Computer Network and Internet Usage Policy

Approved by : Senior Vice President, Open University Malaysia
Application : All staff, students  and approved users of the OUM network
Effective Date : Immediately

INTRODUCTION

The Open University Malaysia grants access to the organization’s computer Network and the Internet subject to adherence of accepted good usage. To ensure usage is in accordance with the accepted practice at OUM all those thus granted access must abide by the OUM Good Computer Network and Internet Usage Policy.

Usage is granted to the named person only at the discretion of the Senior Vice President of Open University Malaysia, upon acceptance of account information and agreement to follow this Policy. Failure to abide to the Policy will result in withdrawal of access privileges. Also, disciplinary action, up to and including termination can result.
 
STATEMENT OF POLICY
1. Personal Responsibility
  By accepting your account password and related information, and accessing the OUM Network or Internet systems, the user agree to adhere to this Policy. The user also agrees to report any Network or Internet misuse to the General Manager (Technology) of OUM.
2. Term of Permitted Use
  The Computer Network and Internet access extends throughout the period of usage as granted provided that there are no violation of the organization’s Computer Network and Internet Usage Policy.

Note
The Organisation has the right to suspend access at any time for technical reasons, Policy violations, or other concerns.
3. Purpose and Use
  The Organisation offers access to its Network and Internet systems for official purposes only. Any uncertainty on whether an activity constitutes appropriate business use can be resolved by consulting the General Manager (Technology).
4. Network and Internet Etiquette
  Users must adhere to the commonly accepted Network etiquette, or Netiquette. In general this means being on the best behaviour always. This include being polite, adhering to the Organization’s electronic writing and content guidelines, and using the Network and Internet appropriately and legally. The Organisation will determine the type of materials, files, information, software, communications and other content and activity are permitted or prohibited, as outlined below.
5. Banned Activity
 

The following activities are banned and committing any one will be deemed to be in violation of the Organisation’s Computer Network and Internet usage Policy:

  1. Using, transmitting, receiving, or seeking inappropriate, offensive, vulgar, suggestive, obscene, abusive, harassing, belligerent, threatening, defamatory (harming another person’s reputation by lies), or misleading language or materials.
  2. Revealing personal information, such as the home address, telephone number, passport or Identity Card number of another person or yourself to an unauthorized entity.
  3. Making ethnic, sexual-preference, or gender-related slurs or jokes.
  4. Engaging in activities contrary to the laws of Malaysia

     Some examples of banned activities include:

    • Engaging in illegal activities or encouraging/inciting others to do so.
    • Selling or providing substances prohibited by the law Malaysia.
    • Accessing, transmitting, receiving, or seeking unauthorized, confidential information about clients or colleagues.
    • Conducting unauthorized business.
    • Viewing, transmitting, downloading, or searching for obscene, pornographic or illegal materials.
    • Accessing others’ folders, files, work, networks, or computers.
    • Intercepting communications intended for others.
    • Downloading or transmitting the Organization’s confidential information or trade secrets.
    • Downloading or transmitting copyrighted materials without permission from the copyright holder. Even when materials on the Network or the Internet are not marked with the copyright symbol, ©, it must always be assumed that all materials are protected under copyright laws––unless explicit permission to use has been granted.
    • Using another employee’s password to trick recipients into believing someone other than the present user is communicating or accessing the Network or Internet.
    • Willfully uploading a virus, harmful component, or corrupted data.
    • Vandalizing the Network.
    • Using software that is not licensed or approved by the Organisation, thus putting the Organisation at risk of prosecution for illegal use.
    • Jeopardizing the security of the Network, or other Internet Networks by disclosing or sharing passwords and/or impersonating others.
    • Accessing or attempting to access controversial or offensive materials. These actions may expose users to illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or offensive materials. These sites must be avoided.
    • Wasting the Organisation’s computer resources such as bandwidth, printer toner or paper. These resources should be put to better use.
6. Confidential Information
 

Some users may be in the privileged position of being able to access confidential information about the Organisation and its staff. This information must not be communicated to those not given the right to receive. When in doubt, contact the General Manager (Technology).

Also, confidential information should not be communicated by email.

Unauthorised attempts at gaining confidential information by fraudulently manipulating the Network or Information Systems to reveal the information is a serious breach and will be liable to criminal prosecution.
7. Privacy
 

The Network and Internet access is provided as a tool for conducting the business of the Organisation. The Organisation thus reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review, and store at any time and without prior notice any and all usage of the Network and the Internet, as well as any and all materials, files, information, software, communications, and other content transmitted, received, or stored in connection with this usage.

All such information, content, and files are the property of the Organisation. The user should not have any expectation of privacy regarding them. Network administrators, with permission of the Director, may review files and intercept communications for any reason, including but not limited to maintaining system integrity and ensuring employees are using the system consistently with this Policy.
8. Noncompliance
 

Your access of the Network and the Internet using the Organisation’s facilities is a privilege, not a right granted in accordance with this Policy. Any violation of this Policy and, at best access to the Network and the Internet will be terminated for some specified duration. At worst, violation can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Policy breaches include violating the above provisions, and failing to report violations by other users. Permitting another person to use one’s account or password to access the Network or the Internet – including but not limited to someone whose access has been denied or terminated – is a violation of this Policy.