Tips for Dealing with Computer Misuse at Work
Do your employees waste time browsing
the internet and logging on to social networking sites?
Are you worried about staff accessing
sites they shouldn't or sending inappropriate emails?
Do you feel staff social media use
could damage your company's reputation?
If the answer is 'Yes' to any of
the above read our tips on dealing with computer misuse at
work.
- Have an acceptable use policy
that covers employees' use of the internet, email and social
media
- Make sure it is aligned to
your disciplinary procedure
- Consult staff about the
policy
- Communicate the policy to
staff so they are quite clear on what they can and cannot do
- Monitor usage and where
necessary enforce your policy - if you don't you run the risk of
your policy not being
considered in use
when you need it
- React promptly to any
complaints by staff and document everything you discover
- Monitor email traffic to
check for large emails and increases in spam to certain users
- Get web content control
software and filters to help prevent inappropriate use
- Have network security
controls in place to prevent software
downloading
- Prohibit staff using their
own data storage devices, such as USB sticks, with company IT
equipment
- If you suspect serious abuse
confiscate the employee's computer equipment and prevent them
logging into the
network
- If you suspect illegal
activity report it to the police
