IT security and acceptable use policy
The everyday security rules for staff and contractors: devices, passwords and multi-factor authentication, access, data handling including AI tools, networks, monitoring and incidents.
Applies to: employees and contractors using [Company] systems · Owner: [Security contact] · Effective: [date]
- Use company-managed devices, or personal devices only if enrolled in [device management].
- Keep disk encryption, screen lock (after [5] minutes) and automatic updates on.
- Report a lost or stolen device within [24] hours.
- Use a password manager and a unique password for each service.
- Multi-factor authentication is mandatory on all company accounts.
- Never share accounts or credentials.
Access is granted on a least-privilege basis and reviewed every [quarter]. Leavers lose access on their last day.
- Store work data only in approved tools: [list].
- Classify data: public, internal, confidential, restricted; restricted data is encrypted and never sent by email.
- Do not paste confidential or personal data into AI tools that are not approved by [Company].
Use the VPN on public networks. Do not connect unknown USB devices.
Reasonable personal use is allowed if it does not affect work or security. Illegal content, harassment, mining, and unlicensed software are forbidden.
[Company] monitors its systems for security in a proportionate way, as described in [notice]. Content of communications is not read except in the cases the law allows.
Report phishing, malware or suspicious activity at once to [contact]. Do not try to investigate alone.
Step by step
- 1Copy the policy and complete every [bracket] with your own rules.
- 2Check the practice notes for each country where you have people: local law and collective agreements prevail.
- 3Consult employee representatives where the law requires it, then publish the policy and record that each person received it.
Watch-outs
What changes from one country to another, with the legal source.
Employee monitoring must be necessary, proportionate and transparent.
GDPR, art. 5, 6 and 88; CJEU and ECHR case law (Bărbulescu v Romania, 2017)Monitoring tools that can control performance need the agreement of the works council where there is one.
Betriebsverfassungsgesetz § 87(1) No. 6Employees must be informed before a monitoring device is used; the CSE is consulted.
Code du travail L1222-4, L2312-38Entities in scope of NIS2 must take cybersecurity risk-management measures, including access control and training.
Directive (EU) 2022/2555, art. 21Legal references checked on 15 Oct 2026. Rules change: check the source before you rely on it.
Questions people ask
Is it free?
Yes. Every template is free to read and copy: no sign-up, no email, no download.
Is this legal advice?
This template is for information and does not constitute legal advice; adapt it to your situation and local law.