What does an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) typically include?

An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is a critical document that outlines the acceptable and prohibited uses of an organization’s resources, such as networks, computers, and other information technology assets. The primary purpose of an AUP is to ensure that users understand their responsibilities when accessing and using these resources.

The inclusion of guidelines that detail appropriate use, as well as the consequences for misuse, serves to set clear expectations for users. This helps protect the organization from potential legal issues, security breaches, and operational disruptions caused by misuse. By clearly defining acceptable behavior, the AUP fosters a secure and productive environment that also emphasizes accountability among users.

Guidelines for financial transactions, onboarding procedures, and system maintenance, while important for their respective objectives, do not fall under the typical scope of an Acceptable Use Policy. They address different aspects of organizational operations rather than the core purpose of outlining acceptable usage standards and the responsibilities of individuals using organizational assets.