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New guidelines issued for proper use of Department of Education systems
September 16, 2021
Everyone should know by now that improper use of Department of Education information can result in serious consequences.
But, in case anyone needs a reminder, in a September 10 Federal Register Notice, the Department of Education outlines the requirements for access to its technology systems and establishes the criminal penalties for misuse.
The notice follows action last December amending the Stop Student Debt Relief Scams Act of 2019 and the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prevent and address the improper use of access devices issued by the Department and establish criminal penalties for improper use.
According to the notice, an access device means any:
- Card
- Place
- Code
- Account number
- Electronic serial number
- Mobile identification number
- Personal identification number
- Other telecommunications service, equipment, or instrument identifier
- Other means of account access that can be used to obtain money goods, service or anything of value or to initiate a transfer of funds
The notice provides a code of conduct that identifies the acceptable rules of behavior for accessing the Department of Education's information systems. In addition, the notice outlines penalties for any violations.