Internet Security Policy

Internet access is a business tool, so that’s why internet security policy should be developed and regulated within the organization.

Like The security and integrity of information via Instant Messaging cannot be guaranteed, Internet security policy is also very important to be emphasized in the information security standards within the corporate. The Internet can be a dangerous place because you don’t know who you are dealing with!

Why Internet Security policy Is Important?

Internet access is a business tool, so that’s why internet security policy should be developed as guidelines to support the business. This access is a privilege and you are expected to act professionally and appropriately while using the Internet. What you do on the Internet can be monitored internally and externally and your actions can be traced back to the computer you are using. Due to this, you should act professionally and appropriately at all times.

Protecting Your Personal Information

One of the reasons managing an internet security policy is to protect your personal information. You can reduce the risk of someone stealing your personal information or credit card number or details by being cautious. Unless you trust the site you are visiting, do not provide your name and contact details at any time. When you do trust the site and wish to provide your details, do not do so, unless some form of encryption is used to protect your information during transmission – look for the small closed padlock towards the bottom of your screen. You should also read the site’s Privacy Statement and Terms and Conditions of Use before providing your details.

Internet Risks

Why an internet security policy is needed? Have a look at the following possible risks associated with Internet usage:

• Information and activities can be monitored and manipulated.
• Security of transmissions is not guaranteed.
• Information can be easily and uncontrollably distributed.
• Files downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses and other malicious programs. See also known internet threats here.

Harassment and Discrimination

Internet security policy also manages the policy regarding harassment and discrimination. We all want to be treated without bias, discrimination or harassment. Most of all we want to be treated with respect. By following the tips below you will help ensure that others feel comfortable at work.

The viewing or downloading of offensive, defamatory, discriminatory, sexist or harassing material is considered inappropriate, unprofessional and may be against the law. Such material includes:

• Sexually explicit or other offensive images or jokes.
• Material containing ethnic or racial slurs, or anything that may be construed as harassment etc of others based on their:
  • Race or national origin
  • Gender or sexual orientation
  • Age or disability
  • Religious or political beliefs.

Mutual Respect

In the workplace it is important for all employees to feel comfortable with their work environment and their work colleagues. This requires all employees to treat each other with mutual respect.

The receiving of and/or viewing of inappropriate material can be hurtful and upsetting to some people. This is usually brought about by a lack of respect, no commonsense or in some cases malicious intent.

You may think that something is funny or amusing, however you must acknowledge that not everyone will view it the same way.

The consequences resulting from a situation such as this includes strained workplace relations, stress, poor work performance and ultimately claims of harassment and discrimination.

Copyright and Licensing

The internet security policy also manages the copyright and licensing. The corporate purchases licenses for all software programs that it uses and the most common way to do this is per user or perhaps, per computer. The corporate can be held legally liable for breaching licensing conditions if employees download unlicensed software or make copies of existing software.

It is also important to remember copyright laws by ensuring that you always comply with the provisions of copyright for documents and files etc that you download from the Internet.

Illegal Use

The internet security policy should also manage the policy about illegal use. The following may be considered illegal in some jurisdictions / countries. You should be aware that if you do become involved in these activities you maybe prosecuted:

1. Downloading or accessing software or information for the purposes of gaining unauthorized access to a computer account or system.
2. Causing willful damage to, or destruction of, any computer resources or data.
3. Attempting to gain unauthorized access to computer resources.
4. Subverting or attempting to subvert network or any other computer security.

It is therefore, a corporate should deploy an internet management to enforce the policy to the workforce. Webspy is a suitable solution for the corporate.

WebSpy specializes in developing analysis and reporting software that transforms the raw data in log files into manageable information, providing a transparent view over organizational Internet, email and network usage.

The software enables organizations to protect and maximize their Internet investment and enjoy the benefits of a web-enabled environment while:

• Encouraging sensible usage of web resources.
• Reducing costs related to unproductive behavior and bandwidth usage.
• Mitigating risks relating to duty of care, compliance and legal liability.
• Assisting in the analysis and prevention of data loss and other security issues.
• Enhancing workplace morale by providing non-restricted online privileges while limiting the negative issues involved.

WebSpy leads the industry on reporting and alerting on user and system activity data from virtually any data source and can report on more than 200 log formats from different vendors.

WebSpy’s solutions are unobtrusive, scalable and available in different ranges to suit any organizational size or budget. The software solutions do not require the installation of individual monitoring agents, additional network configurations or server installations. Visit the trial here!

Virus Scanning

The internet security policy should also manage the need of scanning downloaded material from the internet. It is important that you always virus scan every time you download any file, document, graphic etc from the Internet.

Sensitive Information

The internet security policy should also manage the policy in dealing with the sensitive information. Ensure that you are always aware of the sensitivity classification of information that you disclose over the Internet and remember what you post on the Internet or discuss in newsgroups can be seen by the World.

Password Protection

The last but not the least, the internet security policy should also manage the policy in using the account and password.

1. It is important that you protect your Internet access password at all times.

2. Ensure your screensaver is locked with the password when you leave it unattended.

3. Remember that you are responsible and accountable for all actions taken under your User ID and password.

Related series about Security standards guidelines is about laptop security. Do you know what you would lose if your laptop was stolen? When a laptop is lost or stolen, it is not just the computer that is stolen or lost; it is all of the information stored on it. Read more about Laptops security here!

Check also

• the the need of network management software as a tool to monitor the network. Network management refers to the activities, methods, procedures, and tools that pertain to the operation, administration, maintenance, and provisioning of networked systems.
• Internet security tools
• Business continuity and disaster recovery planning