Use of Removable Media and Mobile Computing Devices
| POLICY STATEMENT |
This policy establishes safeguards for using removable media in conjunction with Delta State University computing resources and data. Appropriate security of all removable media, whether owned by Delta State University or by individuals, is required to prevent the spread of viruses, the loss or compromise of sensitive data, and other risks to the DSU network.
| DEFINITIONS |
Removable Media: Removable Media may be defined as any of the following
- Portable USB-based memory sticks, also known as flash drives, or thumb drives, jump drives, or key drives.
- Memory cards in SD, CompactFlash, Memory Stick, or any related flash-based supplemental storage media.
- USB card readers that allow connectivity to a PC.
- Portable MP3 and MPEG-playing music and media player-type devices such as iPods with internal flash or hard drive-based memory that support a data storage function.
- PDAs, cell phone handsets, and smartphones with internal flash or hard drive-based memory that support a data storage function
- Digital cameras with internal or external memory support.
- Removable memory-based media, such as rewritable DVDs, CDs, and floppy disks.
- Any hardware that provides connectivity to USB devices through means such as wireless (Wi.Fi, WiMAX, irDA Bluetooth, among others) or wired network access.
Mobile Computing Device: A Mobile Computing Device may be defined as any of the following whether owned by Delta State University or by Individuals.
- Portable computer or laptop that connects to or contains university data
- Any cellular device or tablet that is capable of storing university information including emails or other electronic correspondence
| PROCEDURES and RESPONSIBILITIES |
All members of the University community have a responsibility to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of University information collected, processed, transmitted, stored, or transmitted on mobile computing devices and removable media. The use of such data is provided to university employees as a privilege and improper storage or loss of such data could result in penalties both to the university and the individual employee responsible.
Responsibilities of End Users:
- Users must ensure that the removable data storage medium and mobile computing devices are free from malicious software before connecting them to university computers or network devices
- Users should never store confidential university data in removable media or on un-encrypted mobile computing devices
- All removable media and mobile computing devices are required to be properly encrypted and password protected to protect in case of loss
- Users should ensure that removable storage devices and mobile computing devices are stored in areas that are physically secure
- If a device containing university information including email is lost or stolen, the incident must be reported to the Office of Information Technology immediately
Sanctions
Violation of the policies described herein for use of removable media and mobile computing devices are dealt with seriously. Violators may and are subject to the disciplinary procedures of the University, up to and including termination. In addition, violators may lose computing privileges. Illegal acts involving Delta State University computing and networking facilities may also be subject to prosecution by state and federal officials.
Responsible Office and/or Policy Owner: Office of Information Technology
| RELATED DOCUMENTS |
- Appropriate Use of Computing and Network Resources
- Appropriate Electronic Storage
- Access to University Information Technology Resources Policy
| STATUS |
Active
| DATES(S) |
Change/Review/Approval Date:
Policy Effective Date: 08/14/2017
Revised/Approved by Cabinet: 08/14/2017
