AnAcceptable Use Policy (AUP)defines how employees and users are permitted to use an organization’s computing resources—such as email, internet access, file storage, endpoints, and networks—and it typically specifies prohibited behaviors and the consequences of violations. In security and IT governance textbooks, the AUP is framed as both a behavioral contract and a risk-management tool: it reduces misuse, clarifies expectations, and provides an enforceable basis for disciplinary action.
The “ramifications of abusing company resources” (for example, installing unauthorized software, excessive personal use, accessing inappropriate content, attempting to bypass security controls, or sharing credentials) are precisely the kinds of issues an AUP addresses. The policy often includes monitoring statements (users have limited expectation of privacy), compliance requirements, and escalation paths for violations.
A Network Security Policy (A) focuses on technical rules for network protection—firewalls, segmentation, remote access, and intrusion detection—rather than broad user conduct and disciplinary consequences. A Physical Security Policy (B) addresses protection of facilities and hardware—badges, locks, visitor procedures, secure areas. A Data Retention Policy (D) defines how long data is stored, how it is archived, and how it is disposed, which is different from defining misuse consequences.
Thus, the policy aspect that defines permissible behavior and the consequences for abusing resources is the Acceptable Use Policy.
