Computer Security and Privacy

(Board of Regents' Minutes, Item M105, Attachment M8; 04.24--3/23/84)

Computer abuse is currently covered by several Federal laws (such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986) and State laws (such as the Texas Computer Crimes Statute), and new laws are in committee awaiting hearings. Violation of such laws may include heavy fines and imprisonment upon conviction. The security policy adhered to by the University is as follows:

1. Any student or faculty/staff employee (regardless of employment contract or tenure status) found to be involved in infractions of this policy, University policy, or civil or criminal laws regarding University computer security and privacy shall be subject to disciplinary actions including, but not limited to, revocation of computing privileges, suspension, dismissal, prosecution, and restitution for damages. Involvement, as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, participating, encouraging, aiding, or failing to report known infractions.


2. Some jobs or activities of the University involve access to resources critical to computer security and privacy. The University may require faculty/staff employees or students involved in these jobs or activities to disclose personal histories, participate in special training, and/or submit to background checks.


3. All students and faculty/staff employees shall cooperate with official state and federal law enforcement authorities in aiding the investigation and prosecution of any suspected infraction of security and privacy involving either University personnel or University computing facilities.