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