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Compliance guide

Network Security Policy Template

A network security policy sets the rules for keeping your network safe, covering firewalls, Wi-Fi, segmentation and remote access. This guide gives you a free template and example to adapt, or you can have a tailored version prepared for you.

Get it done for you->See the template

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What a network security policy covers

A network security policy describes how your business protects the network that connects its systems, the wired and wireless infrastructure, the perimeter, and the connections people use to work remotely. It sets expectations for firewalls, Wi-Fi, segmentation, and how staff and contractors connect from outside the office.

With remote and hybrid work now normal, the remote-access part matters as much as the office network. It's a supporting document under your cyber security policy.

This is general guidance, not security advice. Tailor the technical controls to your actual network and the framework your customers reference.

What to include: network security policy template structure

  1. Purpose and scope, why the policy exists and which networks and users it covers.
  2. Network access, who and what may connect, and how devices are authorised.
  3. Firewalls and perimeter, controls at the network boundary and default-deny rules.
  4. Wi-Fi security, encryption standards, separate guest networks, and strong credentials.
  5. Segmentation, separating sensitive systems from the general network.
  6. Remote access, secure connections (e.g. VPN), MFA, and rules for home/public networks.
  7. Monitoring and logging, watching network traffic for anomalies.
  8. Third-party and IoT devices, controls for vendors and connected equipment.
  9. Responsibilities and review, who owns the policy and how often it's reviewed.
A separate, isolated guest Wi-Fi network is a small change with a big payoff, and an easy thing for a reviewer to check.

Download the editable network security policy template

Leave your email and we'll send the network security policy template (Word and PDF), covering Wi-Fi, firewalls, segmentation and remote access.

How to put it into practice

Turn the policy into the basics that actually protect your network.

  1. 1

    Lock down Wi-Fi

    Use strong encryption and credentials, and run a separate guest network.

  2. 2

    Set firewall defaults

    Default-deny inbound traffic and only open what you need.

  3. 3

    Secure remote access

    Require a VPN or equivalent and MFA for anyone connecting from outside.

  4. 4

    Segment what matters

    Separate sensitive systems and payment data from the general network.

  5. 5

    Monitor and review

    Log network activity and review the policy and rules at least annually.

Frequently asked questions

Is this network security policy template free?+
Yes. The structure and sample wording are free to use. A tailored, done-for-you version is the only paid option.
Does this cover remote access and Wi-Fi?+
Yes. The template includes remote access (VPN and MFA), Wi-Fi security and guest networks, and network segmentation, so you don't need separate policies for each unless you want them.
Do small businesses need network segmentation?+
Even basic segmentation helps, for example keeping a guest Wi-Fi and any payment systems separate from your main network. You can scale it to your size and risk.

Prefer your network security policy done for you?

Tell us about your network and how your team works remotely, and we'll prepare a tailored network security policy with the controls mapped to your setup.

Requests for the network security policy are reviewed and prepared manually, we'll follow up by email.

Related guides

Cyber Security Policy Template->The overarching policy this sits under.Access Control Policy Template->Who can reach your systems.Incident Response Policy Template->What to do when the network is attacked.Data Security Policy Template->Protecting the data on your network.