5.2 Privacy and security

Privacy and security are important issues in the electronic envrionment. As USQ students and USQ Library users, you should be aware of these two important issues:

• the use of cookies and privacy
• the appropriate use of information technology.

Cookies and computer use

When you visit some Web sites, the Web computer or server sends a small piece of information, called a cookie, to your Web browser. The next time you visit the site its Web server reads the cookie file to identify you. The information stored in a cookie file can be used to:

• store the password and user ID you have submitted for the site
• identify the options you have selected at the site, eg. your choice of default entry page
• track your movements on the site.

Some people see cookies as an invasion of their privacy and disable them. Many of the Library's databases will not function properly if cookies are disabled. If you would like to know more about cookies, visit Cookie Central.

Appropriate use of information technology

Refer to Division of ICT Services for further information.