Computing Accounts

Use of CSDE computing and networking resources is governed by the following:

• Federal and state law
• Internet acceptable-use practices
• University of Washington (UW) policy
  • UW guidelines for use of computing resources
  • UW policy on ethics in computer use
  • UW software copyright policy
  • UW Student Code of Conduct
  • UW Website Terms and Conditions of Use
  • UW Online Privacy Statement
• CSDE policy

Evidence of illegal activities or policy violations will be turned over to the appropriate authorities immediately. Depending upon their nature, violations of law or policy may be met with revocation of access, suspension of accounts, disciplinary actions, and/or prosecution.

Further, as CSDE is part of UW’s computing infrastructure, one of CSDE’s responsibilities is to help protect and sustain operation of UW’s computing facilities. As such, CSDE may take whatever steps it feels appropriate to remedy or prevent activities that, in CSDE’s judgment, endanger the orderly operation of CSDE or UW computing systems and/or that threaten UW’s network connections to the Internet and/or other institutions or networks.

Guidelines related to the use of CSDE Computer Accounts are described below.

For privacy and security reasons:

• You may not share your UW or CSDE Computer Account’s username and password with anyone else.
• You may not request or create a CSDE Computer Account for someone else, even if you are the person’s supervisor, parent, or friend.

Legal Guidelines

You must use CSDE resources in strict accordance with UW regulations and local, state, and federal laws. These cover such areas as illegal access to computer systems, networks, and files; copyright violations; and harassment issues.

The following are prohibited by law, UW policy, and CSDE policy:

• Copying or using software, images, music, or other intellectual property unless you are certain that you have the right to do so
• Copying CSDE software for use on non-CSDE machines unless explicitly permitted to do so
• Sending others inappropriate images, sounds, or messages that might reasonably be considered harassment (defined as the creation of an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment)
• Attempting to break into CSDE systems, networks, or user accounts
• Using CSDE systems to attack or attempt to break into other systems
• Using CSDE services for personal gain, for example, selling access to your account or performing for-profit work in a manner not authorized by CSDE
• Using CSDE resources for partisan political purposes, such as using the computer lab to print advertising materials for political candidates

System and Network Integrity Guidelines

Consider the impact of your action on others, and respect the interests of other computer users and managers. You must not access any CSDE computers or networks nor any computers or networks connected to CSDE without proper authorization. In no case may you disrupt or harm computers, computer software, computer data or information, or networks regardless of whether the computer, software, data, information, or network in question is owned by CSDE.

The following practices are prohibited:

• Attempting to test security flaws yourself
• Attempting to disrupt any system or network
• Altering any data, software, or directories other than your own without proper authorization
• Probing or connecting to any computers without a legitimate reason to do so
• Attempting to gain Root or Administrator access on any of the CSDE systems unless you have been given authorization by the system administrator
• Using CSDE systems or networks to crack other systems or networks
• Installing invasive software, such as worms or viruses, on any CSDE system over any network

Report suspected security flaws here.

Network Performance

CSDE systems share a limited amount of computing and network resources, so excessive resource use by one user can negatively impact all others. Therefore, any usage of CSDE systems in a manner that impairs general network performance is prohibited and may be terminated by CSDE.

Examples of prohibited network-intensive programs include peer-to-peer file sharing, BitTorrent, and high-bandwidth audio/video streaming.

CSDE may monitor user activities and access any files or information in the course of performing normal system and network maintenance or while investigating policy or violations. Anyone using CSDE resources expressly consents to such monitoring and is advised that if such monitoring reveals possible evidence of criminal activity, CSDE will provide the evidence to law enforcement officials.

Enforcement

Actions that are illegal or against university policy will be referred to the appropriate officials regardless of whether or not a computer was involved in their commission. CSDE’s role is to assist the authorities, whether they are university officials or law enforcement. Only minor computer and network policy violations will be handled internally by CSDE.

If there is evidence of misuse of computing and networking resources through a specific account, the following steps will be taken to protect the systems, networks, and user community:

1. The suspected CSDE Computer Accounts will be suspended immediately pending the outcome of any investigation.
2. The files and data associated with the CSDE Computer Account or computer will be inspected for evidence.
3. The violation will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
   • CSDE policy violations are reported to the Computing Core Director.
   • University policy violations are reported to Student Affairs or the appropriate instructor, department chair, or supervisor.
   • Illegal activity is reported to the police, the FBI, the Secret Service, Human Rights, UW and state auditors, or the Attorney General’s Office.

Violators are subject to any and all of the following:

• Loss of CSDE Computer Account (i.e, loss of computing and networking access)
• University disciplinary actions (as prescribed in the “Student Code of Conduct” or “University of Washington Handbook”)
• Civil proceedings
• Criminal prosecution