An Internet Policy for Your Employees

4. Downloads

Downloading files from the Internet involves certain risks, which your policy should aim to minimise.

4.1 Reduce security problems. Downloaded files may contain viruses.

• Install virus-checking software and update it regularly.
• Get the person responsible for IT to configure browser software to disable potentially harmful applications.

4.2 Ban employees from downloading inappropriate files, and from installing software.

• All software should be installed by an authorised employee.

4.3 Make sure employees understand copyright and other intellectual property issues.

• Any information published on the Internet will normally be protected by copyright.
• The use of software downloaded from the Internet is covered by copyright laws. Remind employees that unauthorised copying is a criminal offence.

4.4 Set limits on the size of downloaded files.

• If employees need to download large files, make them do it when the Internet connection is not otherwise needed.
• Avoid downloading large files between 2pm and 4pm, when the Internet is often busy and slow.
• Make sure employees know that printing out large web files can be slow and clog up the printer.