The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides an acceptable use policy template that can be used by organizations to develop their own acceptable use policies. This template is designed to help organizations protect their information systems and resources from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. It also helps organizations to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
The NIST acceptable use policy template includes the following sections:
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Purpose
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Scope
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Acceptable Use
Unacceptable Use
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Enforcement
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Reporting Violations
Acceptable Use
The acceptable use section of the policy defines what constitutes acceptable use of the organization’s information systems and resources. This section may include specific examples of acceptable and unacceptable use, such as:
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Using the organization’s information systems and resources for authorized business purposes only.
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Not using the organization’s information systems and resources to access or store illegal or unauthorized information.
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Not using the organization’s information systems and resources to send or receive spam or other unsolicited email.
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Not using the organization’s information systems and resources to engage in unauthorized or illegal activities.
Unacceptable Use
The unacceptable use section of the policy defines what constitutes unacceptable use of the organization’s information systems and resources. This section may include specific examples of unacceptable use, such as:
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Using the organization’s information systems and resources to access or store illegal or unauthorized information.
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Using the organization’s information systems and resources to send or receive spam or other unsolicited email.
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Using the organization’s information systems and resources to engage in unauthorized or illegal activities.
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Using the organization’s information systems and resources to harass or threaten other users.
Conclusion
An acceptable use policy is an important document that can help organizations to protect their information systems and resources from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. It can also help organizations to comply with applicable laws and regulations. The NIST acceptable use policy template is a valuable resource for organizations that are developing their own acceptable use policies.
By following the guidance in the NIST acceptable use policy template, organizations can help to ensure that their information systems and resources are used in a responsible and ethical manner.
FAQ
What is an acceptable use policy?
An acceptable use policy (AUP) is a set of rules that define the acceptable and unacceptable use of an organization’s information systems and resources.
Why is an acceptable use policy important?
An AUP is important because it helps to protect an organization’s information systems and resources from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. It also helps organizations to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
What are some common elements of an acceptable use policy?
Some common elements of an AUP include:
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Purpose
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Scope
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Acceptable Use
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Unacceptable Use
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Enforcement
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Reporting Violations
