Information security policy template
A free, ready-to-edit information security policy template for Australian businesses. Set clear rules for protecting your data and systems — built around the confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA) triad, with access control, data classification and incident response — no signup required.
Information security policy
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By downloading, you agree to our template disclaimer
This information security policy template reflects Australian privacy and security best practice at the time of publication and is provided as a general guide to adapt for your business, IT environment and risk profile. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.
What is an information security policy?
An information security policy (ISP) is a formal set of rules that explains how your business protects its data, networks and IT systems. It defines minimum security requirements, sets out who is responsible for what, and gives every employee a clear understanding of how to keep company and customer information safe.
A good policy is built around three core objectives — the CIA triad: keeping information confidential (only the right people can see it), maintaining its integrity (it stays accurate and isn’t tampered with), and ensuring its availability (it’s there when the business needs it). These principles also underpin frameworks like ISO 27001 and the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s Essential Eight.
With the Privacy Act 1988 and the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme placing real obligations on Australian businesses, a documented policy demonstrates due diligence and reduces the risk of a costly breach. It pairs naturally with your data protection policy and password policy. Store it and capture employee acknowledgements in your HR software so you can prove every worker has read and understood it.
What an information security policy should cover
The core building blocks of a strong ISP
Security principles (CIA triad)
Confidentiality, integrity and availability — the foundation of the policy.
Access control
How access to systems and data is granted, reviewed and revoked.
Data classification
Categorising information as public, internal, confidential or restricted.
Roles & responsibilities
What management, IT and every employee must do to stay secure.
Incident response
How to identify, report and respond to a security incident or breach.
Acceptable use & training
Safe use of devices, email and the internet, plus ongoing awareness.
What's included in this template
A complete framework covering security requirements end to end
Purpose & scope
Why the policy exists and who and what systems it applies to.
Policy statement
The organisation's commitment to protecting its information assets.
Security principles
The confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA) objectives.
Roles & responsibilities
Duties for management, IT staff and all employees.
Data classification
How to label information as public, internal, confidential or restricted.
Access management
Account creation, authentication, least-privilege access and reviews.
Acceptable use
Safe use of devices, email, internet and removable media.
Physical security
Protecting premises, hardware and physical records.
Incident management
Reporting, containing and responding to incidents and breaches.
Training & awareness
Security education and phishing-awareness requirements.
Compliance & review
Audits, monitoring and regular policy review.
Acknowledgement
Employee sign-off confirming they've read and understood the policy.
Getting information security right in Australia
Map the policy to recognised frameworks and your legal obligations
Privacy Act & data breach obligations
Businesses covered by the Privacy Act 1988 must take reasonable steps to protect personal information and, under the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme, report eligible breaches to the OAIC and affected individuals. A documented policy shows the regulator you’ve taken those reasonable steps.
People are the biggest risk
Most breaches start with human error — phishing, weak passwords or accidental sharing. Pair this policy with a strong password policy and regular awareness training so staff can spot threats before they cause damage.
How the policy aligns with security frameworks
Confidentiality
Restrict access to information so only authorised people can view it.
Integrity
Keep data accurate, complete and protected from unauthorised change.
Availability
Ensure systems and data are accessible when the business needs them.
Essential Eight
Supports the ACSC's baseline mitigation strategies for cyber resilience.
ISO 27001 and the Essential Eight are widely used benchmarks — you don’t need formal certification to benefit from structuring your policy around them. Tailor the controls to your systems, and set access controls and digital HR records so sensitive employee data is handled the same way.
Review the policy at least annually and after any significant incident, system change or new threat. Involve IT, management and worker representatives, document every change, and communicate updates clearly. For step-by-step help building it out, see our guide on how to write a workplace policy. The Australian Cyber Security Centre and the OAIC publish authoritative guidance to draw on.
Who should use this template?
Any organisation that handles data or relies on IT needs an ISP
Especially important for businesses handling sensitive personal, financial or health information, or that must meet client or regulatory security requirements.
Compliance resources
Official Australian guidance on information and cyber security.
Manage your policies the easy way
RosterElf helps Australian businesses store policies, capture employee acknowledgements at onboarding and keep an audit trail — all in one place.
Related guides
Build and roll out your policy the right way
Related templates
Build a complete technology & data framework
Information security policy FAQ
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An information security policy (ISP) is a formal set of rules and procedures that protect an organisation’s data, networks and IT assets. It defines minimum security requirements and employee responsibilities, and is built around the CIA triad — confidentiality, integrity and availability — to help prevent breaches and unauthorised access.
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The CIA triad is the foundation of information security: confidentiality (only authorised people can access information), integrity (data stays accurate and isn’t tampered with), and availability (systems and data are accessible when needed). A good policy sets out controls that protect all three.
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A complete policy should cover its purpose and scope, a policy statement, the CIA security principles, roles and responsibilities, data classification, access management, acceptable use, physical security, incident response, training and awareness, compliance and review, and an employee acknowledgement.
Before you download
General information only — not legal advice
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.