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Data Privacy And Cybersecurity

Written Information Security Program (WISP)

Drafting a comprehensive Written Information Security Program requires extensive knowledge of Massachusetts 201 CMR 17.00 requirements, coordinating input from IT and legal teams, and ensuring all mandatory components are properly documented. Manual WISP creation typically takes 6-8 hours of attorney time, with significant risk of missing critical regulatory requirements or using outdated compliance language.

Automation ROI

Time savings at a glance

Manual workflow12 hoursAverage time your team spends by hand
With CaseMark15 minutesDelivery time with CaseMark automation
EfficiencySave 32.5x time with CaseMark

The Problem

Creating a comprehensive Written Information Security Program that meets Massachusetts 201 CMR 17.00 requirements is complex and time-consuming. Organizations struggle to address all mandatory components—risk assessments, administrative/technical/physical safeguards, incident response plans, and third-party oversight—while ensuring legal compliance and practical implementation.

The CaseMark Solution

CaseMark automates WISP creation by analyzing your organization's security posture and generating a complete, Massachusetts-compliant document with all required components. Our AI drafts customized risk assessments, safeguard protocols, breach notification procedures, and vendor oversight requirements tailored to your specific data environment and regulatory obligations.

Key benefits

How CaseMark automations transform your workflow

Generate 201 CMR 17.00 compliant WISP documents in under 15 minutes

Ensure all mandatory program components meet Massachusetts regulatory standards

Reduce attorney time spent on compliance documentation by 97%

Maintain consistent, audit-ready security program documentation

Easily update and revise WISP as security measures evolve

What you'll receive

Introduction and Purpose Statement
WISP Coordinator Designation
Risk Assessment Framework
Administrative Safeguards
Technical Safeguards
Physical Safeguards
Employee Training Program
Monitoring and Review Procedures
Incident Response Plan
Compliance Certification

Document requirements

Required

  • Organization Profile

Optional

  • Existing Security Policies
  • Risk Assessment Reports
  • IT Infrastructure Documentation
  • Vendor Agreements
  • Incident Response Plans

Perfect for

Privacy Officers and Data Protection Managers
Corporate Counsel and Compliance Attorneys
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)
Small Business Owners handling Massachusetts resident data
IT Directors implementing security programs
Risk Management Professionals

Also useful for

This workflow is applicable across multiple practice areas and use cases

Corporate governance attorneys use WISP documents to establish board-level oversight of data security programs and demonstrate compliance with fiduciary duties regarding data protection.

Data security governance is a core component of corporate governance, requiring formal policies and oversight structures that WISP documentation provides.

Corporate General80% relevant

Corporate attorneys need WISP documents for general corporate compliance, particularly when advising clients on data protection obligations and corporate governance requirements.

All corporations handling personal data need compliant WISP documentation as part of their corporate compliance framework, making this essential for general corporate practice.

M&A attorneys require WISP documents during due diligence to assess target companies' data security compliance and identify regulatory risks related to data protection.

WISP compliance is a critical due diligence item in M&A transactions, as inadequate data security programs represent significant liability and regulatory risk for acquirers.

Financial Services77% relevant

Financial services attorneys use WISP documents to ensure clients meet Massachusetts data security requirements in addition to federal financial privacy regulations like GLBA.

Financial institutions handling Massachusetts resident data must comply with state-specific security requirements alongside federal regulations, requiring comprehensive WISP documentation.

Healthcare Law75% relevant

Healthcare attorneys need WISP documents to complement HIPAA compliance efforts, as healthcare organizations handling Massachusetts resident data must meet both federal and state security requirements.

Healthcare entities must comply with both HIPAA and Massachusetts 201 CMR 17.00, making WISP documentation essential for comprehensive healthcare data security compliance.

Frequently asked questions

Q

What is a Written Information Security Program (WISP)?

A

A WISP is a comprehensive document required under Massachusetts law (201 CMR 17.00) for organizations that handle personal information of Massachusetts residents. It establishes administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, theft, or misuse. The WISP must designate a security coordinator, include risk assessment procedures, detail security controls, and establish incident response protocols.

Q

Who needs to create a WISP?

A

Any business that owns, licenses, stores, or maintains personal information about Massachusetts residents must have a WISP, regardless of where the business is located. This includes companies of all sizes across industries—from small businesses to large enterprises. If you collect names combined with Social Security numbers, financial account information, or other sensitive data from Massachusetts residents, you need a compliant WISP.

Q

How does CaseMark ensure my WISP meets Massachusetts regulatory requirements?

A

CaseMark's WISP generator is built on the specific requirements of 201 CMR 17.00 and includes all mandatory components: coordinator designation, risk assessment framework, comprehensive safeguards across administrative/technical/physical categories, employee training programs, vendor oversight, and breach notification procedures. The system incorporates current legal standards and includes proper regulatory citations throughout the document.

Q

Can I customize the WISP for my specific industry or additional regulations?

A

Yes, CaseMark analyzes your uploaded documents to tailor the WISP to your organization's specific data environment, technology infrastructure, and industry requirements. The system can incorporate additional regulatory frameworks like HIPAA, GLBA, GDPR, or CCPA alongside Massachusetts requirements, ensuring your WISP addresses all applicable compliance obligations for your particular business context.

Q

What happens after CaseMark generates my WISP?

A

You receive a complete, professionally formatted WISP document ready for executive review and board approval. The document includes a table of contents, numbered sections for easy reference, and appendices for supporting materials. CaseMark also identifies any areas requiring additional information or where current practices may need enhancement to meet regulatory standards, providing clear action items for full implementation.