Information Security Policy

The purpose of this Policy is to safeguard information belonging to WEN – CIC and its stakeholder (third parties, clients or customers and the public), within a secure environment.

This Policy informs WEN staff, students, and other individuals entitled to use the facilities, of the principles governing the holding, use and disposal of information.

It is the goal of WEN that:

1. Information will be protected against unauthorised access or misuse.
2. Confidentiality of information will be secured.
3. Integrity of information will be maintained.
4. Availability of information / information systems is maintained for service. delivery.
5. Business continuity planning processes will be maintained.
6. Regulatory, contractual, and legal requirements will be complied with.
7. Physical, logical, environmental and communications security will be maintained.
8. Infringement of this Policy may result in disciplinary action or criminal prosecution.
9. When information is no longer of use, it is disposed of in a suitable manner.
10. All information security incidents will be reported to the Director/s and investigated through the appropriate management channel. Information relates to:
11. Electronic information systems (software, computers, and peripherals) owned by WEN whether deployed or accessed on or out of office.
12. The computer network used either directly or indirectly.
13. Hardware, software and data owned by WEN.
14. Paper-based materials.
15. Electronic recording devices (video, audio, CCTV systems).

The Policy

WEN requires all users to exercise a duty of care in relation to the operation and use of its information systems.

A   Authorised users of information systems

Except for, information published for public consumption, all users of WEN information systems must be formally authorised by appointment as a member of staff, by enrolment as a student, or by other process specifically authorised by the Directors. Authorised users will be in possession of a unique user identity.

Any password associated with a user identity must not be disclosed to any other person. The “Network password policy” describes these principles in greater detail.

Authorised users will pay due care and attention to protect WEN information in their personal possession. Confidential, personal, or private information must not be copied or transported without consideration of:

• permission of the information owner.
  • the risks associated with loss or falling into the wrong hands.
  • how the information will be secured during transport and at its destination.

B   Acceptable use of information systems

Use of WEN information systems by authorised users will be lawful, honest, and decent and shall have regard to the rights and sensitivities of other people. The detail of acceptable use in specific areas may be found in the list of subsidiary policies detailed in the Appendix.

C   Information System Owners

Directors who are responsible for information systems are required to ensure that:

• Systems are adequately protected from unauthorised access.
  • Systems are secured against theft and damage to a level that is cost- effective.
  • Adequate steps are taken to ensure the availability of the information system, commensurate with its importance (Business Continuity).
  • Electronic data can be recovered in the event of loss of the primary source. i.e. failure or loss of a computer system. It is incumbent on all system owners to backup data and to be able to restore data to a level commensurate with its importance (Disaster Recovery).
  • Data is maintained with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Systems are used for their intended purpose and that procedures are in place to rectify discovered or notified misuse.
  • Any electronic access logs are only retained for a justifiable period to ensure compliance with the data protection, investigatory powers, and freedom of information acts.
  • Any third parties entrusted with WEN data understand their responsibilities with respect to maintaining its security.

D   Personal Information

Authorised users of information systems are not given rights of privacy in relation to their use of WEN information systems. Duly authorised officers of the University may access or monitor personal data contained in any WEN information system (mailboxes, web access logs, file- store etc).

E   Breach

Individuals in breach of this policy are subject to disciplinary procedures (staff or student) at the instigation of the WEN Director/s with responsibility for the relevant information system, including referral to the Police where appropriate.

WEN will take legal action to ensure that its information systems are not used by unauthorised persons.

F   Ownership

The WEN Director/s have direct responsibility for maintaining this policy and providing guidance and advice on its implementation.

Information system owners are responsible for the implementation of this Policy to ensure adherence.