4. Personnel policy revision-electronic communication devices

ON CASS COUNTY PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL 3.30 SUBJECT: EMPLOYEE INTERNET USAGE POLICY EFFECTIVE DATE: DECEMBER 1, 1997 PAGE 1 OF 2 As part of Cass County's commitment to the utilization of new technologies, many of our employees have access to the Internet. In order to ensure compliance with copyright law, and protect ourselves from being victimized by the threat of viruses or hacking into our servers, the following is effective immediately: 1. It is Cass County's intent to limit Internet access to official business. Employees are authorized to access the Internet for personal use, after regular office hours, in strict compliance with the other terms of this policy. Coffee breaks and lunch hours are part of the business day and personal usage is not allowed. The introduction of viruses, or malicious tampering with any computer system, is expressly prohibited. 2. Employees using Cass County's Internet link are acting as representatives of the county. As such, employees should act accordingly so as not to damage the reputation of the county. 3. Files which are downloaded from the Internet must be scanned with virus detection software before installation or execution. All appropriate precautions should be taken to detect for a virus and, if necessary, to prevent its spread. 4. The truth or accuracy of information on the Internet and in E -mail should be considered suspect until confirmed by a separate (reliable) source. 5. The Internet does not guarantee the privacy and confidentiality of information. Sensitive material transferred over the Internet may be at risk of detection by a third party. Employees must exercise caution and care when transferring such material in any form. 6. Unless otherwise noted, all software on the Internet should be considered copyrighted work. Therefore, employees are prohibited from downloading software and /or modifying any such files without permission from the copyright holder. 7. Any infringing activity by an employee may be the responsibility of the county. Therefore, the county may choose to hold the employee liable for their actions.