Internet & Electronic Communication Policy
Revised May 28, 2009
Overview
The company furnishes access to the Internet,
e-mail, and other electronic information resources for effective and
efficient business communications. Through these devices you are provided
access to worldwide networks. You are encouraged to utilize these
resources to further the goals and objectives of the company. However
Internet use also creates the possibility of contamination to our system
via viruses and spyware.
This policy provides precautions and guidance to
employees for productive business uses of ABX’s information resources
while avoiding inappropriate, unethical, or unlawful activity.
Core Requirements
- All newly authorized users must sign and agree to
the Email and Internet Usage Agreement prior to being assigned an email
address or company provided device. Employees may be required to comply
with a yearly review of the policy.
- Unauthorized users are prohibited from accessing
the Internet or personal email on company devices. Exception to this
would be the use of the company kiosks with the approved Internet
resources.
- Information Resources includes, but is not
limited to, Internet access, company email communication transported
over the Internet, Membership-based information exchange forums focused
on specific topics, ABX's Intranet (internal web not accessible outside
the organization); and other company provided online systems, equipment,
and software.
- This includes any resources accessed on company
laptops and computers, Blackberries or cell phones.
- Passwords are not intended to imply privacy of
information or data, but are intended to protect ABX and individuals by
establishing responsibility for data transmitted using those
identifiers.
- All Internet and electronic transmissions are
company property. ABX, at its discretion, may employ controls, including
monitoring and filtering, to ensure they are used for business purposes
only.
- If you are authorized and find it necessary to
use your personal electronic devices on company property, exercise
discretion and use in compliance with all company policies (i.e.,
Monitoring Policy, Harassment Policy, etc.).
- Use electronic devices in accordance with company
safety policies so as not to jeopardize the safety of yourself or
co-workers. Do not use cell phones and other electronic devices,
including texting, when operating machinery or vehicles.
- Never use electronic communications to send
protected and confidential information such as Social Security numbers
or HIPAA protected medical records.
Appropriate Usage
- These resources are for business usage only and
may not be used for illegal purposes including, but not limited to,
copyright infringement, fraud, defamation, plagiarism, harassment,
threats and intimidation, forgery, impersonation, gambling, or computer
tampering (i.e. spreading computer viruses).
- It is never acceptable to use the company system
or personal devices on company property to access any pornographic or
sexually oriented web sites or to display or transmit any form of
pornographic or sexually oriented images, jokes, or messages. Viewing or
texting/sending pornographic or discriminating/harassing materials on
company property or through the company system (whether from home or at
work) is not acceptable and will be addressed accordingly.
- Internet access should not be used for
non-business reasons such as browsing web sites of personal interest,
subscribing to non-business related forums or "chat rooms"; and
conducting other personal business, such as ordering products via
Internet.
- Do not open, forward, print or distribute any
information that may be considered inappropriate. However, if it is
opened, delete immediately and notify your supervisor and/or IS of the
situation. If possible, inform the sender to discontinue the practice.
Software, Downloads and System Protection
- Protect your email and Internet access to prevent
unauthorized use of the Internet and e-mail services. Do not share your
password with another person or attempt to obtain another user's
password. If you have reason to believe that security has been
compromised, report it to your management.
- Before initially introducing data from the
Internet to ABX's systems, visually inspect it and use virus checking
software before transmitting it or copying it to other data storage
areas.
- All Internet-related software products must
conform to corporate policies and must be installed and maintained in a
legal and ethical manner. Only use software products (i.e., browsers)
provided by ABX.
- Do not view, copy, alter, or destroy data,
software, documentation, or data communications belonging to ABX or to
another individual without authorized permission.
- If you are unsure whether a proposed use is
consistent with the mission of ABX, or with the policy, check with your
supervisor.
Revision History:
May 28, 2009
May 4, 2009
Feb. 21, 2008 |