Clean Desk Policy
How Jackson State University employees are expected to secure paper documents and removable media when they leave their workspace.
Protecting sensitive data on paper and media
JSU must protect and control access to the sensitive data it creates, collects, stores and processes in paper and electronic formats, in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws and university policies.
Policy statement
The purpose of this policy is to establish a culture of security and trust for all employees at Jackson State University. An effective clean desk effort, involving the participation and support of all JSU employees, can greatly protect paper documents and removable media that contain sensitive information about our students, customers and vendors. All employees should familiarize themselves with the guidelines of this policy.
Purpose
A clean desk can produce a positive image when our customers visit the university. Our various campuses should all communicate the same image of trust university-wide. It reduces the threat of a security incident, as confidential information will be locked away when unattended. Sensitive documents left in the open can be stolen by a malicious entity.
- Policy Number
- 50000.006
- Effective Date
- 1/27/2017
- Review / Revised Date
- 3/09/2026
- Category
- Information Technology
- Policy Owner
- CIO / Information Technology
- Policy Contact
- CISO / Information Technology
Employee responsibilities
Clean desk — a University directive that specifies how employees should leave their workspace when they leave the office.
Clean desk practices
- Allocate time in your calendar to clear away your paperwork and documents.
- Always clear your workspace before leaving for extended periods of time.
- If in doubt — throw it out. If you are unsure whether a duplicate piece of sensitive documentation (passwords, credit card information, spreadsheets with personally identifiable information, and similar) should be kept, it will probably be better to place it in the shred bin.
- Consider scanning paper items and filing them electronically on your JSU-issued computer or workstation.
- Use the shredder bins for sensitive documents when they are no longer needed. If a shredder bin is not located in your department, take all files to the nearest shredder bin and discard them if they are no longer needed. Contact the proper department if a shredder bin is not located in your department or near you.
- Lock your desk and filing cabinets at the end of the day.
- Lock away portable computing devices such as laptops or tablet devices.
- Treat mass storage devices such as CD-ROM, DVD or USB drives as sensitive and secure them in a locked drawer.
Employee adherence and sanctions
All staff, employees and entities working on behalf of JSU are subject to this policy. Any employee found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
If in doubt — throw it out
Lock away sensitive papers and removable media before you leave your workspace.
JSU Cyber Awareness
Student Center
Jackson, MS 39217-0280
