Cybersecurity Policy Template

This Cybersecurity Policy (the “Policy”) is adopted by [Company Name] as of [Effective Date].

1. Purpose

1.1 Purpose. This Policy establishes minimum security requirements to protect Company systems, networks, and information from unauthorized access, misuse, and disruption.

1.2 Scope. This Policy applies to all employees, contractors, interns, and third parties who access Company systems, networks, or data.

2. Definitions

2.1 Company Systems. Company-owned or managed devices, networks, applications, cloud services, and accounts.

2.2 Sensitive Data. Any non-public information including personal data, financial information, credentials, confidential business information, and customer data.

2.3 Incident. A suspected or confirmed event that compromises confidentiality, integrity, or availability (e.g., phishing, malware, unauthorized access, data leak).

2.4 Least Privilege. Access is limited to the minimum required to perform job duties.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 Policy Owner. [Security Team/IT/Role] owns this Policy and is responsible for updates and enforcement.

3.2 Managers. Ensure team members follow access and security requirements.

3.3 Users. Follow security rules, protect credentials, and report incidents promptly.

3.4 IT/Security (Optional). Implement controls, monitor systems, and coordinate incident response.

4. Access Control

4.1 Account Management. Each user must have a unique account; shared accounts are: ☐ Prohibited ☐ Allowed only with approval and logging.

4.2 Authentication.

• Passwords must meet minimum requirements: [Length/Complexity].

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is: ☐ Required ☐ Required for privileged accounts ☐ Recommended.

  4.3 Least Privilege. Access will be granted based on least privilege and reviewed: ☐ Quarterly ☐ Semiannually ☐ Annually.

  4.4 Privileged Access. Admin privileges require: approval, MFA, and logging.

  4.5 Remote Access. Remote access is allowed only via: ☐ VPN ☐ SSO ☐ Approved tools, and must use MFA.

Passwords must meet minimum requirements: [Length/Complexity].

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is: ☐ Required ☐ Required for privileged accounts ☐ Recommended.

4.3 Least Privilege. Access will be granted based on least privilege and reviewed: ☐ Quarterly ☐ Semiannually ☐ Annually.

4.4 Privileged Access. Admin privileges require: approval, MFA, and logging.

4.5 Remote Access. Remote access is allowed only via: ☐ VPN ☐ SSO ☐ Approved tools, and must use MFA.

5. Device and Endpoint Security

5.1 Approved Devices. Only approved devices may access Company Systems: ☐ Company-issued only ☐ BYOD allowed under conditions: [MDM, encryption, etc.].

5.2 Updates and Patching. Devices must run supported OS versions and apply security updates within: [**] days (critical updates).

5.3 Anti-Malware/EDR. Endpoint protection is: ☐ Required ☐ Recommended.

5.4 Encryption. Full-disk encryption is: ☐ Required ☐ Required for portable devices ☐ Recommended.

5.5 Screen Lock. Automatic screen lock after [**] minutes of inactivity is required.

5.6 Lost/Stolen Devices. Lost or stolen devices must be reported within [__] hours to: [Contact].

6. Data Protection

6.1 Data Classification. Data must be classified as: ☐ Public ☐ Internal ☐ Confidential ☐ Restricted (or use Company classification scheme).

6.2 Storage and Sharing. Sensitive Data must be stored only in approved systems and shared using approved methods.

6.3 Encryption in Transit and at Rest. Encryption is required for: ☐ Data in transit ☐ Data at rest ☐ Both, for Sensitive Data.

6.4 Backups. Critical systems must be backed up: ☐ Daily ☐ Weekly ☐ Other: [Frequency]. Backup testing occurs: [Frequency].

6.5 Retention and Disposal. Data retention periods are defined by: [Policy/Legal]. Secure disposal is required for: [Media types].

7. Email, Phishing, and Acceptable Use

7.1 Phishing Awareness. Users must complete security awareness training: ☐ Onboarding ☐ Annual ☐ Quarterly.

7.2 Suspicious Emails. Suspicious messages must be reported to: [Security email/tool].

7.3 Prohibited Actions. Users must not: share passwords, bypass security controls, install unapproved software, or access systems without authorization.

8. Software and Change Management (Optional)

8.1 Approved Software. Software installations require: ☐ Admin approval ☐ IT ticket ☐ Other: [Process].

8.2 Secure Development (If Applicable). Development teams must follow: code review, dependency scanning, and secrets management requirements.

8.3 Change Control. Production changes require: approvals, testing, and rollback plans based on system criticality.

9. Vendor and Cloud Security (Optional)

9.1 Vendor Review. Vendors handling Sensitive Data must be reviewed for security risk before onboarding.

9.2 Contract Requirements. Vendor contracts must include: confidentiality, data protection, incident notice timelines, and audit rights, as applicable.

9.3 Cloud Configuration. Cloud services must follow approved configuration baselines and access controls.

10. Incident Response

10.1 Reporting. Suspected incidents must be reported immediately to: [Contact].

10.2 Response Steps. The Company will follow an incident response process including: triage, containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned.

10.3 Evidence Preservation. Users must preserve evidence and follow instructions from IT/Security.

10.4 Notification. Legal/compliance will determine whether notifications are required to customers, regulators, or individuals.

11. Monitoring and Enforcement

11.1 Monitoring. Company may monitor systems and logs to protect security and ensure compliance, as permitted by law.

11.2 Violations. Violations may result in access removal, disciplinary action, or contract termination for vendors.

12. Exceptions

12.1 Exception Requests. Exceptions must be documented and approved by: [Security/IT/Role].

12.2 Expiration. Exceptions must include an expiration date and mitigation steps.

13. Policy Administration

13.1 Owner. Policy owner: [Team/Role].

13.2 Review Cycle. This Policy will be reviewed: ☐ Annually ☐ Every [__] months ☐ After major incidents.

13.3 Related Policies. Related policies: [Acceptable Use, Password Policy, Incident Response Plan, etc.].

Signatures

By signing below, the undersigned acknowledge they have read and agree to comply with this Cybersecurity Policy.

Company Representative: [Name]

Title: [Title]

Date: [Date]

Signature: ___________________________

Employee/Contractor: [Name]

Title/Role: [Role]

Date: [Date]

Signature: ___________________________