Acceptable Use Policy
Acceptable Use Policies
Every organisation which provides Internet access for employees should have an Acceptable Use Policy.
This document should unambiguously set out the rules and regulations for all internet access and use within the organisation defining what is and what is not acceptable.
clearly understood sanctions for any breaches of the regulations.
This policy should be available to and understood by all permanent and temporary staff members who should acknowledge in writing that they have read and understood the policy and agree to its provisions.
Email
Every company should include in the AUP a section describing the organisations policy for email usage. This should indicate how users should communicate to both internal and external users, what to do if they receive an abusive or inappropriate email and what to do if they suspect they have received a virus via email.
Use of Internet
All members of staff should have access to and understand the organisations policy on internet use.
For example:
Are users allowed to visit social networking, shopping or video sharing sites?
If so, between what times?
Are any sites forbidden?
What happens if inappropriate content is accidentally viewed?
Monitoring and Reporting
Every organisation should clearly explain to users that their network usage is being monitored. The policy and guidance on network monitoring should be easily available and understandable to protect staff from being compromised.
Cyberbullying
Internet communication and collaboration systems can lead to staff being bullied, harassed, discriminated against and offended.
Organisations should have policies, systems and procedures in place to, in the first place, prevent them happening, stop them escalating and deal with the underlying issues.
Roles and Responsibilities
All users whether permanent or temporary staff members, visitors or contractors need to understand their entitlements and responsibilities regarding ICT use.
Professional Service firms
Click here for information about Acceptable Use Policies and Lexcel V4.