Information Security Policy - SME

This Information Security Policy (P01S) is an SME-focused cybersecurity framework crafted for organizations lacking dedicated IT teams or specialist security roles. Its primary purpose is to demonstrate the organization's commitment to protecting customer and business information through enforceable, practical measures. The policy is designed with clear, simplified responsibilities, designating the General Manager or the assigned delegate as the accountable party for all matters concerning information security. This approach enables smaller businesses to maintain strong controls, structure, and accountability, supporting direct compliance with ISO/IEC 27001:2022 requirements. The scope of this policy is intentionally broad, covering all individuals, business owners, general managers, employees, contractors, and even external IT service providers, who access or manage organizational data and systems. All environments, including office-based, remote, and cloud, are included, along with all types of information assets from digital to physical records. The policy enumerates explicit objectives, such as assigning clear responsibilities, safeguarding customer and business data, embedding security into business processes, and cultivating a culture of awareness and accountability among non-technical staff. One of the key benefits of the policy is the practical breakdown of roles and responsibilities. For SMEs, where roles often overlap, the General Manager or business owner is accountable for security outcomes, ensuring oversight even when tasks are delegated. Designated employees or external IT providers may handle daily security actions, but oversight remains centralized with the GM, ensuring policy alignment and operational consistency. Policy sections elaborate on governance essentials such as regular security reviews (at least annual), documentation of delegation, external provider governance, and requirements for immediate escalation of incidents to the GM. Policy implementation demands security awareness for all staff, emphasizing strong passwords, safe information handling, reporting incidents, and applying basic controls like backups and antivirus updates. The General Manager must verify and document compliance with these controls on a regular basis. The risk section calls for simple, routine assessments and allows for documented exceptions, provided they are approved and reviewed annually. Enforcement is clear-cut, with mandatory adherence for all personnel and third parties, and a defined set of responses for violations. The General Manager is also tasked with leading the annual policy review to maintain ISO/IEC 27001 alignment, and to communicate updates promptly throughout the organization. Notably, as an SME policy (indicated by the 'S' in P01S and the role of the General Manager), this document is adapted for businesses without a CISO, SOC team, or specialist IT personnel, yet ensures compliance with ISO/IEC 27001:2022. It interfaces closely with other SME policies on governance, access control, security awareness, privacy, and incident response, underlining that full certification and security maturity can be achieved in smaller organizations by implementing structured, accessible, and documented policies.