Got porn in your browser, E-mail?

Twenty-one DHHS employees lost their jobs over the past 24 months for violating a department zero-tolerance edict: No Internet porn. Period.

If you violate the policy, there will be consequences. If you’ve been looking at porn on your state computer – other than by accident – you will not be here for long. Once you’re found out, you’ll be gone. No two-week notice. No farewell party. They’ll collect your computer, your keys, and show you to the door. It can happen that quickly.

“There’s no room for employees visiting porn sites if they want to keep their jobs in this department,” said Carmen Hooker Odom, DHHS secretary. “We hold every employee and contractor to the same rules.”

All employees and contractors are required to sign a memorandum of understanding or agreement that the department has the right to monitor their Internet behavior.

The antiporn policy is aimed at keeping state employees from misusing their state computers, particularly for visiting inappropriate Web sites. Other barred sites include racist Web sites and those that promote terrorism or fund-raising for terrorist organizations (such activity is reported to the FBI). Evidence of visiting child pornography is handed over to the State Bureau of Investigation.

Here’s how to avoid embarrassment for you, your family and the department. Your state computer was provided for you to do the state’s work. Stick to that concept. There is safety in doing the right thing. If you accidentally open a porn site, close it and report the incident to your supervisor. If your supervisor is not available, you may report it to the department’s security office via E-mail at DHHS.Security@ncmail.net, or go to the security office Web site at http://security.dhhs.state.nc.us/ then select ‘report incident’ from menu in the left column and follow the instructions. If you have questions regarding these and similar issues, call the security office, (919) 855-3090.

Pyreddy Reddy, DHHS information security administrator, is in charge of computer security for DHHS. His office and the state Information Technology Services Office monitor the network.

“We monitor. If we see any security concerns/issues, or inappropriate sites, we will inform management for appropriate action,” Reddy said.

Reddy has a few suggestions for avoiding problems:

• Do not visit pornographic, racist or otherwise inappropriate Web sites, including sites with racial jokes.
• If you should happen to land accidentally on such a site, report it to your supervisor.
• If you receive spam E-mail and it has inappropriate content, report it to your supervisor.
• Do not share your logon and E-mail passwords – with anyone.
• Use the Internet for business purposes only.
• Be cautious when navigating the Internet because you may enter a Web site that may be inappropriate.
• Report all security incidents to DHHS Privacy and security office at DHHS.Security@ncmail.net.

The bottom line here is summed up by Reddy:

“The Internet is a modern-day convenience that can make everyone’s life virtually easier. When you are on the state network you are obligated to exercise good judgment in the sites you may visit. Please DO NOT visit Web sites which are sexually explicit or discriminatory. Remember, wherever you go on the Internet you leave tracks. Employees and contractors need to be fully aware of their responsibility to keep their user ID and password secret. The password is the first line of defense within any system.”

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