1 The Importance of Embedding Information Security Policy within Strategic Information Systems Planning: A Review Abdisalam Issa-Salwe ABSTRACT Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to explore the contribution of strategic information systems planning to information security policy in organisations. The paper maintains that embedding information security policy within the organisation’s strategic information system planning is essential for the effectiveness of using information systems in contemporary business in a secure environment. Design/methodology/approach – The first part of this paper will focus on the current, but separate, literatures on strategic information systems planning and information security in organisations processes. This will be followed by a look at the relationship between them as well as attention to how contradictions within this relationship may threaten an organisation. Findings – Embedding Information Security in SISP should increase the security capability of an organisation. Moreover, the deliverable from the SISP process will be more beneficial to the organisation, especially to the IS/IT department. Although organisations may face security problems during the implementation and operational phase, they can add value to the security components rather than restart the security planning from the beginning. Originality/value – The paper illustrates the importance of embedding the information security policy process within the strategic information system planning and how these two issues are vital to organisation. The information security policy process and the strategic information system planning are the two most important activities within the organisation as they ensure the effectiveness of using information systems in contemporary business. The strategic planning information system makes certain that new systems are deployed in a way that maintains the strategic objectives of an organisation, while the security policy provides a framework for verifying that systems are shaped and managed in a secure manner Keywords: Keywords: strategic information systems strategy, Information Systems, Information Security Policy, IT/IS business alignment. Paper type: Research paper