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Information Security Policies


The Office of Information Security maintains several policies related to the use of computers and information at the University of Georgia. These policies have three key areas of focus: protecting university information and resources, protecting the privacy of sensitive information, and defining proper usage of university computing and networking resources. Each policy link below provides a brief summary of the policy, as well as a link to the official text and other information.

For information about the laws and regulations that affect UGA and their corresponding policies, please visit our information security and privacy laws page.

Need a checklist for securing sensitive systems? The Self Certification website is a condensed checklist of policies and guidelines that relate to systems that store or process sensitive information.

This policy defines what is acceptable behavior while using any University computer or networking resource. This is a general policy designed to protect sensitive information, personal privacy, and prevent abusive behavior. Use of specific services may have additional limitations.

Privacy Policy Updated 09-17-2009 policyAdobe PDF

University departments should protect the privacy of individuals who have sensitive information stored on university assets. Social Security Numbers are always confidential. University departments that collect sensitive information on their Web pages must post a link to the UGA Privacy Policy and inform consumers about any persons or entities outside the University with whom they may share sensitive information collected online.

E-mail Policy Updated 01-01-2005 policyAdobe PDF

Messages sent using UGA's e-mail service are property of the University, and should be professional and respectful. E-mail may not be used for paid advertisements, distributing spam, or misleading others under a false identity.

This policy provides requirements and guidance for all credit and debit card processing activities for the University of Georgia. Additional information related to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard can be found on our PCI-DSS laws page.

These standards are the minimum security requirements for devices that access and use the UGA Network. Systems that handle sensitive information are encouraged to follow stronger security guidelines -- such as CheckIT, Guidelines for Handling Sensitive Information, and Guidelines for Trusted Computing -- and should also follow the privacy policy.

Password Standard Updated 06-11-2009 policyAdobe PDF standardAdobe PDF

All University computers and network accounts must be password protected. These passwords should meet strength requirements outlined in the password guideline and be changed at least twice a year. Passwords should not be stored in a manner that allows for unauthorized access to a system. UGA MyID and password are preferred for authentication in university systems.

Classifying information is the first step in determining the information's need for protection. This standard helps classify information and systems by levels of sensitivity and criticality, to help determine what level of protection may be required.

Mishandling of sensitive information is a significant risk to the University, and may cause considerable financial or reputational harm. It is the responsibility of all UGA personnel to be aware of any sensitive information they may be handling, retaining, or transmitting.

Systems that store or process sensitive information should adhere to the suggestions put forth in this guideline. These guidelines are not requirements and do not supersede requirements set forth in the UGA Policies on the Use of Computers, the Minimum Security Standards for Networked Devices, and other UGA policies and standards.

Any data storage device that contains sensitive information must be properly handled before disposal or transferring to a third party. This guideline outlines appropriate steps for different scenarios involving handling sensitive devices.

Additional Computing and Networking Policies

The following policies are not maintained by Infosec, but relate to information security, privacy, and the use of university computing and network resources.

USG Information Security Manual (system wide policies)

EITS Policies
  • Account creation
  • General eligibility
  • Individual accounts and MyIDs
  • Organizational accounts and listservs
  • Account management and billing
  • Web pages for UGA departments
  • Personal web pages on MyWeb
  • Web accessibility guidelines
  • Web advertising policy

Networking Policies and Information

Telecommunications Policy

IT Procurement Policies

Streaming Media Policy

Additional policies at UGA can be found on AskUGA (search 'policies'), and UGA's main policy page.