If you’re a small business owner in Jacksonville, FL, you’ve likely encountered new compliance requirements when bidding on contracts. Many businesses in our area are being turned away simply because they can’t demonstrate proper security measures. One of the most common requirements? A Written Information Security Program (WISP).
At first glance, the solution seems simple—just download a WISP template, fill in a few blanks, and you’re compliant, right? Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Let’s clear up this misconception and explain what you really need to do to meet compliance standards.
What is a WISP?
A Written Information Security Program (WISP) is a formal document outlining how your company protects sensitive data. It typically includes policies on data encryption, access controls, employee training, incident response, and more. Having a WISP shows that your business takes cybersecurity seriously and follows best practices to protect customer and company data.
The Myth: A WISP Template Equals Compliance
Many businesses believe that simply having a WISP document—especially one copied from a template—automatically makes them compliant with regulations such as:
- FTC Safeguards Rule (for businesses handling customer financial data)
- HIPAA (for healthcare-related businesses)
- CMMC/NIST 800-171 (for companies working with government contracts)
The reality? Compliance isn’t just about documentation—it’s about implementation. A generic WISP template might look official, but if it doesn’t reflect actual security measures in place, it won’t hold up under scrutiny.
The Reality: Compliance Requires Action
To be truly compliant, you must not only have a WISP but also actively follow and enforce the security policies within it. Here’s what that means:
- Tailoring Your WISP to Your Business
- A template won’t account for your unique data risks, employee access levels, or industry-specific regulations. Your WISP needs to be customized based on the actual security practices your company follows.
- Implementing Security Measures
- If your WISP states that all employees must use multi-factor authentication (MFA), but no one actually does, you’re out of compliance. Your policies must be backed by real, enforceable security measures.
- Training Employees
- Your staff must understand security protocols and follow them. Regular training ensures that policies are being followed and that employees know how to handle data securely.
- Monitoring and Updating Your WISP
- Cyber threats evolve, and so do compliance requirements. A WISP created five years ago and never updated won’t cut it. Your security program needs regular reviews and updates to stay effective.
Why This Matters for Your Jacksonville Business
If you’ve recently been denied a contract because of compliance issues, you’re not alone. More businesses in Jacksonville are being required to meet security standards before they can even be considered for work. Simply having a WISP on paper won’t fix this—you need to take real steps toward compliance.
At Bluefin Technology Group, we help Jacksonville small businesses navigate compliance requirements without unnecessary complexity. If you’re unsure whether your current security policies meet today’s standards, let’s talk. We can assess your needs, help you build a real WISP, and ensure you’re ready for your next bid.
Don’t Let Compliance Hold You Back
Being locked out of business opportunities due to compliance issues is frustrating, but it’s preventable. Don’t rely on a cookie-cutter document—make sure your business is truly secure and compliant.
Need help getting compliant? Contact us today to discuss how we can assist in making sure your WISP isn’t just a document but a working security program that protects your business and unlocks new opportunities.
