Free ISO 27001 Information Security Policy Template + Customization Tips
An Information Security Policy is the cornerstone document of an ISO 27001 ISMS — it's the first thing most auditors ask for. This free template is aligned to Clause 5.2 of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and written the way a certification auditor expects to see it. Copy it, tailor the [Customize] points to your organization, and you have a defensible starting point.
Use this if you're preparing for ISO 27001 certification, responding to a customer security questionnaire, or simply putting your security commitments in writing. It suits SMEs, startups and IT service providers. It is a starting template, not legal advice — review and adapt it to your context.
Template
Information Security Policy
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 — Clause 5.2
1. Purpose & Scope
This Information Security Policy sets out ✎ Company Name's commitment to protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the information it processes. It applies to all employees, contractors and third parties, and to the information systems within the scope of the ISMS: ✎ list in-scope systems, locations and services. It covers the information the organization handles, including ✎ e.g. customer personal data, payment data, source code.
2. Information Security Objectives
The organization sets and reviews measurable information security objectives, including: ✎ e.g. remediate critical vulnerabilities within 14 days; achieve 95% security-training completion; zero unresolved high-risk audit findings. Progress against these objectives is reviewed at management review.
3. Roles & Responsibilities
- Top management approves this policy, provides resources, and reviews the ISMS at least annually.
- [Customize: Information Security Manager] owns and maintains the ISMS and reports on its performance.
- System and asset owners apply security requirements within their areas.
- All personnel must comply with this policy and report security events promptly.
4. Policy Statements
- Access to information is granted on a least-privilege, need-to-know basis and reviewed regularly.
- Risks are assessed and treated in line with the organization's risk methodology; controls are selected via the Statement of Applicability.
- Information is classified and handled according to its sensitivity.
- Security requirements are built into projects, systems and supplier relationships from the outset.
- Cryptography protects sensitive data in transit and at rest.
5. Compliance, Monitoring & Review
Compliance with this policy is mandatory; breaches may lead to disciplinary action. The ISMS is monitored through internal audits and management reviews. This policy is reviewed at least annually and after any significant change. Approved by ✎ name/role on ✎ date; next review ✎ date.
✎ Highlighted items are placeholders — replace them with your organization's details.
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How to customize this template
- Replace every [Customize: …] marker — scope, objectives, owner roles and approval details are what make this *your* policy rather than a generic one.
- Keep the scope statement honest and specific: auditors check that what you claim is in scope matches what you actually operate.
- Make objectives measurable. "Improve security" is not auditable; "patch criticals within 14 days" is.
- Have it formally approved by top management and record the date — Clause 5.2 requires leadership ownership.
- Communicate it to staff and keep evidence (e.g. an acknowledgement record).
What an auditor looks for
- •Is the policy approved by top management, with a date and an owner?
- •Does the scope match the rest of the ISMS (the SoA, the risk register)?
- •Is there evidence it was communicated to staff?
- •Is there a defined review cycle, and has the last review happened on time?
Frequently asked questions
Is an Information Security Policy mandatory for ISO 27001?+
Yes. Clause 5.2 of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 requires top management to establish a documented information security policy. It is one of the mandatory documents an auditor will request.
How long should an ISO 27001 Information Security Policy be?+
Concise is better — typically two to four pages. It states intent and high-level commitments; the detail lives in supporting policies (access control, cryptography, incident response).
Can I just use this template as-is?+
Use it as a starting point, but you must tailor the [Customize] points and have it approved. An auditor will quickly spot a generic, unadapted policy.