ICT Security

Maintaining the security of ICT systems that use the University network is of paramount importance. ICT security aims to protect:

• The privacy of information held in the computer systems from unwanted access or modification
• You against identify fraud
• The computer systems from malicious disruption
• The good reputation of the University

Note that although equipment has built in protection mechanisms these cannot be perfect and are influenced by our behaviour. Hence we can compromise the security by our actions.

It is important for users to behave and use IT equipment in an appropriate manner in order to comply with University regulations and UK legislation. Failure to work within these rules can result in legal action or University disciplinary action. Please be aware that UK law can be different to that experienced in other parts of the world, for example in the area of:

• Copyright law and how it relates to the downloading of music and films from the Internet.

• Please keep software up to date to protect the computer
• Don’t use your computer to download films etc if you don’t have the proper permission.

You should familiarise yourself with 2 important University documents both available here:

• Aston's Acceptable Use Policy - This comments on the things you should or shouldn't do.
• Aston's Monitoring Policy - This comments on the monitoring of your activities on the computer systems.

In these pages you’ll find advice and guidance to make you more aware of the issues and risks so that you can work and socialise safely on-line.