Information Security Policy Template


Company Name	[Company Name]
Effective Date	[Date]
Version	[Version Number, e.g., 1.0]
Policy Owner	[CISO/IT Director]
Document Classification	Confidential / Internal Use Only

Purpose

This Information Security Policy establishes a comprehensive framework for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of [Company Name]'s information assets and technology infrastructure. It provides the foundation for a robust security program that safeguards sensitive data (including but not limited to cardholder data, personally identifiable information, intellectual property, and proprietary business information) against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. This policy aims to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements (including PCI DSS 4.0.1), while supporting business objectives and enabling secure operations in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals accessing or using [Company Name]'s information assets, including employees, contractors, consultants, temporary staff, third-party service providers, and business partners. It covers all information assets owned, controlled, or processed by [Company Name], regardless of format (electronic, physical) or location (on-premises, cloud environments, remote work locations). This includes but is not limited to information systems, networks, applications, databases, endpoints, mobile devices, and physical facilities. The policy addresses security throughout the information lifecycle, from creation/acquisition through processing, storage, transmission, and disposal.

Roles and Responsibilities

Role/Group	Key Responsibilities
Board of Directors / Executive Management	- Provide strategic direction and oversight for the information security program - Approve the Information Security Policy and significant security investments - Ensure adequate resources are allocated to security initiatives - Review security status reports and key risk indicators
CISO / IT Security Director	- Develop, implement, and maintain the information security program - Oversee security operations, risk management, and compliance activities - Report on security posture and significant risks to executive management - Coordinate security incident response - Serve as the primary point of contact for security matters
Information Security Team	- Implement and operate security controls and monitoring systems - Conduct security assessments, vulnerability management, and penetration testing - Provide security guidance and subject matter expertise - Investigate security incidents and support remediation efforts - Develop and deliver security awareness training
IT Department	- Implement technical security controls in accordance with policies - Maintain secure configurations for systems and network infrastructure - Apply security patches and updates in a timely manner - Support security monitoring and incident response activities
Department Managers / Data Owners	- Identify and classify sensitive data within their areas of responsibility - Ensure department staff comply with security policies - Approve access to information resources under their control - Participate in risk assessments and business continuity planning
Human Resources	- Conduct background checks for new employees - Include security responsibilities in job descriptions - Coordinate security awareness training completion - Manage security aspects of employee onboarding and offboarding
Legal / Compliance	- Advise on legal and regulatory security requirements - Review security-related contracts and agreements - Support breach notification processes - Monitor changes in applicable laws and regulations
All Users	- Comply with all information security policies, standards, and procedures - Protect information assets and report security incidents promptly - Complete required security awareness training - Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information

Policy Requirements

1. Risk Management

[Company Name] shall maintain a formal risk management program to identify, assess, and mitigate information security risks. Risk assessments shall be conducted at planned intervals and when significant changes occur to the information environment or business operations.

Key Requirements:

Conduct enterprise-wide risk assessments at least annually
Perform targeted risk assessments for new systems, applications, or significant changes
Maintain a risk register documenting identified risks and treatment plans
Review and update risk treatment plans regularly
Integrate security considerations into project management and system development

For detailed requirements, refer to: Risk Management Policy

2. Information Classification and Handling

All information assets shall be classified according to sensitivity and business value, with appropriate handling procedures defined for each classification level. Classification determines the security controls required throughout the information lifecycle.

Key Requirements:

Classify information into defined categories (e.g., Restricted, Confidential, Internal, Public)
Label sensitive information according to its classification
Handle, store, transmit, and dispose of information according to its classification
Review and update classifications periodically
Implement data loss prevention controls for sensitive information

For detailed requirements, refer to: Data Protection & Encryption Policy

3. Access Control

Access to information systems and data shall be restricted based on the principles of least privilege and need-to-know. Strong authentication mechanisms shall be implemented, and access rights shall be regularly reviewed and updated.

Key Requirements:

Implement formal user access provisioning and deprovisioning processes
Require unique identification for all users
Implement multi-factor authentication for remote access and privileged accounts
Review access rights at least quarterly
Implement role-based access control where feasible
Maintain segregation of duties for critical functions
Log and monitor access to sensitive systems and data

For detailed requirements, refer to: Access Management Policy

4. Network Security

[Company Name] shall implement and maintain network security controls to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information transmitted across networks. This includes segmentation, encryption, monitoring, and protection against threats.

Key Requirements:

Implement network segmentation, including isolation of the Cardholder Data Environment
Deploy firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems
Encrypt sensitive data transmitted over public networks
Regularly review and update network security configurations
Monitor network traffic for suspicious activities
Secure wireless networks with strong encryption and authentication
Conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests

For detailed requirements, refer to: Network Security Policy

5. System and Application Security

Systems and applications shall be securely configured, patched, and maintained throughout their lifecycle. Security requirements shall be integrated into system development, acquisition, and change management processes.

Key Requirements:

Maintain secure configuration standards for all system components
Implement a patch management process to address vulnerabilities promptly
Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and remediate findings based on risk
Protect systems against malware and other threats
Securely decommission systems at end-of-life
Implement security controls for mobile devices and remote access
Conduct security testing before deployment to production
Maintain separate development, test, and production environments

For detailed requirements, refer to: System & Configuration Management Policy and Vulnerability Management Policy

6. Secure Development

Security shall be integrated throughout the software development lifecycle. Applications shall be designed, developed, and tested with security in mind to prevent vulnerabilities and protect sensitive data.

Key Requirements:

Train developers in secure coding practices
Perform security code reviews and vulnerability assessments
Test for common security vulnerabilities before deployment
Implement secure authentication and session management
Validate all input and encode output to prevent injection attacks
Protect sensitive data in applications
Maintain an inventory of all custom and third-party applications

For detailed requirements, refer to: Secure Development Policy

7. Encryption and Key Management

Sensitive data shall be protected using appropriate encryption technologies. Cryptographic keys shall be securely generated, stored, used, and destroyed according to industry standards and best practices.

Key Requirements:

Encrypt cardholder data, personally identifiable information, and other sensitive data at rest and in transit
Implement strong encryption algorithms and protocols
Manage cryptographic keys securely throughout their lifecycle
Document and implement key rotation procedures
Protect cryptographic keys from unauthorized access
Maintain an inventory of cryptographic keys and their purposes

For detailed requirements, refer to: Data Protection & Encryption Policy

8. Change Management

Changes to information systems, applications, and infrastructure shall follow a formal change management process to minimize risk and ensure security is maintained throughout the change lifecycle.

Key Requirements:

Document and approve all changes before implementation
Assess security impact of proposed changes
Test changes before deployment to production
Maintain separation of duties in the change process
Document rollback procedures for all changes
Review emergency changes retrospectively
Regularly review and update security configurations

For detailed requirements, refer to: Change Management Policy

9. Physical and Environmental Security

Physical security controls shall be implemented to prevent unauthorized physical access to information systems and protect against environmental threats. Critical systems shall have appropriate environmental controls and monitoring.

Key Requirements:

Implement physical access controls for facilities and secure areas
Maintain visitor management procedures
Protect against environmental threats (fire, water, temperature, power)
Secure equipment against theft or unauthorized access
Implement clean desk and clear screen policies
Maintain logs of physical access to sensitive areas
Securely dispose of physical media containing sensitive information

For detailed requirements, refer to: Physical Security Policy

10. Third-Party Security

Security requirements shall be established for relationships with third parties that access, process, store, or transmit information on behalf of [Company Name]. Third-party security shall be assessed before engagement and monitored throughout the relationship.

Key Requirements:

Conduct security due diligence before engaging third parties
Include security requirements in contracts and agreements
Assess third-party compliance with security requirements
Monitor third-party security posture throughout the relationship
Manage risks associated with third-party access to systems and data
Ensure secure return or destruction of data upon termination of relationship
Maintain an inventory of all third-party relationships

For detailed requirements, refer to: Third Party Service Provider (TPSP) Management Policy

11. Incident Management

[Company Name] shall maintain an incident response capability to detect, report, assess, respond to, and learn from information security incidents. Incident response procedures shall be tested regularly to ensure effectiveness.

Key Requirements:

Define and document incident response procedures
Establish an incident response team with defined roles and responsibilities
Report and respond to security incidents promptly
Investigate root causes of incidents
Document and communicate lessons learned
Test incident response procedures at least annually
Coordinate with external parties (law enforcement, regulators) as needed

For detailed requirements, refer to: Incident Response Plan

12. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

Business continuity and disaster recovery plans shall be developed and maintained to ensure the availability of critical information systems and data in the event of a disruption. Plans shall be tested regularly to verify effectiveness.

Key Requirements:

Identify critical systems and recovery time objectives
Develop and document business continuity and disaster recovery plans
Implement backup and recovery procedures for critical systems and data
Test recovery capabilities at least annually
Train personnel on their roles in business continuity and disaster recovery
Review and update plans based on test results and organizational changes
Maintain redundancy for critical systems and infrastructure

For detailed requirements, refer to: Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Policy

13. Compliance

[Company Name] shall comply with applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements related to information security. Compliance shall be regularly assessed and documented.

Key Requirements:

Identify and document applicable compliance requirements
Implement controls to meet compliance requirements
Conduct regular compliance assessments
Remediate compliance gaps in a timely manner
Maintain evidence of compliance activities
Monitor changes to compliance requirements
Report compliance status to executive management

For detailed requirements, refer to: Governance-Compliance Policy

14. Security Awareness and Training

All personnel shall receive appropriate information security awareness education and training. Role-specific security training shall be provided based on job responsibilities and access to sensitive information.

Key Requirements:

Provide security awareness training for all personnel upon hire and at least annually
Deliver role-specific security training for personnel with specialized security responsibilities
Communicate security policies, procedures, and updates to all personnel
Conduct phishing simulations and other security awareness exercises
Maintain records of security training completion
Evaluate the effectiveness of security awareness programs
Provide additional training when significant changes occur

For detailed requirements, refer to: Security Awareness and Training Policy

15. Acceptable Use

[Company Name] shall define acceptable use requirements for information systems, networks, applications, and data to ensure they are used responsibly and securely in accordance with business objectives and security policies.

Key Requirements:

Use company information systems and resources for authorized business purposes
Protect authentication credentials (passwords, tokens, smart cards)
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
Use email and internet services responsibly and securely
Comply with software licensing agreements
Report security incidents and suspicious activities promptly
Adhere to clean desk and clear screen policies
Use only authorized software and hardware
Secure mobile devices, laptops, and removable media
Exercise caution when working in public places
Comply with data protection and privacy requirements
Understand that [Company Name] may monitor system usage
Acknowledge that violations may result in disciplinary action

For detailed requirements, refer to: Acceptable Use Policy and AI Acceptable Use Policy

Enforcement

Compliance with this Information Security Policy and its supporting policies is mandatory for all individuals within the scope of this policy.
Violations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract, in accordance with [Company Name]'s HR policies and procedures.
Security violations that may constitute criminal offenses may be reported to law enforcement authorities.
Exceptions to this policy must be documented, risk-assessed, approved by the CISO/IT Director, and reviewed periodically. Exceptions involving high risks may require executive management approval.

Revision History

Version	Date	Author	Change Details
1.0	[Date]	[Author Name]	Initial policy release
[Ver #]	[Date]	[Author Name]	[Summary of changes]

Approval

Name	Title	Signature	Date
[CEO Name]	Chief Executive Officer		[Date]
[CISO Name]	Chief Information Security Officer		[Date]

Appendix A: Related Policies and Documents

Policy/Document	Description	Owner
Access Management Policy	Detailed requirements for user access management, authentication, and authorization	CISO/IT Security
Acceptable Use Policy	Detailed requirements for appropriate use of information systems and resources	CISO/IT Security
AI Acceptable Use Policy	Detailed requirements for responsible use of AI and Large Language Model technologies	CISO/IT Security
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Policy	Requirements for ensuring business continuity and recovery from disruptions	CISO/Business Continuity Manager
Change Management Policy	Requirements for managing changes to systems, applications, and infrastructure	CISO/IT Operations
Data Protection & Encryption Policy	Requirements for data classification, protection, encryption, and key management	CISO/Data Protection Officer
Endpoint & Cloud Security Policy	Requirements for securing endpoints, cloud services, and remote access	CISO/IT Security
Governance-Compliance Policy	Requirements for security governance, compliance, and risk management	CISO/Compliance Officer
Incident Response Plan	Procedures for detecting, reporting, and responding to security incidents	CISO/Incident Response Manager
Network Security Policy	Requirements for securing network infrastructure and communications	CISO/Network Security
Physical Security Policy	Requirements for physical access controls and environmental protections	CISO/Facilities Manager
Secure Development Policy	Requirements for secure software development practices	CISO/Development Manager
Security Awareness and Training Policy	Requirements for security awareness, education, and training	CISO/Training Coordinator
System & Configuration Management Policy	Requirements for secure system configuration and maintenance	CISO/IT Operations
Third Party Service Provider (TPSP) Management Policy	Requirements for managing security risks associated with third parties	CISO/Vendor Management
Vulnerability Management Policy	Requirements for identifying, assessing, remediating, and monitoring security vulnerabilities	CISO/IT Security
Multi-Tenant Service Provider Policy	Requirements for multi-tenant service providers	CISO/IT Security