Administrative Privileges

Administrative privileges are accounts and credentials associated with elevated levels of access to a computer’s operating system or an application’s administrative interface. Administrative privileges permit the user to implement system changes. These privileges should only be used when making changes as an administrator is required. Adhering to this required use only recommendation will reduce the risk of negative consequences that may result from errors incurred while utilizing the elevated access.

If you have administrative privileges on a University computer or application, you have a responsibility to understand and adhere to the following:

• Administrative accounts increase the potential for computer, application, or network compromises.
• If you have both an individual user account and an administrative account, use the account with administrative privileges only when necessary or when prompted.
  • For example, an administrative account may be used to download software.
  • Alternatively, an administrative account should not be used to perform everyday tasks such as browsing a webpage or checking email.
• Install software only from trusted sources and keep any installed software up to date.
  • It is recommended that installed software be configured to automatically apply updates, but you should also periodically check for software updates.
• Keep the licensing current on all software you install.
• Do not alter the initial configuration of your device to ensure you maintain the automated operating system updates, patches, application software patches, and anti-virus updates necessary to protect your device.
• Avoid administrative activities such as creating additional user accounts, changing, or disabling settings associated with logging, or changing file permissions or ownership.
• The University reserves the right to revoke any administrative privileges associated with OHIO systems.