Accountability

Each person is to have a unique logon ID and associated account for accountability purposes. According to TAC 202, all individuals are accountable for their actions relating to information resources. Since computing accounts uniquely identify each user, you are responsible for any activity generated by your account. Therefore, you should:

• Not share your account(s) (e.g., allowing someone to use your account or using someone else’s account). If you allow someone to use your account, you’re responsible for the activity generated by your account. On the other hand, if someone uses your account without your knowledge, you're only initially responsible for the account activity. An account (e.g., logon ID) must provide individual accountability when used to access mission critical and/or confidential information.
• Be familiar with TAMU System and your institution’s rules, and all relevant laws (local, state, and federal), license agreements (e.g., copyright), and contracts regarding the use of computing resources.
• Protect confidential information under your account, or to that which you’re account has access.
• Safeguard your account(s):
  • Lock your workstation whenever you step away.
  • Log out of sites where you enter your username and password.
  • Disable any file sharing capabilities that you may have enabled with a file sharing program (e.g., Limewire or BitTorrent) to help prevent unintended access to your computing files and to ensure your computer isn’t offering copyrighted material.