Protecting Clients, Reputation, and Compliance in a Changing Threat Landscape

For Canadian Managed Service Providers (MSPs), cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue it’s a business-critical responsibility. Clients rely on MSPs to manage, monitor, and protect their IT environments meaning your security standards directly define your clients’ trust.

An ISO 27001-aligned Information Security Policy gives your MSP a structured way to manage risk, prove compliance, and win more business.

At Canadian Cyber, we’ve developed a practical Information Security Policy Template (CC-ISMS-002) that helps MSPs quickly build a professional, auditor-ready policy aligned with ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA).

Why an Information Security Policy Is Essential

A well-written Information Security Policy is more than paperwork it’s your organization’s cybersecurity constitution. It defines how you will:

  • Protect information assets across client and internal systems
  • Comply with privacy laws and contractual security obligations
  • Manage risks through structured, repeatable processes
  • Prepare for ISO 27001 certification or equivalent audits

In essence, your policy demonstrates to clients that security is built into your DNA not bolted on as an afterthought.

How to Build an ISO 27001-Ready Policy

Our CC-ISMS-002 template simplifies the process by guiding you through key components like scope, roles, and control commitments.

Here’s what it includes plus, below you’ll see a real-world example using a fictional MSP called Maple Shield IT Services Inc.

Sample Information Security Policy

(Based on the Canadian Cyber CC-ISMS-002 Template)

Document Title: Information Security Policy
Document Number: MS-ISMS-002
Version: 1.0
Date: October 2025
Company: Maple Shield IT Services Inc.
Classification: Confidential

1. Purpose

This Information Security Policy establishes Maple Shield IT Services’ commitment to protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of client and company information. It ensures security practices are aligned with business objectives, client expectations, and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 requirements.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all Maple Shield employees, contractors, and third-party service providers who handle company or client information. It covers all assets, including:

  • Cloud-based services (Microsoft 365, AWS)
  • On-premises infrastructure and client-managed networks
  • Remote work devices and communication tools

3. Policy Statement

  • Managing information security risks systematically
  • Complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and client agreements
  • Continually improving the Information Security Management System (ISMS)

All personnel must follow this policy and related standards, including acceptable use, access control, and incident response procedures.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

The following table defines roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities for key stakeholders within the ISMS.

Role Responsibilities
Chief Executive Officer (John Miller) Approves this policy, ensures implementation, provides resources for the ISMS, and promotes a security-aware culture across the organization.
ISMS Manager (Samantha Patel) Manages day-to-day ISMS operations, maintains documentation, conducts risk assessments, and reports performance to senior management.
IT Operations Manager (Ryan Chen) Implements technical controls (MFA, patching, encryption, backups), ensures secure configurations, and monitors network and cloud environments.
HR Manager (Emily Ford) Integrates information security into HR processes including recruitment, onboarding, and training. Ensures confidentiality agreements are signed and training completed.
All Employees & Contractors Comply with this policy, use strong passwords, report security incidents promptly, and protect company and client data at all times.

5. Information Security Objectives

  • Achieve zero major security incidents annually
  • Maintain 100% employee completion of security awareness training
  • Conduct quarterly access reviews for privileged accounts
  • Achieve ISO 27001 certification by Q2 2026

6. Risk Management

Maple Shield conducts biannual risk assessments using the MS-ISMS-003 Risk Methodology. Risks are logged in the Risk Register, and controls from ISO 27001 Annex A are applied based on risk severity. Residual risks are reviewed and approved by management.

7. Information Security Controls Overview

  • Access Control: MFA enforced; privileged accounts reviewed quarterly.
  • Data Protection: Encryption in transit (TLS 1.2+) and at rest (AES-256).
  • Incident Response: Report incidents immediately to the ISMS Manager via ServiceDesk.
  • Asset Management: All devices tracked via MDM; lost devices remotely wiped.
  • Supplier Management: Vendors must meet Maple Shield’s security standards and sign data protection agreements.
  • Business Continuity: Weekly data backups verified and tested monthly.
  • Training: Annual cybersecurity awareness and phishing training required for all staff.

8. Compliance

  • ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standards and Annex A controls
  • PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act)
  • Contractual client obligations and NDAs

Policy violations may result in disciplinary action, up to termination or contract suspension.

9. Review and Improvement

This policy is reviewed annually or after significant incidents or regulatory changes. Revisions are approved by the CEO and logged in version control.

Approved by: John Miller, CEO October 1, 2025

How Canadian Cyber Helps MSPs Achieve Compliance and Confidence

  • ✅ ISO 27001 Readiness & Certification: From gap analysis to audit preparation
  • ✅ Custom Policy Frameworks & Templates: Fully editable ISO 27001 documents for MSPs
  • ✅ Compliance Automation: Track controls, risks, and evidence effortlessly
  • ✅ Staff Training & Awareness: Build a resilient security culture
  • ✅ Virtual CISO Services: Affordable, expert-led compliance and strategy

Ready to Build Your ISO 27001-Compliant MSP Policy?

Your clients trust you to protect their data and you can trust Canadian Cyber to protect your business.

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Because in cybersecurity, trust isn’t assumed it’s earned.