Internet 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.

Internet

HFRS aims to use appropriate business technology to its full potential and Internet access is provided to staff based on business need.

User access

Access to the Internet will be provided upon authorisation by the IS Department. Only users that have had an Internet account set up for them by the IS Department, have access to this service. Employees are expected to adhere to HFRS policy regarding the use of the Internet. HFRS reserves the right to withdraw access to the Internet at any time if this service is abused.

The Internet is a public domain; therefore all confidential corporate information must be dealt with appropriately. Anyone found disclosing confidential Service material deliberately or inadvertently maybe subject to disciplinary procedures. If you are unsure as to whether data is confidential or not, please contact your Line manager, Service Desk or the Data protection officer for advice.

Employees should be aware that they can incur personal, civil and criminal liability in respect of the content of their transmissions via the Internet and care should be taken to avoid mistakes, misstatements and misrepresentations.

Only staff with prior authorisation may speak to the media or similar third parties via the Internet.
Only staff with prior authorisation may add or remove information from HFRS web sites.
Staff shall not download, copy or transmit to third parties the works of others without their permission, this includes software.
An attempt to disable or circumvent security procedures is a disciplinary offence.
Staff shall keep their passwords confidential. Do not write it near to your computer or tell others.
Staff shall not let others use their Internet account for at any time. Staff are responsible and accountable for any searches or emails that are carried out within their account and under their name.
All computers should have a virus checker in place. If you believe that your computer does not have one, please notify the Service Desk immediately.
All Internet usage is monitored. Learn more about our policy for Communications, Internet and Intranet monitoring policy
Access to Internet based emails accounts, such as hotmail, using service PCs should be kept to a minimum and restricted to out of work hours (i.e. during lunch breaks, before and after work).
Staff making use of the Internet must not engage in activities that are illegal, or harm HFRS’s reputation or violate other Service policies.

Prohibited Activities

On line gambling, share dealing, arranging auctions and sales of goods or any other business transactions not related to Service business.
Accessing, displaying or disseminating pornographic, obscene or offensive material.
Participating in broadcast messaging to multiple recipients / newsgroups or sending multiple messages to single points.
Posting statements that are defamatory, misleading or false about HFRS, its business partners or any other company or product.
Posting or disseminating Protectively Marked or confidential information of any sort outside the business.
Downloading, using or distributing copyrighted materials without proper authorisation or payment of applicable fees to the owner.
Downloading, using or distributing software, other than authorised staff who may download, use and distribute authorised software upgrades, patches and drivers subject to their being verified for operational integrity, payment of applicable licence fees and standard virus checks.
Contributing to Internet Newsgroups without being explicitly authorised to do so in writing. An employee must not in his/her official capacity, or any other circumstance, conduct him/herself in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing his/her office or the Service into disrepute.