Internet Usage and Monitoring Policy

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to define standards for systems that monitor and limit web use from any host within HU’s network. These standards are designed to promote an academic environment, and ensure that web use can be monitored or researched during an incident.

2.0 Scope

This policy applies to all HU staff, faculty and students, with an HU-owned or personally-owned computer or workstation connected to the HU’s network.

This policy applies to all end user initiated communications between HU’s network and the Internet, including web browsing, instant messaging, file transfer, file sharing, and other standard and proprietary protocols. Server to Server communications, such as SMTP traffic, backups, automated data transfers or database communications are excluded from this policy.

3.0 Policy

3.1 Web Site Monitoring

The ITS Department shall monitor Internet use from all computers and devices connected to the corporate network. For all traffic the monitoring system must record the source IP address, the date, the time, the protocol, and the destination site or server. Internet Use records must be preserved for 180 days.(why, there seems to be an element of academic intimidation here. As faculty I would be very concerned if all my Internet use is monitored and kept for 180 days.

3.3 Internet Use Filtering System

The ITS Department shall block access to Internet websites and protocols that are deemed inappropriate for HU’s academic environment. In addition, given the exorbitant cost of purchasing local bandwidth, ITS will filter all websites and contents deemed “bandwidth-hungry”.
For a list of the protocols and services that are deemed inappropriate, please contact the ITS department, or refer to your local public folder on the Haigazian secured network.

3.4 Internet Use Filtering Rule Changes

The ITS Department shall periodically review and recommend changes to web and protocol filtering rules Changes to web and protocol filtering rules will be recorded in the Internet Use Monitoring and Filtering Policy.

3.5 Internet Use Filtering Exceptions

If a website is improperly categorized, employees may request the site be un-blocked by submitting an approved request to the Director of ITS.

Employees may access blocked sites/services with permission if appropriate and necessary for academic purposes.

4.0 Enforcement

The ITS Department will periodically review Internet use monitoring and filtering systems and processes to ensure they are in compliance with this policy. Any employee found to have violated this policy will be reported to their immediate supervisor.