Security Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this Policy is to safeguard information belonging to the University and its stakeholder (third parties, clients or customers and the general public), within a secure environment.
This Policy informs the University’s staff, students, and other individuals entitled to use University facilities, of the principles governing the holding, use and disposal of information.
It is the goal of the University that:
Information will be protected against unauthorised access or misuse.
Confidentiality of information will be secured.
Integrity of information will be maintained.
Availability of information / information systems is maintained for service delivery.
Business continuity planning processes will be maintained.
Regulatory, contractual and legal requirements will be complied with.
Physical, logical, environmental and communications security will be maintained.
Infringement of this Policy may result in disciplinary action or criminal prosecution.
When information is no longer of use, it is disposed of in a suitable manner.
All information security incidents will be reported to the Director of IDSupply Systems, and investigated through the appropriate management channel.
Information relates to:
Electronic information systems (software, computers, and peripherals) owned by the University whether deployed or accessed on or off campus.
The University’s computer network used either directly or indirectly.
Hardware, software and data owned by the University.
Paper-based materials.
Electronic recording devices (video, audio, CCTV systems).
2. The Policy
The University requires all users to exercise a duty of care in relation to the operation and use of its information systems.
Authorised users of information systems
With the exception of information published for public consumption, all users of University information systems must be formally authorised by appointment as a member of staff, by enrolment as a student, or by other process specifically authorised by the Vice Chancellor. Authorised users will be in possession of a unique user identity. Any password associated with a user identity must not be disclosed to any other person. The “Network password policy” describes these principles in greater detail.
Authorised users will pay due care and attention to protect University information in their personal possession. Confidential, personal or private information must not be copied or transported without consideration of:
permission of the information owner
the risks associated with loss or falling into the wrong hands
how the information will be secured during transport and at its destination.
2.2 Acceptable use of information systems
Use of the University’s information systems by authorised users will be lawful, honest and decent and shall have regard to the rights and sensitivities of other people. The detail of acceptable use in specific areas may be found in the list of subsidiary policies detailed in the Appendix.
2.3 Information System Owners
University Deans/Directors who are responsible for information systems are required to ensure that:
Systems are adequately protected from unauthorised access.
Systems are secured against theft and damage to a level that is cost-effective.
Adequate steps are taken to ensure the availability of the information system, commensurate with its importance (Business Continuity).
Electronic data can be recovered in the event of loss of the primary source. I.e. failure or loss of a computer system. It is incumbent on all system owners to backup data and to be able to restore data to a level commensurate with its importance (Disaster Recovery).
Data is maintained with a high degree of accuracy.
Systems are used for their intended purpose and that procedures are in place to rectify discovered or notified misuse.
Any electronic access logs are only retained for a justifiable period to ensure compliance with the data protection, investigatory powers and freedom of information acts.
Any third parties entrusted with University data understand their responsibilities with respect to maintaining its security.
2.4 Personal Information
Authorised users of information systems are not given rights of privacy in relation to their use of University information systems. Duly authorised officers of the University may access or monitor personal data contained in any University information system (mailboxes, web access logs, file-store etc).
2.5 Individuals in breach of this policy are subject to disciplinary procedures (staff or student) at the instigation of the Dean/Director with responsibility for the relevant information system, including referral to the Police where appropriate.
The University will take legal action to ensure that its information systems are not used by unauthorised persons.
3. Ownership
3.1 The Director of IDSupply Systems has direct responsibility for maintaining this policy and providing guidance and advice on its implementation.
Information system owners are responsible for the implementation of this Policy within their area, and to ensure adherence.
A. Appendix: Subsidiary Policies
The detail of acceptable use in specific areas may be found in the following list of subsidiary polices:
