational systems is a privilege, not a right. It must be formally approved by the employee’s direct manager and the Information Security team before access is granted. Approval is role-dependent and subject to periodic review.
3. Device Requirements
Only devices that meet the following criteria may be used to access organizational systems remotely:
- Devices must be enrolled in [Organization Name]’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) system
- Operating systems must be current and fully patched — no OS versions older than two major releases will be permitted
- Approved endpoint protection software must be installed and actively running
- Full-disk encryption must be enabled on all devices
- Personal devices (BYOD) may only be used with explicit written authorization and must still meet all technical requirements above
4. Network Security
- Remote workers must not access organizational systems over public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks without an active, approved Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection
- Home networks used for remote work should use WPA3 encryption and have a unique, strong router password
- The use of public computers, shared terminals, or kiosk devices to access organizational systems is strictly prohibited
5. Data Handling While Remote
- Confidential and Restricted data must not be downloaded or stored on local devices unless explicitly authorized
- Printing of sensitive documents in non-office environments is prohibited without prior approval
- Video or voice calls involving sensitive information must take place in a private setting where the conversation cannot be overheard
- Screen sharing during calls must be limited to only what is necessary — minimize all other open windows before sharing your screen
6. Lost or Stolen Devices
Any device used to access organizational data that is lost or stolen must be reported to the Information Security team immediately, and no later than 2 hours after the loss is discovered. The team will initiate a remote wipe if technically possible and will document the incident accordingly.
7. Session and Account Security
- Remote sessions must be locked or logged out when stepping away, even for short periods
- MFA is required for all remote access sessions without exception
- Remote access sessions must not be shared with or transferred to any other individual
8. Policy Violations
Failure to comply with this policy may result in immediate revocation of remote access privileges and further disciplinary action. Repeated or intentional violations will be escalated in accordance with [Organization Name]’s standard disciplinary procedures.
3. Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
[Organization Name] — Acceptable Use Policy
Policy Number: ISP-003 Effective Date: [Insert Date] Review Date: [Insert Date] Approved By: [Name, Title]
1. Purpose
This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) defines the appropriate and expected use of [Organization Name]’s information technology resources, including but not limited to computers, mobile devices, software, networks, internet access, and email systems. This policy is designed to protect the organization, its employees, and its clients from harm arising from inappropriate use of technology resources.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all employees, interns, contractors, vendors, and any other individual who is granted access to [Organization Name]’s technology resources, whether on-site or remotely.
3. Acceptable Use
Technology resources provided by [Organization Name] are primarily for business use. Limited personal use is acceptable provided it:
- Does not interfere with job performance or productivity
- Does not consume excessive bandwidth or storage
- Does not violate any provision of this policy or any applicable law
- Does not expose the organization to legal liability or reputational risk
4. Prohibited Activities
The following activities are expressly prohibited and may result in immediate disciplinary action, including termination:
Security Violations
- Attempting to access systems, data, or accounts without proper authorization
- Bypassing, disabling, or tampering with security controls or monitoring tools
- Installing unauthorized software, plugins, or browser extensions
- Sharing login credentials with any other individual
Inappropriate Content
- Accessing, creating, distributing, or storing content that is sexually explicit, discriminatory, harassing, or otherwise offensive
- Accessing gambling, gaming, or entertainment sites for extended periods during work hours
- Engaging in or facilitating any activity that is illegal under applicable local, national, or international law
Data Misuse
- Copying, transmitting, or disclosing confidential or proprietary information without proper authorization
- Using organizational data for personal benefit or for the benefit of a competitor
- Storing personal sensitive data (such as personal financial records or personal health information) on organizational systems
Network and System Misuse
- Using organizational resources to send unsolicited bulk emails (spam) of any kind
- Engaging in cryptocurrency mining or any other resource-intensive personal activity
- Intentionally degrading network performance through large unauthorized file transfers or streaming
5. Email and Communication Standards
- Organizational email accounts are to be used primarily for business communication
- Employees must exercise caution before clicking links or opening attachments, particularly from unknown senders
- Confidential information must not be sent via email without appropriate encryption
- Auto-forwarding of organizational email to personal accounts is prohibited
6. Social Media Use
Employees may access personal social media accounts during non-work hours. However:
- Organizational systems must not be used to access social media during business hours except for explicitly authorized business purposes
- Employees must not post confidential, proprietary, or sensitive organizational information on any social media platform
- Employees must clearly distinguish personal views from organizational positions in any public communication
7. Monitoring
[Organization Name] reserves the right to monitor, access, and review all activity conducted on its technology resources. Users have no expectation of privacy on organizational systems, networks, or devices. Monitoring may be conducted to ensure compliance with this policy, investigate potential violations, or comply with legal obligations.
8. Consequences of Violations
Violations of this policy will be addressed through [Organization Name]’s standard disciplinary process. Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, consequences may include:
- A formal written warning
- Suspension of technology access privileges
- Termination of employment or contract
- Legal action where applicable
9. Acknowledgment
All users are required to sign an acknowledgment confirming they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this policy. Acknowledgment is required at onboarding and upon each annual policy update.
Wrapping Up
A good information security policy does one thing really well — it removes ambiguity. Your team stops guessing and starts knowing exactly what is expected of them. That clarity alone can be the difference between a near-miss and a full-blown breach.
Use these samples as your starting point. Swap in your organization’s name, adjust the specifics to match your environment, and have your legal or compliance team review before rolling them out. The best policy is one that actually gets used.