Guidelines and Security Rules

Rules for Safe Computer Use

Follow the applicable rules

• Read up on the applicable rules and recommendations (e.g. REIM).
• Be aware that you are personally responsible for your actions.
• Respect the privacy of others.

Avoid the misuse of devices and passwords

• Choose passwords that are difficult to guess and keep them secret.
• Lock your device, log out of the system, or turn off the computer when you are away or do not need the device.
• Never leave mobile devices (laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) unattended.

Act with foresight

• Make sure that the virus scanner is updated regularly and do not switch off this important protection system under any circumstances.
• Keep your operating system and applications up to date by installing regular updates and patches.
• Switch off all programs and services that you do not need for your work.
• Make regular backup copies of your data.
• Only use programs and data that you are authorized to use and have a legally acquired license.

Use e-mail and the Internet with caution

• Remember that links can connect to dangerous sites and that email attachments can contain malicious programs.
• Handle programs and data downloaded from the Internet with care and observe the applicable regulations.
• Ignore any request to disclose access data (username/password).
• Close websites that display changing advertising offers as soon as you no longer need them.

Read up on cloud computing and social media

• Check the legal terms and conditions of the supplier and clarify whether they are in accordance with the UZH regulations. The law of the storage location applies!
• Employee and financial data, as well as data belonging to third parties that have a confidentiality agreement must not leave UZH. Not even in encrypted form.
• Research data must remain accessible to UZH at all times in order to ensure traceability.

Report incidents immediately

• Consider violations of integrity or confidentiality as one incident!
• Report (possible) virus infections or any detected malware to your local IT Support team (administrative departments) or your IT Coordinator (institutes)!
• Report security-related incidents immediately to the department responsible for you or your superior! The central reporting office is security@uzh.ch or telephone 044 634 3333. In sensitive cases, you may request a callback from the IT Security Officer.

Regulations on the Use of IT Resources

Status: Resolution of the Executive Board of the University on 29.11.2022, updated on 5.11.2024 REIM (DE/ PDF)

Directive for Systems Operations

• Status: Resolution of the Executive Board of the University on 27.10.2006, updated on 5.11.2024 WBS (DE) (PDF, 118 KB)