New York State Psychiatric Institute Computer Usage Policy

New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) maintains certain policies with regard to the use and security of its computer systems. All users of our facilities are expected to be familiar with these policies.

Violations of NYSPI policies can lead to the suspension of computer account(s) pending investigation of circumstances. Serious violations of NYSPI policy will be referred directly to the appropriate administrative or outside authorities. Unauthorized use of NYSPI computing facilities can be a criminal offense.

Terms and Conditions

1. Unauthorized attempts to gain privileged access or access to any account not belonging to you on any NYSPI system is not permitted.

2. Individual accounts cannot be transferred to or used by another individual. Sharing passwords is not permitted.

3. Each user is responsible for all matters pertaining to the proper use of their account; this includes choosing safe passwords and ensuring that file protections are set correctly.

4. No NYSPI systems may be used as a vehicle to gain unauthorized access to other systems.

5. No NYSPI system may be used through unauthorized dial-up access.

6. No NYSPI system may be used for unethical, illegal or criminal purposes.

7. Any user who finds a possible security lapse on any NYSPI system is obliged to report it to the system administrators. Don’t attempt to use the system under these conditions until the system administrator has investigated the problem.

8. Please keep in mind that many people use the NYSPI systems for daily work.Obstructing this work by consuming gratuitously large amounts of system resources (disk space, CPU time) or by deliberately crashing the machine(s) will not be tolerated.

9. All users should be aware that the system administrators conduct periodic security checks of NYSPI systems, including password checks. Any user found to have an easily-guessed password will be required to choose a
secure password during their next login sequence.

10. Electronic mail on all NYSPI systems is as private as we can make it. Attempts to read another person’s electronic mail or other protected files will be treated with the utmost seriousness. The system administrators will not read mail or non-world-readable files unless absolutely necessary in the course of their duties, and will treat the contents of those files as private information at all times. Undeliverable mail is directed to the system administrators in the form of *headers only* for purposes of assuring reliable e-mail service.

*** Note***
NYSPI uses Novell's GroupWise application as the official e-mail program of the Institute. The Office of Psychiatry Information Technology(PsyIT) supports the product. If a user or group of users decide to use another e-mail application we recommend that the product conforms to the MAPI standards. Also, PsyIT will not be responsible for application support.

11. Use of the NYSPI facilities by outside individuals or organizations requires special permission from NYSPI.

12. Use of NYSPI systems for commercial uses is strictly prohibited. Such prohibited uses include, but are not limited to, development of programs, data processing or computations for commercial use and preparation and presentation of advertising material.

13. Frivolous, disruptive, or inconsiderate conduct in the computer labs or terminal areas is not permitted.

14. No NYSPI system may be used for sending nuisance messages, such as chain letters and obscene or harassing messages.

15. No NYSPI system may be used for playing computer games. Any clinical information identifying patients is not allowed in any type of electronic document that is placed or sent via the internet.

16. It is against both State and Federal Law to make unauthorized copies of licensed software, therefore no NYSPI system may contain software that violates the products licensing agreement.