Acceptable Use Policy

2025.1

Reviewed: 9/20/2024
Updated: 9/20/2024

The purpose of this policy is not to restrict but to outline the acceptable use of IMPLAN computer, network, internet and other technology. Unacceptable or inappropriate use exposes IMPLAN and yourself to reduced efficiency, potential negative business impacts from equipment damage, viruses, phishing, and more.

Controls and Procedures

Acceptable Use

General use and ownership:

IMPLAN will provide the employee with all equipment we view as necessary to complete the job. Equipment must be cared for and respected to avoid any negative impact on work.
When using company equipment, employees are expected to exercise care, follow all operating instructions, safety standards and guidelines. Exercising care can be defined as but is not limited to: keeping immediate work area clear of potentially damaging materials such as coffee and soda; transporting equipment properly (closing laptop when carrying, placing in laptop sleeve or bag while travelling, etc.).
Please notify your supervisor if any equipment appears to be damaged, defective or is in need of repair. Prompt reporting of damages, defects or repairs could prevent deterioration of equipment and possible injury to employees or others. Contact HR or IT for answers to any questions about your responsibility for the maintenance and care of company equipment.
For IMPLAN security and network maintenance purposes, members of the IT staff may monitor equipment, network and systems usage at any and all times.
IMPLAN reserves the right to audit employee systems to ensure compliance with all parts of this policy, as well as other technology related policies.

Communications:

Your internal and external communications are representative of IMPLAN. Use of IMPLAN email to send unsolicited emails, junk or chain emails, messages with sexually suggestive themes, or any sort of harassment is unacceptable.
IMPLAN resources are intended for business purposes and it is expected that the sending or receiving personal email, phone calls, or texts be kept to a minimum during business hours. Please be courteous and set ringers/ alerts down or off to reduce disruption.
IMPLAN employees should always ensure, to the best of their ability, that the business information contained in all email messages and other transmissions is accurate, appropriate, ethical and lawful.

Computers:

It is a goal of IMPLAN to maintain a workplace sensitive to the diversity of its employees and free of harassment. To accomplish this, IMPLAN prohibits the use of computers in ways that are disruptive, offensive to others or harmful to morale or company culture. This includes, but is not limited to; the display or transmission of sexually explicit images, messages and cartoons, ethnic slurs, racial comments and offensive jokes.
Computers, computer files, external hard drives, the email system and software supplied to employees are the property of IMPLAN and are intended for business use. Therefore, anything and everything on the computer is IMPLAN property and IMPLAN can use or handle the data to their choosing.
IMPLAN understands that non-work related use may be necessary occasionally throughout work hours; it is expected that this be kept to a minimum and is appropriate, ethical and lawful.
IMPLAN computers and the email system may not be used to solicit others for commercial ventures, religious or political causes, outside organizations or other non-related business matters.
Employees should take care to only access company data pertinent to their job duties, despite the level of access that may be available.

Internet Use:

Internet access is provided by IMPLAN to assist employees in obtaining work-related data and technology. While internet usage is intended for job-related activities, incidental and occasional personal use is permitted.
All internet data that is composed, transmitted or received via IMPLAN's computer communications is considered to be part of the official records of IMPLAN and as such, employees should have no expectation of privacy with regards to the use of the internet. IMPLAN reserves the right to review any information on company computers.
Data that is composed, transmitted, accessed or received via the internet must not contain content that could be considered discriminatory, offensive, obscene, threatening, harassing, intimidating or disruptive to any employee or other person.
The unauthorized use, installation, copying or distribution of copyrighted, trademarked or patented material on the internet is expressly prohibited.
IMPLAN installs software on company computers with the purpose of protecting the company and users from viruses, malware, spyware, adware, phishing attempts and other nefarious actions. However, Internet users should take the necessary precautions before downloading or copying any file from the internet.

VPN Use:

IMPLAN offers the option for remote and travelling employees to authenticate to the network using VPN technology, either through IPSEC or SSL.
The VPN connection should only be active to access network resources, transfer files, connect to a remote computer, or to pass certain security checks. Once the task is complete, it is expected that the VPN connection will be terminated.
All internet data that is composed, transmitted or received via VPN is considered to be part of the official records of IMPLAN and as such, employees should have no expectation of privacy with regards to the use of the VPN.
Data that is composed, transmitted, accessed or received via VPN must not contain content that could be considered discriminatory, offensive, obscene, threatening, harassing, intimidating or disruptive to any employee or other person.
IMPLAN installs software on company computers with the purpose of protecting the company and users from viruses, malware, spyware, adware, phishing attempts and other nefarious actions. If the situation arises that a non-IMPLAN device must be used to connect via VPN, IMPLAN IT Staff may inspect the device prior to VPN client installation and connection.

Unacceptable computer, communication, and internet use:

Sending or posting discriminatory, harassing or threatening messages or images.
Using IMPLAN's time and resources for personal gain.
Downloading video or audio files during working hours for personal use.
Stealing, using or disclosing someone else's code or password without authorization.
Copying, pirating or downloading software and electronic files without permission.
Installing software harmful to IMPLAN security.
Sending or posting confidential material, trade secrets or proprietary information outside the organization.
Violating copyright law. Failing to observe licensing agreements.
Engaging in unauthorized transactions that may incur a cost to the organization or initiate unwanted internet services and transmissions.
Sending or posting messages or material that could damage IMPLAN's brand or reputation.
Participating in the viewing or exchange of pornography or obscene materials.
Sending or posting messages that defame or slander others.
Attempting to break into the computer system of another organization or person.
Refusing to cooperate with a security investigation.
Sending or posting chain letters, solicitations or advertisements not related to business purposes or activities.
Using the internet for political causes or activities, religious activities or any sort of gambling.
Jeopardizing the security of the organization's electronic communications systems.
Sending or posting messages that disparage another organization's products or services.
Passing off personal views as representing those of the organization.
Sending anonymous email messages.

Violation
Using IMPLAN provided computers, technology, communication equipment and internet access in manners contrary to this policy, or listed as unacceptable above, will result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:

Verbal or written warning
Increased supervision or monitoring
Limited access
Loss of access or privilege
Suspension, with or without pay
Termination of employment