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Research Note

Acceptable Use and Information Handling Rules

  • Updated Jun 17, 2026
  • Read 02 mins read
  • Status reviewed

Use this as a practical rules template for personnel, contractors, and third-party users who use organizational information and associated assets.

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When to use this

Practical use

Use this as a working artifact. Fill it with real owners, dates, decisions, evidence locations, and review status.

Use this as a practical rules template for personnel, contractors, and third-party users who use organizational information and associated assets.

Acceptable use rules

Asset or activity Allowed use Prohibited or restricted use Approval needed Monitoring or evidence
Internet access Business use and approved limited personal use Illegal activity, attack activity, unsafe sites TBD Web logs / alerts
Email and messaging Business communication Sending sensitive data to personal accounts TBD Mail logs / DLP
Devices Assigned business use Sharing devices or disabling controls TBD Asset records
Software/cloud tools Approved tools Unauthorized installs or shadow IT TBD Software inventory
Printing/copying Authorized business use Unattended sensitive output TBD Secure print logs
Removable media Approved encrypted media Unapproved USB or personal media TBD Media register

Classification handling rules

Classification Storage Transmission Printing Release approval Disposal
Public Approved public locations Normal channels Normal Content owner Normal disposal
Internal Approved internal systems Internal channels Controlled Owner if external Secure disposal if needed
Confidential Restricted repositories Encrypted or approved secure transfer Secure print Asset owner Secure disposal
Highly confidential / regulated Restricted access with logging Strong encryption or approved transfer method By exception Formal approval Verified destruction

User acknowledgement checklist

  • Rules are communicated before access is granted.
  • User has acknowledged acceptable use rules.
  • User understands classification handling expectations.
  • User understands prohibited uses.
  • User knows how to report accidental misuse or suspected incidents.
  • Contractor or third-party agreement includes equivalent obligations where applicable.
  • Template
  • Iso27001
  • A5 10
  • Acceptable use

Note Metadata

Aliases: Acceptable Use Rules, Information Handling Rules

Source: 90 Templates/Acceptable Use and Information Handling Rules.md

Graph-sourced resources

Templates and evidence

Auditor evidence packs

Evidence collections and audit-facing verification material.