A WISP Alone Doesn’t Make You Compliant
Writing a WISP and Calling It Security Is Like Buying a Treadmill and Using It as a Coat Rack
Why a WISP Is More Than Just a Document
Picture this: You buy a fire extinguisher, place it in your office, and then never think about it again. No one knows how to use it, it’s never checked to see if it works, and when a fire actually breaks out, everyone panics because no one knows what to do.
That’s exactly what happens when businesses treat a Written Information Security Plan (WISP) as a one-and-done document instead of a living, breathing framework for cybersecurity. A WISP isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s an ongoing strategy that requires action, training, and adaptation.
A WISP Alone Doesn’t Make You Compliant
Many small business tax professionals assume that simply having a WISP document means they’ve checked the compliance box. But regulatory bodies like the IRS and FTC don’t just want to see a document—they expect a working security program that aligns with the policies written in it.
A WISP should outline:
Who is responsible for security policies and enforcement
How sensitive information is protected
What to do when a security incident occurs
How risks are assessed and mitigated over time
Ongoing training and awareness efforts
A Security Program, Not a Paper Exercise
Let’s say you wrote down a brilliant exercise plan for getting in shape, but you never actually go to the gym. Will that piece of paper make you stronger? Of course not.
Similarly, if your WISP just sits in a folder (or buried in a digital storage system) without being implemented, tested, and updated, it’s not doing anything to secure your business. The IRS Safeguards Rule, FTC Safeguards Rule, and various state laws require businesses to actually implement the policies they document.
What Happens If You Don’t Implement Your WISP?
Security Gaps: Employees don’t know their roles, assets aren’t tracked, and incidents go unreported.
Non-Compliance Penalties: If you’re audited and can’t show implementation, fines and legal consequences follow.
Data Breaches & Liability: If sensitive client data is exposed, the “but we had a document” excuse won’t hold up in court or with clients.
How to Make Your WISP Work for You
A real WISP is:
✅ Integrated – Security measures must be woven into daily operations.
✅ Tested – Conduct regular risk assessments and incident response drills.
✅ Updated – Threats evolve, and so should your policies.
✅ Trained – Employees must know security expectations and how to handle threats.
✅ Scalable – Your WISP should grow as your organization expands and its needs change.
Final Thoughts
A WISP is not a magic shield against cyber threats—it’s a roadmap for a security culture. If it’s just sitting in a folder, collecting digital dust, it’s not protecting anything.
Zeus InfoSec helps small business tax professionals move beyond check-the-box compliance to build a cybersecurity program that actually works. Because security isn’t a document—it’s a daily practice.
Got questions? Want to make your WISP more than just a document? Let’s talk.
Still not sure where to start?
Check out Protect Your Business with Our Free Cybersecurity Checklist for Small Businesses or Free Cybersecurity Essentials eBook
