When Traveling or Working Remotely from Your Primary Work Location
Device Security
When traveling, users should take extra precautions to secure their devices. Laptops should never be left unattended in public places. When a laptop is left in an unoccupied room (e.g., hotel sleeping room), it's important to log off and/or shut down before leaving the room.
Network Security
Users should connect to secure and trusted networks when working remotely.
Public Wi-Fi Usage
Users should avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive work-related tasks. When working always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security.
Data Access
Only access company systems and data through secure, authorized channels when traveling or away from your primary work location. Avoid accessing sensitive data on public computers or shared devices.
Data Handling
Follow the same data handling and security protocols when working remotely as you would in the office.
Secure Printing and Physical Documents
If printing or handling physical documents remotely, ensure they are stored securely and disposed of properly when no longer needed.
Equipment Security & Incident Reporting
Remote workers are responsible for the security of their work equipment. Ensure that laptops and other devices are not accessible to unauthorized individuals. If a device is damaged, lost, or stolen, users must report the incident immediately to IT.
Email Access During International Travel
If you are planning to travel outside the USA and need to access your email while abroad, inform the IT department about your travel plans well in advance. You can do this by submitting a support ticket to itsupport@alta.org.
Conclusion
ALTA's Information Technology User Manual provides a vital framework to enable users to perform at a high level and provide ALTA with the means to maintain a secure, efficient, and compliant technology environment for the benefit of the organization and all users. By adhering to these guidelines for hardware, software security, productivity, collaboration, and document retention, as well as additional measures for traveling and remote work, we can all work together to prioritize the protection of sensitive data and ensure that our technology resources are utilized optimally. ALTA's commitment to these policies not only safeguards our digital assets but also fosters a culture of responsibility and professionalism among our staff, contributing to the overall success and resilience of our organization in today's dynamic digital landscape.