The purpose of this Guideline is to instruct users on appropriate use of Administrator Access to Carnegie Mellon University (“University”) computing and information resources and to aid in the interpretation of requirements set forth in the University Computing Policy.
This Guideline applies to all University system and application administrators and any other personnel who are provided with Administrator Access to University computing and information resources.
Administrator Access is defined as a level of access above that of a normal user. This definition is intentionally vague to allow the flexibility to accommodate varying systems and authentication mechanisms. In a traditional Microsoft Windows environment, members of the Power Users, Local Administrators, Domain Administrators and Enterprise Administrators groups would all be considered to have Administrator Access. In a traditional UNIX or Linux environment, users with root level access or the ability to sudo would be considered to have Administrator Access. In an application environment, users with ‘super-user’ or system administrator roles and responsibilities would be considered to have Administrator Access. In theory, this guidance applies to any user account in that utilization of access rights is reserved solely for the intended business purpose.
Non-public Information is defined as any information that is classified as Restricted Information (both Moderately Sensitive and Highly Sensitive) according to the University Guidelines for Data Classification. Access to Restricted Data must be approved by the designated Data Owner (Data Steward) as defined in the University Information Security Policy under Roles and Responsibilities.
The University Computing Policy provides a framework for appropriate and inappropriate use of University computing and information resources. More specifically, the University Computing Policy prohibits, “Using a computer system without proper authorization granted through the University, college or department management structure.” It further prohibits attempts to “...circumvent system security without the explicit permission of the owner of that system.” System administrators and other University personnel with Administrator Access to computing and information resources are entrusted to use such access in an appropriate manner. The following provides high-level guidance on what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate use of Administrator Access.
Administrator Access to University computing resources should only be used for official University business. While the University Computing Policy permits reasonable personal use of computing resources, this is restricted to non-administrative activities. Use of Administrator Access should be consistent with an individual’s role or job responsibilities as prescribed by management. When an individual’s role or job responsibilities change, Administrator Access should be appropriately updated or removed. In situations where it is unclear whether a particular action is appropriate, and within the scope of current job responsibilities, the situation should be discussed with management.
Using access to satisfy personal curiosity about an individual, system, practice, or other type of entity.
As stated in the University Computing Policy, any user who suspects a violation of the University Computing Policy should contact the Information Security Office at advisor@andrew.cmu.edu. This includes suspected inappropriate use of Administrator Access.
If you have any questions or comments related to this Guideline, please send email to the University Information Security Office at iso@andrew.cmu.edu.
1.1 02/11/2014 Wiam Younes Replaced information referencing University Data and Computer Security Policy with information based on University Information Security Policy and University Guidelines for Data Classification.