In this guide, you will learn what an ISO 27001 Physical Security Policy is, how to write it yourself and I give you a template you can download and use right away.
Table of contents
- ISO 27001 Physical Security Policy Explained
- ISO 27001 Physical Security Policy Template
- ISO 27001 Physical Security Policy Example
- How to write it yourself
- What you need to know
- Relevant ISO 27001:2022 controls
- How it applies to Small Businesses, Tech Startups, and AI Companies
- Information security standards that need a Physical Security Policy
- How the ISO 27001 toolkit can help
- FAQ
ISO 27001 Physical Security Policy Explained
The ISO 27001 Physical Security Policy sets out how you manage the physical security of your premises, buildings and offices to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data.
An ISO 27001 Physical Security Policy is your company’s rulebook for keeping your office, equipment, and data safe from physical threats. Think of it as a guide to protect your stuff from things like break-ins, fires, floods, and even unauthorised visitors. It’s a key part of your overall security plan.
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ISO 27001 Physical Security Policy Template
The ISO 27001:2022 Physical Security Policy Template is designed to fast track your implementation and give you an exclusive, industry best practice policy template that is pre written and ready to go. It is included in the ISO 27001 toolkit.
ISO 27001 Physical Security Policy Example
An example ISO 27001 Physical Security Policy:
How to write it yourself
Writing a good policy is all about keeping it simple and clear. You should cover things like how to control access to your building, who can get a key or key card, and what to do in an emergency. Use straightforward language and even a few diagrams or photos to make it easy for everyone to understand.
Time needed: 1 hour and 30 minutes
How to write an ISO 27001 Physical Security Policy
- Create your version control and document mark-up
- Write the ISO 27001 Physical Security Policy contents page
- Write the ISO 27001 Physical Security Policy purpose
- Write the ISO 27001 Physical Security Policy principle
- Write the ISO 27001 Physical Security Policy scope
- Describe physical security perimeter controls
- Document secure areas controls
- Explain employee access
- Explain visitor access
- Describe delivery and loading area controls
- Document network access control
- Explain cabling security
- Explain equipment siting and protection
What you need to know
Why you need it
You need this policy because your digital information isn’t the only thing at risk. Your servers, laptops, and hard drives are all physical objects that need protection. This policy helps you make sure your building is secure, your equipment is locked down, and only the right people can access sensitive areas. It shows that you’re serious about security in the real world, not just online.
When you need it
You need this policy from the moment you start setting up your business. It’s a foundational document. You’ll use it every day to make sure your office is locked up at night, to manage who gets a key card, and to handle any physical security incidents. It’s a plan you’ll rely on constantly.
Who needs it
Everyone in your company needs to be aware of and follow this policy. This includes employees, contractors, and even visitors. While a manager or the security team might write it, everyone has a part to play, like making sure doors are locked and not sharing access cards.
Where you need it
This policy applies to all your physical locations where you handle sensitive information. This includes your main office, any data centers, and even the home offices of your remote workers. It’s about protecting your physical assets wherever they are.
How to implement it
Putting the policy into action means more than just having it on paper. You’ll need to train your team on the rules, install physical security measures like locks and alarms, and create a system for tracking visitors. Regularly check your security measures to make sure they’re working as they should.
Relevant ISO 27001:2022 controls
The ISO 27001:2022 standard has several controls that relate to physical security:
- ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 7.1 Physical security perimeter
- ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 7.2 Physical entry controls
- ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 7.3 Securing offices, rooms and facilities
- ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 7.4 Physical security monitoring
- ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 7.5 Protecting against physical and environmental threats
- ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 7.6 Working in secure areas
- ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 7.8 Equipment siting and protection
- ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 7.12 Cabling Security
How it applies to Small Businesses, Tech Startups, and AI Companies
This policy is useful for any size company, no matter how big or small you are. Here’s how it applies:
- Small Businesses: It helps you formalise simple things like locking the office door at night and keeping a visitor log.
- Tech Startups: It’s crucial for protecting your valuable server room, development equipment, and intellectual property from theft.
- AI Companies: It’s essential for securing the physical location of your servers and the sensitive data used to train your AI models.
Examples of using it for small businesses
A small accounting firm’s policy might state that all filing cabinets with client information must be locked at the end of the day. It could also require that all visitors sign in at the front desk and be escorted by an employee.
Examples of using it for tech startups
A startup’s policy might focus on securing its server room. It would specify that only authorised IT personnel can enter and that the room has a security camera and a fire suppression system.
Examples of using it for AI companies
An AI company’s policy might include rules for securing the physical servers where their data models are stored. This could involve biometric access controls and a strict “no phone” policy in those server rooms to prevent photos of sensitive data.
Information security standards that need a Physical Security Policy
This policy is a key part of ISO 27001, which is an international standard for managing information security. Other standards that need it include:
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
- CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)
- DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act)
- NIS2 (Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive)
- SOC 2 (Service Organisation Control 2)
- NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
- HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
How the ISO 27001 toolkit can help
An ISO 27001 toolkit is a great shortcut. It often includes pre-written policies, procedures, and forms that you can use right away. It saves you the hassle of writing everything from scratch and helps you make sure you don’t miss any important details.
ISO 27001 Toolkit
All the templates, tools, support and knowledge you need to do it yourself.
FAQ
To protect your physical assets and information from real-world threats.
No, it’s for any company, no matter how small.
One policy can cover all your offices, but you might need different rules for each one.
You should review it at least once a year.
The policy should include a plan for what to do in that situation.
Yes, it should have rules for how remote workers protect their equipment at home.
Physical security protects physical assets, while digital security protects digital data.
A manager or security officer should enforce it, but everyone is responsible for following it.
It reduces the risk of theft and damage, and it builds trust with customers.
Not necessarily. The policy can outline other measures like alarms and cameras.
The policy should include rules for how to securely dispose of old hardware.
Yes, having a plan for physical security is a key requirement.
The policy should cover how to manage and use employee badges for access.
Identify all your physical assets that need protection.
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