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