A comprehensive collection of NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) aligned security policy templates designed specifically for small to medium businesses (SMBs). These ready-to-use templates provide a structured approach to implementing essential cybersecurity policies with practical implementation guidance.
These policy templates help SMBs establish robust cybersecurity frameworks without the complexity typically associated with enterprise-grade security programs. Each policy is mapped to NIST CSF functions and includes practical implementation guidance tailored for resource-constrained environments.
- Acceptable Use Policy - Guidelines for appropriate IT resource usage
- Password Protection Policy - Comprehensive password security requirements with MFA guidance
- Clean Desk Policy - Physical and digital workspace security controls
- Email Policy - Secure email practices and threat awareness
- Data Breach Response Policy - Step-by-step breach response procedures with notification requirements
- Security Response Plan Policy - Comprehensive incident management framework
- Disaster Recovery Plan Policy - Business continuity and system recovery procedures
- Server Security Policy - Comprehensive server hardening and protection guidelines
- Router and Switch Security Policy - Network infrastructure security requirements
- Wireless Communication Policy - Wireless network and device security controls
- Ethics Policy - Information ethics and responsible technology use
- Implementation Guidelines - Detailed deployment roadmap with timelines and budgets
Start with the Implementation Guidelines document to:
- Assess your current security posture
- Prioritize policies based on your risk profile
- Plan your implementation timeline
Begin with these foundational policies:
- Password Protection Policy
- Data Breach Response Policy
- Email Policy
- Acceptable Use Policy
Replace all placeholders in the templates:
[Company Name]- Your organization name[Title/Role]- Specific job titles or names[Contact Info]- Actual contact information[Primary business application]- Your critical systems
These policies comprehensively address all five NIST Cybersecurity Framework functions:
| Function | Coverage | Key Policies |
|---|---|---|
| Identify (ID) | Asset management, governance, risk assessment | Server Security, Ethics, Implementation Guidelines |
| Protect (PR) | Access control, awareness, data security | Password Protection, Clean Desk, Email, Acceptable Use |
| Detect (DE) | Continuous monitoring, anomaly detection | Security Response Plan, Infrastructure policies |
| Respond (RS) | Response planning, communications, analysis | Data Breach Response, Security Response Plan |
| Recover (RC) | Recovery planning, improvements | Disaster Recovery Plan, Security Response Plan |
- Deploy basic security controls
- Establish incident response capability
- Implement user training programs
- Secure critical systems and networks
- Deploy comprehensive monitoring
- Test disaster recovery procedures
- Complete policy framework
- Establish ongoing compliance monitoring
- Conduct security assessments
See Implementation Guidelines for detailed timelines, budgets, and success metrics.
- Essential security controls
- Simplified implementation approach
- Budget-conscious solutions
- Comprehensive policy framework
- Scalable security architecture
- Compliance-ready documentation
- Enterprise-grade security controls
- Advanced threat detection and response
- Regulatory compliance preparation
- Adjust password complexity based on current capabilities
- Modify backup retention periods for business needs
- Scale response timeframes to match staffing levels
- Adapt encryption standards for compliance requirements
- Customize recovery objectives (RTO/RPO)
- Modify incident severity classifications
- Update communication procedures
- Adjust training frequency and methods
- Healthcare: Add HIPAA compliance requirements
- Financial: Include PCI DSS or SOX requirements
- Government Contractors: Incorporate NIST 800-171 controls
- International: Address GDPR or regional data protection laws
- Reduced security incident frequency
- Improved incident response capabilities
- Enhanced employee security awareness
- Basic compliance framework establishment
- Measurable risk reduction
- Faster incident detection and response
- Improved audit and compliance scores
- Cultural shift toward security awareness
- Comprehensive security posture
- Regulatory compliance achievement
- Business resilience improvement
- Competitive advantage through security
- Business risk and impact overview
- Policy framework and compliance requirements
- Resource allocation and budget planning
- Technical implementation procedures
- Incident response and forensics
- System hardening and monitoring
- Security awareness and best practices
- Policy compliance requirements
- Incident recognition and reporting
- Monthly: Access control and basic compliance checks
- Quarterly: Comprehensive policy compliance reviews
- Annually: Full security posture assessments
- Policy compliance rates
- Incident response effectiveness
- Security awareness improvement
- Risk reduction measurements
We welcome contributions to improve these policy templates:
- Submit issues for unclear guidance or missing elements
- Propose enhancements based on implementation experience
- Share industry-specific adaptations
- Provide feedback on implementation effectiveness
This project is licensed under the Mozilla Public License 2.0 - see the LICENSE file for details.
- These templates provide guidance but may require legal review for your jurisdiction
- Customize all policies to match your specific business environment
- Regular updates are essential as threats and regulations evolve
- Consider professional security consultation for complex environments
- Review the Implementation Guidelines for detailed deployment guidance
- Check the Issues section for common implementation questions
- Consider professional cybersecurity consultation for complex requirements
Start securing your business today with these practical, proven security policy templates.