If you doubt that Social Networking* will find its way into the business processes at
the Air Resources Board, just spend a few hours browsing. Applications are
emerging at a rapid rate \u2013 State agencies are Twittering \u2013 and Cal/EPA is now on
FaceBook. These applications will become more sophisticated over time and
creative minds will find ways to use them to accomplish ARB\u2019s mission efficiently
and with flair.

The down side is that Social Networking and other Web 2.0 applications are well know to create vulnerabilities within the IT Infrastructure. One worm unchecked could wipe out your workstations, the network, our shared file and print services and the applications that reside on the network. None of us want that to happen.

The Office of Information Services (OIS) will continue to maintain and improve the
centralized security systems we provide in an effort to off-set the increased security
threats these applications place on our network. However, the most important
defensive steps must be carried out by ARB staff. As individuals, it is our
responsibility to utilizeWeb 2.0 and/or Social Networking applications with caution.

2. Do not upload and post any documents that contain confidential or sensitive
information. We recommend that you follow established division approval
processes prior to posting any documentation to the Web.Think of it this way \u2013
don\u2019t post anything that isn\u2019t suitable for the world to see.

3. If you tie an account name to the ARB (i.e., using @arb.ca.gov email contact), then follow ARB\u2019s Internet Acceptable Use policies and procedures when using that account \u2013 think of it as \u2018work related\u2019 not as personal account.

5. Be cautious when trying out new applications and help others by reporting
findings to helpdesk [we should set up a wiki or something to help track ?].
Keep in mind that if you mess up your computer, it may have to be reghosted.

6. ARB procurement processes cannot be circumvented. If you take it upon yourself to purchase software or incur expenses outside ARB procurement processes \u2013 you may not get reimbursed.