What Is a WISP? 

A Written Information Security Plan (WISP) is exactly what it sounds like: a formal, documented plan outlining your organization’s security program. It spells out the policies, procedures, and responsibilities for protecting your company’s data. 

Think of it as your business’s security playbook. It covers what safeguards you have in place, how your team should respond to incidents, and how you’ll prove compliance to regulators, insurers, and clients if an issue ever arises. 

For regulated industries—like finance, healthcare, and insurance—a WISP is often a legal requirement. But even if your industry doesn’t mandate it, the business case for having one is undeniable. 

Why a WISP Matters—Even If You Think You’re Covered 

Too many executives believe that because they have an IT team or a managed service provider (MSP), they’re automatically “covered” when it comes to cybersecurity. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. 

Without a WISP, you can’t easily prove what security measures are in place, when they were implemented, or who is responsible for maintaining them. And when a cyber incident occurs, that lack of documentation can create real business risk. 

Here’s why every business needs a WISP: 

It Protects You from Legal and Regulatory Trouble
If customer, patient, or financial data is exposed, regulators will ask for proof that you had reasonable security measures in place. Without a WISP, it’s much harder to demonstrate compliance and avoid fines. 

It Keeps Your Cyber Insurance Valid
Insurance carriers are getting stricter about payouts. Almost half  of cyber insurance claims are denied because companies can’t prove they met policy requirements. A WISP documents your compliance and reduces the chance of a denied claim. 

It Safeguards Your Reputation
After a breach, clients, partners, and investors want to know if you had your security house in order. A WISP is evidence that you take data protection seriously—and that you had a plan in place before the incident occurred. 

It Speeds Recovery After an Incident
A WISP clearly defines roles, responsibilities, and procedures in the event of a breach or ransomware attack. That means faster decisions, less confusion, and reduced downtime. 

What’s in a WISP? 

A strong WISP typically includes: 

  • An inventory of sensitive data and where it’s stored 
  • The technical safeguards in place (such as encryption, access controls, and backups) 
  • Administrative safeguards (policies, employee training, vendor management) 
  • Physical safeguards (secure areas, device controls) 
  • An incident response plan detailing who does what during a security event 
  • Documentation of risk assessments and client/vendor security requirements 

This is not a “one-and-done” document. A WISP should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in your systems, personnel, and threat landscape. 

Why CEOs and CFOs Should Care 

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem—it’s a business risk problem. Cyber incidents can lead to: 

  • Lost revenue from downtime 
  • Permanent loss of future sales if customers lose trust 
  • Regulatory fines and legal settlements 
  • Damage to company valuation 
  • Increased insurance premiums or loss of coverage 

For CFOs, the WISP is a risk management tool. For CEOs, it’s a governance and leadership tool. For both, it’s a way to align your security posture with your business strategy and risk tolerance. 

Your Homework 

Ask your IT lead or managed service provider one simple question: 

“Do we have a current Written Information Security Plan (WISP) in place?” 

If the answer is yes, ask to review it. Check when it was last updated, and confirm it reflects your current operations. 

If the answer is no—or if the WISP is outdated—make it a priority to get one in place immediately. Cyber incidents happen without warning, and the time to prepare is before the crisis, not after. 

How We Can Help 

We help businesses create and maintain WISPs that not only meet compliance requirements but also serve as practical, actionable playbooks for protecting your organization. 

Our process is streamlined, so you get a tailored, regulator-ready WISP without slowing down your operations. We focus on both the documentation and the underlying security practices, so you can be confident that your plan reflects real, enforceable protections. 

Don’t wait for a regulator, insurer, or lawyer to point out the gap. Get your WISP in place now—so you can focus on running your business, knowing you’re prepared.