ISO 27001 • IT Security • Translation Industry
Building an ISO 27001-Aligned IT Security Policy for Language Translation Companies
Protecting Client Data Across Languages, Systems, and Continents
For Canadian language translation companies, information is the product. Every client document, transcript, and multilingual dataset you handle may contain personal, legal, or confidential business information. A single breach whether from a compromised freelancer account or an unsecured file transfer can devastate client trust and regulatory compliance.
That’s why ISO/IEC 27001 emphasizes a documented, measurable IT Security Policy: a framework defining how your organization protects digital assets, manages access, and secures sensitive linguistic data.
At Canadian Cyber, we’ve developed an ISO 27001-aligned IT Security Policy Template (CC-ISMS-012) that helps translation companies protect client content, maintain privacy compliance (like PIPEDA and GDPR), and prove their commitment to data security when bidding for corporate or government translation contracts.
Why Translation Companies Need an IT Security Policy
- Remote teams and freelance translators accessing sensitive files
- Multilingual data stored in cloud translation memory tools
- Integration with third-party CAT and AI platforms
- Legal and privacy obligations under PIPEDA and GDPR
A strong IT Security Policy gives your company a clear roadmap for:
- Controlling who can access translation files and systems
- Protecting client data in transit and at rest
- Securing cloud-based translation environments
- Demonstrating ISO 27001 compliance during audits and tenders
It’s not just about compliance it’s about confidence and credibility in a data-driven translation industry.
How to Build an ISO 27001-Ready IT Security Policy
Our CC-ISMS-012 template covers essential ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A technical controls, adapted for real-world translation operations from access management and encryption to logging, backups, and vendor risk management for third-party translators and SaaS platforms.
Below is a complete sample policy built for a fictional translation company, LinguaTrust Translations Inc., showing how these principles look in practice.
🧾 Sample IT Security Policy
(Based on the Canadian Cyber CC-ISMS-012 Template)
Document Metadata
1. Purpose
This IT Security Policy establishes the required technical controls to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of client translation data, project files, and internal systems. It aligns with ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and PIPEDA, ensuring secure handling of multilingual content across cloud platforms and translation workflows.
2. Scope
Applies to all employees, project managers, linguists, and contractors handling client documents, translation memories, or CAT tool data. It covers:
- Cloud storage (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace)
- Translation Management Systems (TMS) and CAT platforms
- Internal IT systems, file transfer tools, and VPNs
3. References
| Reference | Description |
|---|---|
| CC-ISMS-002 | Information Security Policy |
| CC-ISMS-005 | Risk Treatment Process & Plan |
| CC-ISMS-006 | Statement of Applicability |
| CC-ISMS-013 | Roles & Authorities |
| ISO/IEC 27001:2022 | Annex A Controls |
4. Roles & Responsibilities
| Role | Name | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| CEO | Marie Dupont | Approves and reviews the policy annually. |
| ISMS Manager | Ryan Carter | Oversees ISO compliance, coordinates risk treatment, manages audit evidence. |
| IT Manager | Alex Chen | Implements and maintains technical controls (encryption, patching, backups). |
| Project Managers | — | Ensure secure file exchange with clients and linguists. |
| Translators & Reviewers | — | Follow access, data handling, and confidentiality guidelines. |
5. Policy & Procedures
5.1 Access Control
- Unique user accounts only; shared credentials prohibited.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) required for all remote and admin access.
- Role-based access enforced for TMS and cloud folders.
- Accounts deactivated immediately upon project completion or termination.
5.2 Secure Configuration & Hardening
- Translation devices follow corporate configuration standards.
- Default passwords disabled; security updates applied automatically.
- File-sharing permissions reviewed monthly for client folders.
5.3 Network Security
- All connections to LinguaTrust systems secured via VPN.
- Firewall policies apply “deny by default”.
- Only encrypted protocols (HTTPS, SFTP, TLS 1.2+) for data exchange.
- Monitoring in place for unauthorized data transfers.
5.4 Malware Protection
- Real-time AV and EDR on all workstations and laptops.
- File uploads scanned before TMS processing.
- Phishing awareness training conducted quarterly.
5.5 Vulnerability & Patch Management
- Critical patches applied within 14 days of release.
- Monthly vulnerability scans across servers and endpoints.
- TMS and CAT tools reviewed for vendor security patches.
5.6 Cryptography & Data Protection
- Client files encrypted in transit (TLS 1.2+) and at rest (AES-256).
- Keys stored in Azure Key Vault and rotated annually.
- Portable devices must use full-disk encryption.
5.7 Logging & Monitoring
- User logins and file transfers logged automatically.
- Logs reviewed weekly by the ISMS Manager.
- Alerts for failed login attempts or unauthorized downloads.
5.8 Backup & Recovery
- Incremental backups daily; full backups weekly.
- Off-site encrypted storage maintained for business continuity.
- Quarterly recovery testing verifies data integrity.
6. Compliance & Records
This policy supports ISO 27001 Annex A controls for:
- Access Management (A.5.15)
- Secure Configuration (A.8.11)
- Monitoring (A.8.16)
- Encryption (A.8.24)
- Backup (A.8.13)
All evidence access logs, patch reports, backup tests, and training records is retained in LinguaTrust’s ISMS documentation library for a minimum of six years.
7. Review & Continuous Improvement
This policy is reviewed annually or after any major incident, audit finding, or regulatory update. The ISMS Manager coordinates improvements and communicates changes to all staff and external linguists.
Approved by: Marie Dupont, CEO
Date: October 15, 2025
Why This Example Works
- Clear ownership of controls and responsibilities.
- Data encryption and secure transfer at every stage of translation.
- Audit-ready evidence trails for ISO and client assurance.
- Security integrated into translation workflows and vendor management.
How Canadian Cyber Helps Language Service Providers Stay Secure and Compliant
- ISO 27001 IT Security Policy Templates (CC-ISMS-012) customized for LSPs
- Secure Data Handling and Access Control Frameworks
- Risk Assessment and Audit Preparation
- Virtual CISO (vCISO) Services for continuous improvement
- Compliance Training for Project Managers and Translators
We turn compliance into a competitive advantage giving you the credibility to work with government agencies, law firms, and global enterprises that demand proof of data protection.
Ready to Build Your ISO 27001-Compliant IT Security Policy?
Your clients trust you with their words and their secrets. Let Canadian Cyber help you build an IT Security Policy that protects both.
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