Purpose
This policy statement addresses the vulnerabilities inherent in electronic mail systems and establishes protection requirements for NextLabs’ E-Mail systems.
Scope
This policy covers: All E-mail and approved Internet-based instant messaging sent by regular employees, part-time employees, temporary employees, interns & contractors, including all personnel affiliated with third parties (collectively referred to as “Users”), 1) originating from NextLabs equipment or network connection, 2) utilizing NextLabs E-mail systems as a transit point, or 3) destined for NextLabs e-mail recipients.
Policy
E-mail systems can be abused in ways that compromise or strain electronic communications resources. NextLabs information assets can inadvertently be compromised over E-mail if appropriate classification, labeling, and protection mechanisms are not adhered to.
NextLabs restricts electronic communications that interfere with the use of IT resources by other authorized users.
Toward this end, company resources may not be used to:
· Perpetuate chain e-mail letters or their equivalents. · Send unsolicited email messages, including the sending of “junk mail” or other advertising material to individuals who did not specifically request such material (e-mail spam). · Send an electronic communication that appears to come from another person. · Practice an activity designed to deny the availability of electronic communications resources.
All information residing within or created by the NextLabs E-mail system is the property of NextLabs. There are no guarantees of personal privacy within the E-mail system. Email messages will be archived and could potentially be used for litigation.
Laptop and desktop Users must ensure that their systems are running the latest revision and patches of the company approved anti-virus software to combat the spreading of viruses, worms and Trojan horses via the E-Mail system. (Please also refer to the Computer Equipment, Laptop, Desktop and Virtual Machine Policy.)
When transmitting NextLabs confidential information, put the word “confidential” on the subject line so that the recipient knows how to treat the information. In most instances, confidential information should only be sent to NextLabs employees who have a need to know such confidential information, and not sent outside of NextLabs without approved protection mechanisms and advance management approval.
Any User found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Effective Date: October 1, 2007 Last revision: None |