Create a Policy for Safeguarding Computers and Other IT Equipment

  

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Create a Policy for

Safeguarding Computers and

Other IT Equipment

Posted by JohnStorts May 26, 2011 3:27:33 PM

Protecting business desktops, laptops, tablets and other IT equipment from misuse starts at the end-user level. It's important that the business defines boundaries for appropriate use and communicates those boundaries clearly and concisely to all employees. Creating policies is the first step in setting those boundaries and enforcing them.

Toolkit Cafe contributed the IT Computer Equipment Security Policy template to assist others in the creation of policies that protect both the organization and the employee. The template, part of its comprehensive IT Governance and Compliance Toolkit, can be fully customized to reflect pertinent policy details, including content owners and revision history. Initially, it provides five common policy items that you can revise to meet your business environment. These items outline the official stance on:

• Reasonable and limited use of company equipment for personal reasons, unless prohibited by the nature of the work
• The rights of the company to monitor use of equipment, including email and Internet access, without notice or consent
• Accessing a co-worker's computer without authorization
• Conducting or soliciting outside business using company equipment
• Proper disposal of equipment, including removal of any files or licensed software, by authorized personnel

In addition, the template includes spaces for indicating who employees should address questions to within the IT department and what the consequences are for non-compliance.

Don't wait to put a security policy in place until after a breach, theft or obvious violation occurs. Craft a strong policy now and make sure all employees are aware of it to proactively avoid problems. Unless conversion rates have changed in some fundamental way, an ounce of prevention is still worth a pound of cure.

WesTec Services, A Houston IT provider that offers a wide range of services including: Network Installation/Service, Telephone Systems/Service, Video Surveillance/Access Control and Office Equipment

CALL TODAY at (713) 682-4000