Policy Bundle Template

A comprehensive policy framework is essential for ISO 27001 compliance. This lesson provides templates and guidance for creating your complete information security policy bundle.

Policy Framework Structure

Your policy framework should follow a hierarchical structure:

Level 1: Information Security Policy (Master Policy)
    |
    ├── Level 2: Topic-Specific Policies
    |       |
    |       ├── Level 3: Standards and Procedures
    |       |       |
    |       |       └── Level 4: Work Instructions and Guidelines

Level 1 - Master Policy:

High-level strategic direction
Management commitment
Broad principles
Applies to entire organization

Level 2 - Topic-Specific Policies:

Detailed requirements for specific areas
Define what must be done
Set mandatory requirements
Approved by management

Level 3 - Standards and Procedures:

Technical specifications
Step-by-step processes
Define how to comply with policies
Approved by process owners

Level 4 - Work Instructions:

Detailed task instructions
Screenshots and examples
Role-specific guidance
Updated frequently

Master Information Security Policy Template

Document Control Section

Document Title: Information Security Policy
Document Number: POL-SEC-001
Version: 1.0
Effective Date: [Date]
Review Date: [Annual review date]
Owner: Chief Information Security Officer
Approval: Chief Executive Officer

Document History:
| Version | Date | Author | Changes |
|---------|------|--------|---------|
| 1.0 | YYYY-MM-DD | [Name] | Initial release |

Policy Content

1. Purpose

This Information Security Policy establishes [Organization Name]'s
commitment to protecting information assets and defines the framework
for managing information security across the organization.

The policy ensures:
- Protection of confidential, proprietary, and sensitive information
- Compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations
- Maintenance of business operations and customer trust
- Risk-based approach to information security
- Continual improvement of security practices

2. Scope

This policy applies to:
- All employees, contractors, consultants, and temporary workers
- All information assets owned or managed by the organization
- All information processing facilities and systems
- All physical and virtual locations where business is conducted
- All third parties with access to organizational information

This policy covers:
- Information in all formats (electronic, paper, verbal)
- Information throughout its lifecycle (creation to disposal)
- All business processes and activities
- All technologies used to process information

3. Management Commitment

Senior management commits to:
- Establishing and maintaining an Information Security Management
  System (ISMS) aligned with ISO 27001:2022
- Providing adequate resources for information security
- Setting measurable information security objectives
- Integrating security into all business processes
- Promoting a culture of security awareness
- Reviewing security performance regularly
- Continually improving security effectiveness
- Ensuring compliance with security requirements

4. Information Security Objectives

Our information security objectives are to:

1. Confidentiality: Ensure information is accessible only to those
   authorized to have access

2. Integrity: Safeguard the accuracy and completeness of information
   and processing methods

3. Availability: Ensure authorized users have access to information
   and assets when needed

4. Compliance: Meet all legal, regulatory, and contractual security
   requirements

5. Resilience: Maintain security during adverse conditions and
   recover from incidents

6. Awareness: Ensure all personnel understand their security
   responsibilities

5. Security Governance

Information Security Management:
- CISO responsible for overall ISMS implementation and operation
- Information Security Steering Committee provides governance
- Process owners responsible for security within their domains
- All managers responsible for security in their areas
- All personnel responsible for following security requirements

Risk Management:
- Regular risk assessments conducted
- Risk treatment plans developed and implemented
- Risks monitored and reviewed continuously
- Risk decisions documented and approved

6. Compliance and Legal Requirements

The organization will:
- Identify applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements
- Ensure compliance with all security obligations
- Protect intellectual property rights
- Protect personal information and privacy
- Maintain appropriate records and evidence
- Report security incidents as required by law
- Cooperate with authorities and regulators

7. Policy Framework

This master policy is supported by topic-specific policies:

- Acceptable Use Policy
- Access Control Policy
- Asset Management Policy
- Business Continuity Policy
- Change Management Policy
- Cryptography Policy
- Data Classification Policy
- Incident Response Policy
- Mobile Device Policy
- Network Security Policy
- Physical Security Policy
- Remote Access Policy
- Supplier Security Policy
- System Development Policy

[Reference each with document number and link]

8. Roles and Responsibilities

Top Management:
- Ultimate accountability for ISMS
- Approve policies and major decisions
- Allocate resources
- Review ISMS performance

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO):
- Overall responsibility for ISMS
- Develop and maintain security policies
- Oversee risk management
- Report to management
- Coordinate security activities

Information Asset Owners:
- Classify information assets
- Define access requirements
- Ensure appropriate protection
- Review access rights

All Personnel:
- Comply with security policies
- Report security incidents
- Complete security training
- Protect information assets

9. Security Awareness and Training

All personnel shall:
- Complete security awareness training upon hire
- Complete annual security refresher training
- Receive role-specific security training as needed
- Acknowledge understanding of security policies
- Stay informed of security threats and best practices

10. Incident Management

Security incidents must be:
- Reported immediately upon detection
- Assessed and categorized by severity
- Responded to according to incident procedures
- Investigated to determine root cause
- Documented with lessons learned
- Used to improve security controls

11. Compliance Monitoring

The organization will:
- Monitor compliance with security policies
- Conduct regular security audits
- Perform independent reviews
- Measure security performance
- Report compliance status to management
- Address non-compliance appropriately

12. Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be:
- Reviewed at least annually
- Updated when significant changes occur
- Approved by CEO before publication
- Communicated to all affected parties
- Made available to relevant stakeholders

13. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:
- Verbal or written warning
- Suspension or termination of employment
- Suspension or termination of contract
- Legal action
- Criminal prosecution

The organization will investigate all suspected violations and
take appropriate action based on the severity and intent.

14. Contact Information

Questions about this policy should be directed to:

Information Security Team
Email: [email protected]
Phone: [Number]
Internal Portal: [Link]

15. Approval

Approved by:

_______________________________     ______________
[CEO Name]                          Date
Chief Executive Officer


_______________________________     ______________
[CISO Name]                         Date
Chief Information Security Officer

Topic-Specific Policy Templates

Acceptable Use Policy

# Acceptable Use Policy

## Purpose
Define appropriate use of organizational information and technology
resources.

## Scope
All personnel and all organizational IT resources.

## Policy Statements

1. General Principles
   - Resources provided for business purposes
   - Limited personal use permitted [if applicable]
   - No expectation of privacy
   - Monitoring may occur
   - Comply with all laws and regulations

2. Permitted Uses
   - Business-related activities
   - Professional development [if approved]
   - Limited personal use during breaks [if permitted]
   - Approved communications

3. Prohibited Uses
   - Illegal activities
   - Harassment or discrimination
   - Accessing inappropriate content
   - Unauthorized disclosure of information
   - Installing unauthorized software
   - Circumventing security controls
   - Personal business ventures
   - Excessive personal use
   - Cryptocurrency mining
   - Malicious activities

4. Internet and Email
   - Professional communication standards
   - No spam or mass mailings
   - Careful with links and attachments
   - Report suspicious emails
   - No auto-forwarding to external addresses

5. Data Handling
   - Follow classification guidelines
   - Encrypt sensitive data
   - Store on approved systems only
   - Do not store personal sensitive data
   - Securely dispose when no longer needed

6. Consequences
   - Violations subject to disciplinary action
   - May include termination
   - May involve legal action

## Related Documents
- Information Security Policy
- Data Classification Policy
- Mobile Device Policy

Access Control Policy

# Access Control Policy

## Purpose
Control access to information and information processing facilities.

## Scope
All information systems and data.

## Policy Statements

1. Access Principles
   - Least privilege: minimum access needed for job function
   - Need-to-know: only access required information
   - Segregation of duties: no single person end-to-end control
   - Regular review: access reviewed periodically

2. User Registration
   - Formal user registration process
   - Unique user IDs for all users
   - Shared accounts prohibited except where justified
   - Generic accounts require special approval
   - Service accounts managed separately

3. Access Provisioning
   - Manager approval required
   - Access based on job role
   - Documented access request
   - Provisioned by IT/Security
   - User acknowledged responsibilities

4. Authentication Requirements
   - Strong passwords required (12+ characters, complexity)
   - Multi-factor authentication for:
     * Remote access
     * Administrative access
     * Sensitive systems
   - Biometric authentication where appropriate
   - Password managers recommended

5. Privileged Access
   - Special approval required
   - Just-in-time provisioning where possible
   - Enhanced monitoring
   - Separate privileged accounts from regular
   - Regular recertification

6. Access Review
   - Quarterly access reviews by managers
   - Annual comprehensive reviews
   - Immediate review when role changes
   - Revoke unnecessary access

7. Access Termination
   - Disable access immediately upon termination
   - Disable access during extended leave
   - Remove from systems within 24 hours
   - Return all access credentials

8. Remote Access
   - VPN required for remote access
   - Multi-factor authentication mandatory
   - Endpoint compliance check
   - No split tunneling
   - Session timeout after inactivity

## Related Documents
- Information Security Policy
- Authentication Policy
- Remote Access Policy

Data Classification Policy

# Data Classification Policy

## Purpose
Ensure appropriate protection of information based on sensitivity.

## Scope
All information in any format.

## Classification Levels

### Level 1: Public
Information approved for public disclosure.

Characteristics:
- No harm from disclosure
- Intended for public consumption

Examples:
- Marketing materials
- Published reports
- Public website content

Handling:
- No special protection required
- Any storage/transmission method
- Normal disposal

### Level 2: Internal
Information for internal use only.

Characteristics:
- Minor harm if disclosed
- Not approved for public release
- Common business information

Examples:
- Internal procedures
- Organizational charts
- General email communications

Handling:
- Store on company systems
- Share via internal communication channels
- Shred physical copies
- Do not post publicly

### Level 3: Confidential
Sensitive business information.

Characteristics:
- Significant harm if disclosed
- Requires protection
- Limited distribution

Examples:
- Financial information
- Employee records
- Customer data
- Contracts
- Business plans

Handling:
- Encrypted storage required
- Encrypted email for transmission
- Mark "CONFIDENTIAL"
- Secure shred
- Access on need-to-know basis
- Do not discuss in public areas

### Level 4: Restricted
Highly sensitive information.

Characteristics:
- Severe harm if disclosed
- Highest protection level
- Strictly limited access

Examples:
- Trade secrets
- Strategic plans
- Sensitive personal data
- Regulated data
- Merger/acquisition information

Handling:
- Encrypted storage with access control
- Encrypted transmission with approval
- Mark "RESTRICTED"
- Witnessed shred or device destruction
- Authorized personnel only
- Special approval for any access
- Do not remove from secure areas

## Classification Process

1. Data Owner classifies information
2. Apply appropriate label
3. Implement handling requirements
4. Review classification periodically
5. Update classification if sensitivity changes

## Labeling Requirements

Electronic:
- Include classification in header/footer
- Add to document properties/metadata
- Use subject line prefix for email
- Watermark sensitive documents

Physical:
- Stamp or label on each page
- Use cover sheet
- Color-coding where appropriate

## Related Documents
- Information Security Policy
- Data Handling Procedures
- Retention Policy

Incident Response Policy

# Incident Response Policy

## Purpose
Establish framework for managing information security incidents.

## Scope
All security incidents and events.

## Incident Definition

Security Incident:
- Actual or suspected breach of security
- Unauthorized access to information
- Malware infection
- Data loss or theft
- Denial of service
- System compromise
- Policy violation with security impact

Security Event:
- Observed occurrence in system or network
- May or may not be an incident
- Requires assessment

## Reporting Requirements

All Personnel Must:
- Report suspected incidents immediately
- Do not attempt to investigate on your own
- Preserve evidence
- Do not discuss with unauthorized persons

Reporting Channels:
- Security team: [email protected]
- Incident hotline: [Number]
- Direct manager
- Anonymous reporting option available

Report As Soon As:
- Suspected unauthorized access
- Missing device or media
- Malware detected
- Unusual system behavior
- Suspicious email or communications
- Data breach or loss
- Physical security breach

## Incident Response Process

1. Detection and Reporting
   - Incident identified and reported
   - Initial information collected
   - Incident logged

2. Assessment and Triage
   - Validate incident
   - Determine severity
   - Assign to appropriate team
   - Notify stakeholders

3. Containment
   - Limit damage and spread
   - Preserve evidence
   - Implement temporary controls
   - Document actions

4. Eradication
   - Remove threat
   - Close vulnerabilities
   - Patch systems
   - Reset credentials

5. Recovery
   - Restore systems and data
   - Verify normal operation
   - Monitor for recurrence
   - Return to business

6. Lessons Learned
   - Document incident details
   - Analyze root cause
   - Identify improvements
   - Update controls
   - Share knowledge

## Severity Levels

Critical (P1):
- Significant business impact
- Active data breach
- System-wide compromise
- Response: Immediate, 24/7

High (P2):
- Potential data breach
- Single system compromise
- Failed attack with impact
- Response: Within 4 hours

Medium (P3):
- Contained incident
- No data loss
- Unsuccessful attack
- Response: Within 24 hours

Low (P4):
- Policy violation
- Minor security event
- No apparent harm
- Response: Within 5 days

## Communication

Internal:
- Notify affected users
- Brief management
- Update response team
- Document in incident log

External:
- Customers (if data affected)
- Regulators (if required)
- Law enforcement (if criminal)
- Partners/suppliers (if necessary)
- Public relations (if appropriate)

All external communication approved by:
- Legal counsel
- Executive management
- Public relations

## Evidence Handling

Preserve Evidence:
- Do not alter systems
- Capture logs immediately
- Take screenshots
- Document actions
- Maintain chain of custody

Evidence Types:
- System logs
- Network traffic
- File system changes
- Email messages
- Physical devices

## Post-Incident Activities

Required Actions:
- Complete incident report
- Update risk assessment
- Implement preventive controls
- Brief relevant personnel
- Update procedures
- Conduct training if needed

Incident Report Contains:
- Incident summary
- Timeline of events
- Systems affected
- Data involved
- Response actions
- Root cause analysis
- Lessons learned
- Recommendations

## Testing and Training

The organization will:
- Test incident response procedures quarterly
- Conduct tabletop exercises
- Perform simulated incidents
- Train response team members
- Update procedures based on tests

## Related Documents
- Information Security Policy
- Business Continuity Policy
- Evidence Collection Procedure
- Communication Plan

Business Continuity Policy

# Business Continuity Policy

## Purpose
Ensure organizational resilience and continuity of critical operations.

## Scope
All business processes, systems, and facilities.

## Policy Statements

1. Business Continuity Planning
   - Identify critical business functions
   - Assess recovery time objectives (RTO)
   - Assess recovery point objectives (RPO)
   - Develop recovery strategies
   - Document recovery procedures
   - Assign recovery responsibilities

2. Information Security During Disruption
   - Security controls remain active
   - Data protection maintained
   - Access controls enforced
   - Incident response available
   - Communication channels secure

3. ICT Continuity
   - Critical systems identified
   - Backup and recovery procedures
   - Alternative processing sites
   - Redundant communications
   - Data replication where appropriate

4. Backup Requirements
   - Daily incremental backups
   - Weekly full backups
   - Offsite backup storage
   - Encrypted backup media
   - Regular restore testing
   - Documented backup procedures

5. Testing and Exercises
   - Annual full BC exercise
   - Quarterly component tests
   - Regular backup restore tests
   - Document test results
   - Update plans based on tests

6. Plan Maintenance
   - Review plans annually
   - Update when significant changes
   - Maintain current contact lists
   - Keep procedures accurate
   - Version control all plans

## Related Documents
- Information Security Policy
- Disaster Recovery Plan
- Backup Procedures
- Emergency Response Plan

Policy Development Process

Step 1: Identify Requirements

Sources:

ISO 27001 clauses and controls
Legal and regulatory requirements
Contractual obligations
Risk assessment findings
Industry best practices
Business requirements

Step 2: Draft Policy

Process:

Use appropriate template
Customize for your organization
Define clear requirements
Make requirements actionable
Avoid overly technical details
Use clear, simple language
Structure logically

Step 3: Review and Refine

Review by:

Legal counsel
Relevant process owners
IT and security teams
HR department
Compliance officer
Affected business units

Verify:

Alignment with business objectives
Legal and regulatory compliance
Technical feasibility
Clarity and completeness
Consistency with other policies
Enforcement practicality

Step 4: Approval

Approval chain:

CISO reviews and endorses
Legal reviews for compliance
Affected departments provide input
Executive management approves
Board approval if required

Document:

Approval signatures
Approval date
Effective date
Review schedule

Step 5: Publication

Communication:

Announce new/updated policy
Publish to policy repository
Make easily accessible
Send to all affected personnel
Include in onboarding

Methods:

Company intranet
Email announcement
Policy management system
Training materials
Team meetings

Step 6: Training and Awareness

Activities:

Briefing sessions
Online training modules
Quick reference guides
Posters and reminders
Manager communications
FAQ documents

Ensure:

All personnel aware
Responsibilities understood
Questions answered
Acknowledgment obtained
Competence verified

Step 7: Implementation and Enforcement

Implementation:

Develop supporting procedures
Configure technical controls
Assign responsibilities
Provide necessary resources
Monitor compliance
Measure effectiveness

Enforcement:

Regular compliance checks
Audit policy adherence
Address violations
Apply consequences consistently
Report compliance status

Step 8: Review and Update

Regular Review:

Annual scheduled review
Ad-hoc when changes occur
After incidents
When technology changes
When business changes
Based on audit findings

Update Process:

Identify needed changes
Draft updates
Review and approve
Communicate changes
Provide training
Update version

Policy Management Tools

Document Management:

Version control system
Approval workflow
Change tracking
Distribution lists
Archive old versions

Policy Repository:

Central location
Easy access
Search capability
Related documents linked
Mobile accessible

Acknowledgment Tracking:

User acknowledgment records
Completion tracking
Reminder system
Reporting dashboard
Audit trail

Training Management:

Training assignment
Completion tracking
Assessment scores
Certificate generation
Compliance reporting

Common Policy Pitfalls to Avoid

Too Detailed
- Policies should state what, not how
- Avoid technical specifications
- Use procedures for detailed steps
Too Vague
- Be specific about requirements
- Define clear obligations
- Use measurable terms
Not Aligned with Business
- Policies must support business goals
- Involve business stakeholders
- Consider practical impact
Impossible to Enforce
- Ensure requirements are feasible
- Have enforcement mechanisms
- Monitor compliance realistically
Inconsistent
- Cross-reference related policies
- Avoid contradictions
- Use consistent terminology
Never Updated
- Schedule regular reviews
- Update when things change
- Keep policies current
Nobody Reads Them
- Write clearly and concisely
- Use visual aids
- Provide summaries
- Make easily accessible

Next Lesson: People Controls (A.6) - Explore the 8 controls related to personnel security including screening, terms of employment, security awareness training, and remote working policies.