NNNGO EMPLOYEE INTERNET USAGE POLICY

The internet is a powerful tool that can bring significant benefits to the Nigeria Network of NGOs. However, it is important that every employee of the network who uses the internet understand s how to use it responsibly, safely and legally hence the need to have this policy as an organisation.

Our employee internet usage policy outlines our guidelines for using the network’s internet connection. We want to avoid inappropriate or illegal internet use that can create risks for organisation’s legality and reputation.

This internet use policy will:

• Reduce the online security risks faced by the Nigeria Network of NGOs.
• Let staff members know what they can and can’t do online using the organisation’s internet.
• Ensure employees do not view inappropriate content at work.
• Helps the organisation satisfy its legal obligations regarding internet use.

This internet usage policy applies to all staff, volunteers and partners at the Nigeria Network of NGOs who use the organisation’s internet on work time.

It applies no matter whether that internet access takes place on company premises, while travelling for business or while working from home.

It applies to use of the internet on any device that is owned by the organisation, or that is connected to any of the organisation’s networks or systems.

What is appropriate employee internet usage?

Our employees are advised to use our company’s internet connection for the following reasons:

• To complete their job duties.
• To surf the internet and seek out information that they can use to improve their work
• To access their social media accounts.

We don’t want to restrict our employees’ access to websites of their choice, but we expect our employees to exercise good judgement and remain productive at work while using the internet.

Any use of our network and connection must follow our data protection policy https://nnngo.org/privacy-policy/

• Keep their passwords secret at all times.
• Log into their corporate accounts only from safe devices.
• Use strong passwords to log into work-related websites and services.

Our employees must not use our internet network to:

• Download or upload obscene, offensive or illegal materials.
• Take part in any activities on the internet that could bring the organisation into disrepute.
• Send confidential information to unauthorized recipients.
• Invade another person’s privacy and sensitive information.
• Download or upload movies, music and other copyrighted material or software
• Visit potentially dangerous websites that can compromise the safety of our network and computers.
• Perform unauthorized or illegal actions, like hacking, fraud, buying/selling illegal goods and more.

We also advise our employees to be careful when downloading and opening/executing files and software. They should be sure it is safe before downloading, they could ask  their IT manager/ supervisor for assistance.

NNNGO would install anti-virus and disk encryption software on our organisation’s computers. Employee may not deactivate or configure settings and firewalls without managerial approval. We won’t assume any responsibility if employee devices are infected by malicious software, or if their personal data are compromised as a result of inappropriate employee use.

The Nigeria Network of NGOs recognizes that the internet is an integral part of carrying out its activities. We therefore encourage staff members to use the internet whenever such use supports the organisation’s visions and missions.

For instance, staff members may use the internet to:

• Purchase office supplies
• Book travels
• Identify potential suppliers or partners.

There are many valid reasons for using the internet at work and at the Nigeria Network of NGOs we certainly allow our staff to explore and take advantage of the internet’s many advantages however, any form of internet abuse will not be tolerated.

We recognize that the internet is embedded in many people’s daily lives. As such, it allows our staff to use the internet for personal reasons, with the following stipulations:

• Personal internet use should be of a reasonable level
• All rules described in this policy equally applies to personal internet use. For instance, inappropriate content is always inappropriate, no matter whether it is being accessed for organisational or personal reasons.
• Personal internet use must not affect the internet service available to other staff in the organisation.

Our employees can use their corporate email accounts for both work-related and personal purposes as long as they don’t violate this policy’s rules. Employees shouldn’t use their corporate email to:

• Register to illegal, unsafe, disreputable or suspect websites and services.
• Send obscene, offensive or discriminatory messages and content.
• Send unauthorized advertisements or solicitation emails.

At the Nigeria Network of NGOs, we have the right to monitor our employee’s emails and websites our employees visits on our computers.

Only staff who have been authorised to use the internet at the Nigeria Network of NGOs may do so.

Authorisation is usually provided by the network’s IT department. It is typically granted when a new employee joins the company and is assigned their login details for the organisation’s IT systems.

Internet if used unwisely can be a source of security problems that can do significant damage to the organisation’s data and reputation.

• Users must not knowingly introduce any form of computer virus, spyware or other malware into the organisation’s systems
• Staff must not gain access to websites or systems for which they do not have authorisation, either within the organisation or outside.
• Company data should only be uploaded to and shared through approved services. The IT department can advise on appropriate tools for sending and sharing large amounts of data.
• Staff members must not steal, use or disclose someone else’s login or password without authorisation.

Staff members must always consider the security of the organisation’s systems and data when using the internet. If requires, help and guidance is available from the organisation’s IT department.

We respects and operates within copyright laws. Staff members may not use the internet to:

• Publish or share any copyrighted software, media or materials owned by third parties, unless permitted by the third party.
• Download illegal copies of music, films, games or other software, whether via filesharing services or other technologies.

Knowingly breaching this internet use policy is a serious matter. Staff members who do so will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Staff members, volunteers, contractors and other users may also be held personally liable for violating this policy.

Where appropriate, the network will involve the police or other law enforcement agencies in relation to breaches of this policy.