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| Data Communications and Computer Use Policy |
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This site contains information on how to protect yourself from identity theft as well as what to do to if your personal information becomes exposed or if you actually become a victim of identity theft. Links to additional information can be found under Resources.
Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person's personal information such as name, Social Security number, driver's license number, credit card number or other identifying information to take on that person's identity in order to commit fraud or other crimes.
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
The following tips can help lower your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft.
Steps to Take if Your Data Becomes Compromised or Stolen
If you have reason to believe your personal information has been compromised or stolen, contact the Fraud Department of one of the three major credit bureaus listed below.
When contacting the Credit Reporting Agency, you should request the following:
Social Security Administration
SSA Fraud Hotline: 800-269-0271
http://www.ssa.gov/
If you are the victim of a stolen Social Security number, the SSA can provide information on how to report the fraudulent use of your number and how to correct your earnings record. We encourage you to contact the Fraud Hotline immediately once you suspect identity theft.
The website also provides tips on using and securing your Social Security number. Visit the SSA website for advice on keeping your number safe.
ID Theft Clearinghouse
1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338)
Call the ID Theft Clearinghouse toll free at to report identity theft. Counselors will take your complaint and advise you how to deal with the credit-related problems that could result from identity theft.
Local Law Enforcement
It is important that you report identity theft to your local police department as soon as you become aware that you are a victim. Get a copy of the police report which will assist you when notifying creditors, credit reporting agencies and if necessary, the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The following links provide detailed information related to identity theft and protecting yourself.
Department of Justice
http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html
Federal Trade Commission
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/
Social Security Administration
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse - Identity Theft Resources
http://www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm
National Fraud Information Center Hotline: 800-876-7060
Identity Theft Resource Center: 858-693-7935
The University will backup Microsoft Exchange email with a 30 day retention cycle and the log file for a 90 day retention cycle. Emails that are older than 30 days will not be backed up.
Updated 4-16-2007
University of Southern Indiana Computer Services and
Telecommunications Department
10/09/06
Overview
The Computer Center provides computer access and capabilities for the University. The University relies heavily on various systems to meet educational, operational, and informational needs. It is essential that USI's computers, computer systems, computer networks, and the data they store and process be operated and maintained in a secure environment and in a responsible manner. These systems and computers must be protected from misuse and unauthorized access.
This policy applies to all University computer users and systems and refers to all hardware, data, software, and communication networks associated with these computers. In particular, this policy covers computers ranging from multi‑user network to single‑user personal computers, whether stand‑alone or attached to the network.
In addition to this computer policy, users of these computer systems are subject to applicable state and federal laws as well as the rules and regulations of the University. Indiana’s requirements are provided in the link to Indiana code.
http://www.ai.org/legislative/ic/code/title24/index.html
Computing resources are valuable and their abuse can have a far‑reaching negative impact. Computer abuse affects everyone who uses computing facilities. The same moral and ethical behavior that applies in the non‑computing environment applies in the computing environment.
The University will ensure that all users are aware of the policy by publishing it on the web and by making copies available at the Computer Services Department.
Definition of Terms
A computer system includes any type of micro-computer (stand-alone or networked), PDA, workstation or mini-computer used on this campus or accessible by networks, wireless, or dial-up connections at other locations.
Computer networks include any local or wide-area communication system connecting computer systems as defined above.
The network backbone consists of the primary communications media which connects small networks, micro-computers and workstations, to other devices.
Local area networking media may consist of fiber, copper wire, wireless, or any data device used to connect micro-computers, or other devices to the network interface equipment.
Computer users are defined as students, faculty, staff, administrators, retirees, and recognized organizations.
Computer Use Guidelines
Users are to have valid passwords for the network, email, or applications’ software. It is the responsibility of all users to safeguard their passwords. Passwords should be changed often to ensure security. See password recommendations in “Tips for Safe Computing” at http://www.usi.edu/compctr/support/safecomputing.asp
All University laptop/portable computers must be configured to require secure logons for access. Blank passwords, passwords equal to username, etc. are not acceptable.
Employees must log off of their computer, or lock the screen with a password protected screen saver, when the employee will be away from their computer for any extended amount of time.
Users may not change copy, delete, read, or otherwise access files or software without permission of the owner of the files or the Director of Computer Services. Users may not bypass accounting or security mechanisms to circumvent data protection schemes. Users may not attempt to modify software except when intended to be user customized (i.e., user’s data files).
Users must not use the computer systems to violate any rules in the University Handbook, University Code of Conduct, and any local, state, or federal law.
A user shall disclose to the appropriate authorities, misuses of computing resources or potential loopholes in computer systems security, and cooperate with the director of the Computer Center in the investigation of abuses.
The University reserves the right to examine network data traffic, files, programs, email, passwords, accounting information, printouts, or other computing material without notice.
The University reserves the right to limit bandwidth on a per connection basis, monitor traffic, and log communications to ensure proper usage of network resources.
The University reserves the right to charge fees for data communications access, data, and networked applications.
Alumni – Graduating students will be able to retain their MyUSI email accounts.
Unacceptable Activities
Acceptable Personal Use
The University of Southern Indiana encourages Computer Technology literacy for its students, faculty and staff, alumni, and retirees. As such, the University of Southern Indiana allows its electronic mail system and web server(s) to be used by students, faculty, staff, and retirees for reasonable and limited personal use. For example, occasionally sending electronic mail to family and friends is allowed, as is the hosting of a personal web site. In all cases, “Personal Use” must conform to the guidelines established elsewhere in this document and must not interfere with the normal operation of the network.
The University home page will not link directly to personal web pages. Faculty, staff, or student personal web pages must follow the guidelines in this policy. The following statement must appear on all pages from which links occur to personal pages: “The views and opinions expressed in the following pages are strictly those of the page authors. The contents of these pages have not been approved by The University of Southern Indiana.”
In order to avoid jeopardizing the University’s tax-exempt status, computer facilities and services may not be used for personal financial gain or in connection with political activities, without prior written approval in each instance. Contact the Vice President for Business Affairs for detailed information.
Copyright Issues
The University owns licenses or leases to a number of proprietary programs. Users who redistribute software from the computing systems break agreements with software suppliers and violate applicable federal copyright, patent, and trade secret laws. Therefore, the redistribution of any software from computing systems is strictly prohibited except in the case of software that is clearly marked as being in the public domain. Leased software may be made available to faculty and staff, retirees, and administrators for work related purposes. Copying movies, video games, music, and other copyrighted material without authorization is not an acceptable use of network resources.
General Terms and Disclaimers of Liability
Responsibility for all information transmitted via the networks at USI lies with the user or the information provider.
Neither USI nor the Computer Center and Telecommunications Department make any warranty, expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy or fitness for any purpose of any information distributed by the network. Such warranties may or may not be expressed by information providers. Programs provided for use on the network have been tested for proper network functionality; however, the Computer Center cannot guarantee their suitability for any specific user's purposes.
Enforcement and Penalties
Abuse or misuse of computing resources may not only be a violation of this policy but may also violate criminal statutes. Therefore, the University will take appropriate action in response to user abuse or misuse of computing services. The University may refer enforcement issues to the appropriate Dean, administrator, or the Computer Advisory Committee.
When instances of improper use are identified, the University will investigate and may take action to prevent further occurrence.
During an investigation, the University reserves the right to copy and examine any files or information resident on University systems allegedly related to the improper use, including the contents of electronic mailboxes. Investigations that discover improper use may cause the University to:
Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.without written authorization from Cisco Systems, Inc . and/or the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, and The Netherlands.
Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.without written authorization from Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or the governments of the U.S., United Kingdom, and The Netherlands.
Revision date 10/9/06
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