A. 
This Village of Cayuga Heights Acceptable Use Policy specifies policies and procedures for the use of information resources and information technology systems. Enforcement of this Acceptable Use Policy is consistent with the policies and procedures of this municipality.
B. 
Being informed is a shared responsibility for all users of the Village of Cayuga Heights information systems. "Being informed" means, for example:
(1) 
Knowing these acceptable use policies and other related rules and policies;
(2) 
Knowing how to protect your data and data for which you are responsible;
(3) 
Knowing how to use shared resources without damaging them;
(4) 
Knowing how to keep current with software updates;
(5) 
Knowing how to report a virus warning, a hoax or other suspicious activity; and
(6) 
Participating in training.
Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all officials, employees and contractors of the Village of Cayuga Heights. This policy applies to all Village of Cayuga Heights information, computer systems and data that are used for official Village of Cayuga Heights business, regardless of location.
A. 
Authorized use. Users must not use other users' passwords, user IDs or accounts, or attempt to capture or guess other users' passwords. Users are also restricted from using business equipment for personal use, without authorization from the Village. Users must not hide their identity for malicious purposes or assume the identity of another user.
B. 
Privacy. User files may be subject to access by authorized employees of the Village during the course of official business. Accordingly, users should have no expectation of privacy and their activity may be monitored.
C. 
Restricted access. Users must not attempt to access restricted files or portions of operating systems, security systems or administrative systems to which they have not been given authorization. Accordingly, users must not access without authorization: electronic mail, data, programs or information protected under state and federal laws. Users must not release another person's restricted information.
D. 
Proper use of resources. Users should recognize that computing resources are limited and user activities may have an impact on the entire network. They must not:
(1) 
Misuse email, spread email widely (chain letter) and without good purpose ("spamming") or flood an individual, group or system with numerous or large email messages ("bombing").
(2) 
Use streaming audio, video or real-time applications, such as a stock ticker, weather monitoring or internet radio.
E. 
Protecting information and shared resources. Users must:
(1) 
Follow established procedures for protecting files; including managing passwords, using encryption technology and storing back-up copies of files.
(2) 
Protect the physical and electronic integrity of equipment, networks, software and accounts on any equipment that is used for Village of Cayuga Heights business in any location.
(3) 
Not visit non-business-related websites.
(4) 
Not open email from unknown senders or email that seems suspicious.
(5) 
Not knowingly introduce worms, viruses or other malicious code into the system; nor disable protective measures (i.e., antivirus, spyware firewalls).
(6) 
Not install unauthorized software.
(7) 
Not send restricted or confidential data over the internet or off the locally managed network unless appropriately encrypted.
(8) 
Not connect unauthorized equipment or media, which includes, but is not limited to: laptops, thumb drives, removable drives, wireless access points, pdas, and mp3 players.
F. 
Civility. Users must not harass other users using computer resources, or make repeated unwelcome contacts with other users. Users must not display material that is inappropriate in an office environment for example, consistent with Village of Cayuga Heights policies.
G. 
Applicable laws. Users must obey local, state and federal laws, including laws on copyright and other intellectual property laws.
A. 
Authorization. Employees requesting access to the Village of Cayuga Heights internet connection must complete an Application for User Internet Access (see Appendix A[1]). Employees shall not access the Village of Cayuga Heights internet connection without approval. Authorization for internet access will be determined by the managers directly reporting to the Village Clerk or Village Department Head.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is on file in the Village offices.
B. 
Training. After receiving approval to use the Village of Cayuga Heights internet connection, training will be provided.
C. 
Security.
(1) 
A unique IP address is assigned to each authorized user. The unique address does not guarantee privacy rights to the user. Downloading internet data is allowed only with prior written approval from the PC/LAN Administrator. Users who need to download information should write "requesting download privileges" on their application.
(2) 
Users should be aware of the risk of proper file storage procedures and of receiving computer viruses. Up-to-date virus scanning software must be running while the user downloads information.
(3) 
Employee information inquiries (i.e., references, employee verification, etc.) are not permitted via the internet.
D. 
Monitoring usage. Employee internet use may be monitored through mechanical safeguards or direct observations. Each user must use discretion when using the internet. The authorizing manager may request a user to maintain an Internet Activity Log.
E. 
Policy compliance. All employees, including officials and auxiliary boards, shall comply with this policy.
F. 
Policy exceptions. Policy exceptions shall be brought to the Village Clerk's attention for review. Exceptions may result in the withdrawal of the user's authorized internet use.