Acceptable Use Policy

Version: 1.0 | Last updated: [Date] | Document owner: [Role, e.g., IT/Information Security]

1. Purpose

To establish the rules for acceptable use of [Company Name]'s systems, devices, networks, and corporate data, protecting the company and its employees from legal, security, and operational risks.

2. Scope

Applies to all employees, interns, contractors, and third parties with access to [Company Name]'s corporate systems or devices, including remote use and authorized personal devices (BYOD).

3. Acceptable Use

• Corporate systems and devices must be used primarily for work-related activities.
• Limited personal use is permitted, provided it does not interfere with productivity, violate this policy, or create security risk.
• All system access must be made with individual credentials — password sharing is prohibited.

4. Prohibited Use

The following are expressly prohibited:

• Installing unauthorized software on corporate devices.
• Disabling or bypassing security controls (antivirus, firewall, MFA).
• Accessing, storing, or transmitting illegal, discriminatory, or copyright-infringing content.
• Using another person's credentials or sharing one's own.
• Connecting unauthorized devices to the corporate network.
• Sending confidential company data through unapproved channels (e.g., personal email, non-corporate messaging).

5. Mobile Devices and Remote Work

Devices used to access corporate systems must have disk encryption enabled, a password/biometric lock screen, and up-to-date security patches. Remote connections to critical systems must use VPN or an access solution approved by the security team.

6. Monitoring

[Company Name] reserves the right to monitor the use of its corporate systems and networks for security, compliance, and incident investigation purposes, within the limits of applicable law (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and subject to prior notice under internal terms of use.

7. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Violations of this policy may result in a warning, suspension of system access, or disciplinary action under the company's HR policy, including termination in severe cases.

8. Policy Review

This policy must be reviewed annually or after relevant changes to IT infrastructure or applicable law.