07.100.08 Abusing, Damaging, or Destroying Electronic Resources

CIO

Approved by the CIO August 1, 2019; Reformatted May 25, 2005; approved by Board of Trustees October 28, 2004; revised October 23, 2003; effective January 18, 2002

UNC System Office Policy Manual, Chapter 1400 “Information Technology";       International Organization for Standardization ISO/IEC 27002

Policy 07.100 Responsible Use of Information Technology Resources

Information Technology Services

Policy Details:

1. Policy

   A. Users are encouraged to make use of the university’s information technology resources in pursuit of legitimate activities that further the educational, research, administrative and service mission of the institution. However, users must also be aware of the finite capacity of information technology resources. Such resources are shared among all members of the campus community, and it is in the interest of all users to make sure that their information technology resources are performing and functioning properly. Damaging, abusing, or in other ways destroying or interfering with the successful operation of information technology resources is forbidden. Users must take care not to engage in activities that, without proper authorization, do the following:

   1. Overload the information technology resources, such as excessive use of processor time, data storage, or bandwidth, or activities which otherwise impair or negatively impact performance and availability.

   2. Interfere with, disable, damage, obstruct or in a similar manner impede the normal function and accessibility of information technology resources, data or other information.

   3. Waste or hoard information technology resources in ways that interfere with the operation of the system or its availability to others.

   4. Attempt the unauthorized connection, removal or modification of computer or communication devices.

   5. In any way physically abuse, damage or destroy information technology resources, data or facilities.

   6. Disseminate or launch any program designed to damage information technology resources, or place excessive load on information technology resources affecting their performance or availability.

2. Enforcement
   
   The university reserves the right to place restrictions on the use of its information technology resources in response to evidence of violations of university policies, rules, regulations or codes, or local, state or federal laws and regulations. Actions that violate these policies can result in immediate disabling, suspension and/or revocation of the account owner's privileges pending review for further action. Such unauthorized or illegitimate use of information technology resources including computer accounts, resources or facilities may subject the violators to appropriate disciplinary, criminal and/or legal action, by the university and/or the state. If evidence is established, the university authorities responsible for overseeing these policies and codes will be consulted on the appropriateness of specific actions.
   
   See Policy 07.100.00 Responsible Use of Information Technology Resources for additional information on enforcement and reporting concerns.