Purpose - This document provides guidelines for prudent and acceptable practices regarding the use of the Internet. This standard supplements the Internet policies articulated in the UTSA Acceptable Use Policy.

Audience - The UTSA Internet Use Standard applies equally to all individuals granted access privileges to any UTSA information resource with Internet capabilities.

1. UTSA provides Internet access to faculty, staff and students to enhance their efforts in teaching, learning and service. There are certain risks associated with the posting or consuming of information on the Internet. To mitigate these risks, UTSA network users must adhere to prudent and responsible Internet use practices, as outlined in the UTSA Acceptable Use Policy.

2. The Office of Information Technology makes every effort to ensure that software used to access the Internet incorporates appropriate security features and patches and does not expose UTSA information resources to unnecessary security risks. Departments are expected to exercise similar care in selecting software and in protecting the environment in which the software is installed.

3. Personal and commercial advertising must not be posted on UTSA Web sites.

4. Purchases handled via the Internet are subject to the UTSA "Best Value" procurement rules.

5. All confidential student information and protected health information transmitted over the Internet must be encrypted in accordance with encryption guidelines published by the Office of Information Technology.