Security and Privacy

Accounts, files, and other stored data including, but not limited to, e-mail messages belonging to users at HU, are normally held private and secure from intervention by other users, including the staff of the ITS Department.

There are situations in which duly authorized ITS staff may be required to intervene in user accounts, temporarily suspend account access or disconnect computers from the network in the course of maintaining HU’s IT Resources such as repairing, upgrading or restoring file servers or personal computer systems.

Users should be aware that ITS staff may from time to time become aware of the contents of user directories and hard disk drives in the normal course of their work, and they are bound to keep this information confidential.

Access to and Monitoring

HU does not generally monitor e-mail, files or data stored on University IT resources. However, HU reserves the right to access and monitor any computer or other electronic device connected to the HU network. This includes equipment owned by HU and personal computing equipment (e.g. laptops) that are connected to the network.

Access to and monitoring of equipment is permitted for any reason, including but not limited to, suspected breaches by the user of his/her duties as a staff member, unlawful activities or breaches of University legislation and policies. Access to and monitoring includes, but is not limited to e-mail, web sites, server logs and electronic files.

HU may keep a record of any monitoring or investigations.

Prior Approval Required

Prior approval must be obtained from the President, before a user's e-mail, files or data may be accessed by authorized staff. Any information obtained under this approval will be treated as confidential, and only disclosed to relevant 3rd parties. Access to the information will be strictly on a need-to-know basis.