Protect your organisation. Download our free Cyber Security Policy template.
This editable Microsoft Word template provides Irish organisations with clear rules, responsibilities, and procedures to strengthen resilience against cyber risks. It covers everything from device security and access controls to training and incident response, supporting compliance obligations, and preparing you for smoother certification audits.
What Is a Cyber Security Policy?
A Cyber Security Policy is a formal document that defines how an organisation safeguards its digital systems, data, and information assets. It explains who is covered, what devices and systems are in scope, and the rules all staff, contractors, and third parties must follow.
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems.
- Minimise the risk of cyber incidents and breaches.
- Support compliance with applicable Irish and EU laws, including GDPR.
- Promote a culture of awareness and secure working practices.
This template applies to:
- All employees, contractors, and volunteers.
- All devices (company-issued or personal) used for work.
- All IT systems, cloud services, and data owned or processed by the organisation.
Why Cyber Security Policies Are More Important Than Ever
Cyber security incidents continue to rise, making documented policies essential for organisations of all sizes.
- Rising threat levels in Ireland: The all-island cyber security sector recently reported 632 firms operating on the island and €3.2 billion in revenue, with 10,600 people employed, showing how big the sector is and how motivated cyber attackers are. (Source: RTE News – All-island cyber security sector worth €3.2 billion – report)
- Budget priorities: 66% of Irish organisations plan to increase their cyber security budgets in 2025. (Source: PwC Digital Trust Insights Survey 2025)
- Third-party risk: 48% of Irish respondents to a 2025 survey saw third-party breaches as a top threat. (Source: PwC Digital Trust Insights Survey 2025)
- Incident costs: Over one-third (≈ 38%) of organisations surveyed experienced a data breach costing more than €500,000 in the past year. (Source: PwC Digital Trust Insights Survey 2025)
A Cyber Security Policy ensures your organisation has a clear framework to manage these risks through:
- Access control & device security (passwords, MFA, encryption)
- Data protection (backups, encryption, retention periods)
- Incident reporting and response (phishing, suspicious activity)
- Training and awareness (onboarding and refresher sessions)
- Remote working security (VPNs, updates, safe data storage)
Why This Matters for ISO Certification
Having a Cyber Security Policy is not only a best practice, it’s often a requirement for ISO certification.
|
ISO Standard |
How a Cyber Security Policy Helps |
|---|---|
|
ISO 9001 (Quality Management) |
Embeds cyber risk into the quality structure through training, awareness, and scheduled reviews, supporting continual improvement. |
|
ISO 20000-1 (IT Service Management) |
Shows that IT services are delivered securely, with documented acceptable use, device management, and access control. |
|
ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management) |
Links cyber incident response with continuity planning; includes data backups, remote working provisions, and clear reporting channels. |
|
ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management) |
Demonstrates leadership commitment, defines access controls, incident reporting, and risk treatment measures. Policy elements map directly to Annex A controls. |
By integrating this policy, organisations can demonstrate to certification bodies that they have the documented controls required for audit readiness and ongoing compliance.
Get Started Today
Our free Cyber Security Policy template sets out practical rules and responsibilities to support in protecting your organisation’s systems and data. It spans device security, access management, staff training, and incident response, helping you reduce risks, align with ISO requirements, and prepare effectively for certification.
