Why Your Business Needs a Written Information Security Plan

Data breaches aren’t just a “big business problem.” Small and mid-sized organizations are increasingly targeted because they often manage sensitive client data without the same level of protection as large enterprises. From tax professionals and accountants to MSPs and small service providers, businesses are obligated to protect the personal information they collect.

One key tool can help: a Written Information Security Plan (WISP). The IRS recently reminded tax professionals that a WISP is not only a best practice — it’s an expectation. More businesses (not only in finance) are now seeing regulators, vendors, and even insurance providers require clear security policies in writing.

What Is a WISP?

A WISP is a written document that outlines how your business protects client and employee information. It covers:

• Data handling policies
• Administrative security controls
• Technical protections (network, software, access controls, encryption)
• Employee responsibilities
• What to do in the event of a breach

Whether your business uses cloud software, collects payment information, or stores personal client data, a WISP defines exactly how you protect it.

Furthermore, a WISP can help you reduce breach risks, train employees properly, demonstrate compliance, and protect brand reputation and avoid fines.

“But There Are Free Templates”

There are plenty of free WISP templates, including examples linked by the IRS, but most businesses make a critical mistake - they copy and paste the template without customizing it. An incomplete or inaccurate WISP can do more harm than good. If your document says your business encrypts all data, but you don’t, then you’ve just admitted non-compliance in writing. Templates are a good starting point, but compliance requires tailoring.

A useful WISP should be:

• Customized to your systems, software, and workflows
• Aligned with how your employees actually operate
• Auditable, so you can prove what you claim
• Reviewable and updated regularly

Who Needs a WISP?

A WISP is essential for any organization that handles:

• Personally identifiable information (PII)
• Tax or financial records
• Health or HR information
• Payment details
• Client contact data

Industries like accounting, insurance, legal, finance, healthcare, property management, education, and technology should have one, even if they’re not explicitly required by law yet.

Free templates may look helpful, but security isn’t a copy-and-paste exercise. A WISP only protects you if it accurately reflects your systems and practices. Building a strong WISP doesn’t have to be complex. It starts with understanding what data you collect, how it’s stored, who accesses it, and how you respond to risk. Even if you start from a template, make sure your plan is real, actionable, and built for your organization.

Ready to Strengthen Your Security Policies?

Whether you’re starting from a template or building a compliance framework from scratch, the right partner can help you turn security concepts into real, enforceable practices. Learn more about information security with INT.