I

N

F

O

R

M

A

T

I

O

N

Policies

Legal Ownership of Information Systems Files and Messages

Policy: MyCompany has legal ownership of the contents of all files stored on its computer and network systems as well as all messages transmitted via these systems.  MyCompany reserves the right to access this information without prior notice whenever there is a genuine business need.

Commentary: This policy seeks to clarify the ownership of information resident on MyCompany systems. It can facilitate the examination of electronic mail files and personal computer (PC) file directories which users may otherwise consider to be confidential and private. The policy can also act as a deterrent, discouraging users from using MyCompany systems for personal purposes. In an indirect way, the policy may also help to resolve disputes about the ownership of software written by employees, contractors, or consultants. Separately, user organizations may wish to expand the scope of the policy to include telephone systems such as voicemail. This policy generally should accompany statements about the personal use of information systems. Separately, some organizations may wish to add a sentence acknowledging that MyCompany does not have legal ownership of information held in custody for a third party, or for software and other copyrighted, patented, or otherwise protected intellectual property obtained from third parties.

P

R

O

T

E

C

T

I

O

N

Available for consulting in the USA and Internationally

Contact Information

Bruce M. Johnston, CISSP, CCSA

7725 Biltmore Blvd., Hollywood, FL., 33023-5825

  [B] +1 954.967.4065  [M] +1 954.558.2083

[E] VGSCS@Bellsouth.net

 Copyright 1997-2004 VGS, Inc. Information Protection
For problems or questions regarding this web contact Webmaster.
Last updated: 02/17/05.