Clear desk and clear screen policy

Please note that as this policy is periodically reviewed and updated, if you print it from the website, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed for more than a 24 hour period following printing.

HFRS staff shall comply with the Clear Desk and Clear Screen Policy:

Lock away all Protectively marked, sensitive and valuable documents (paper and magnetic) in cabinets or desk drawers (as appropriate) when the desk is unattended for an extended period - for example when away for meetings, at lunch times, or overnight;
Lock workstations (computers, laptops and windows terminals) when unattended by pressing Ctrl Alt Delete. At cease of work close down all the applications and log off/shutdown the workstation. Laptops must be stored securely and not left out on desks when the user is not in attendance at the office.

There is a policy in both Hantsfirenet and for HFRS PCs where workstations that are inactive for 15 minutes will activate a password protected screensaver. This means that if you are logged onto a PC, then you will have two screen savers to unlock if you don’t use it for 15 minutes (one for the PC and one for your Hantsfirenet session). The password to unlock the screensavers will be the ones used to log in.

If, in an emergency, you need to leave the office quickly, e.g. a fire alarm or emergency call invoke the password-protected screensaver, ONLY IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO, to unauthorised access.
Ensure that any documents or magnetic media, or other removable media such as CDs, DVDs etc are safely stored away.
All knowledge, information and access to information should be handled responsibly. It is the responsibility of each user to consider the security of the information they have access to and to protect that information accordingly.
Don’t position your screen where sensitive information can be read by others.
You have responsibility for the security of HFRS premises and therefore should not leave your access badge or HFRS issued security keys on your desk or anywhere else that might compromise security.

For Laptops:

Log off laptops when left unattended for an extended period of time or lock workstation as per instructions above. At cease of work close down all the applications and log off/shutdown and securely store the laptop – ie lock the laptop away or keep it with you.
If, in an emergency, you need to leave the office quickly, e.g. a fire alarm or emergency call invoke the password-protected screensaver, ONLY IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO, to prevent unauthorised access.
Remember that your laptop and the information stored on the laptop is your responsibility. Don’t leave the laptop at any site or premises where you cannot be sure of its security. Don’t leave laptops unattended if they are logged in with access to information freely available. Don’t leave written down passwords or userids with your laptop.