| Associates must maintain the confidentiality of all Company proprietary and confidential information. This includes, among other things, all non-public information regarding the Company, its business, customers, associates, suppliers, vendors, developments, finances, and all our customers' confidential information. Generally, any information of the Company's which would be used by outside persons to their advantage and/or to the Company's detriment should be considered confidential. Distribution of confidential information in any manner is prohibited, including verbal, written and electronic such as in e-mails, Internet chat rooms, and blogs.
Many of our customers have entrusted us with their sensitive confidential and proprietary information. In most such instances, the Company has entered into a written agreement to protect the customer's information and hold it in strict confidence. Often we are obligated not to disclose that we have received confidential information or that we are even dealing in any manner with the customer or prospective customer.
Associates must never use customer confidential information other than in accordance with such agreements, and for the business purpose defined in the agreement. Customer confidential information should not be discussed with anyone, including other Company associates, who do not have a business reason to know. Care must also be taken to refrain from discussing confidential information in public places or on non-secure communications such as cell phones.
Confidential and proprietary information cannot be used by associates for trading in securities or for other personal gain. Using the Company's or customer's confidential information for personal financial gain is not only unethical, it can also be illegal. By observing safeguards with respect to confidential information, all associates can enhance the Company's reputation for integrity and trustworthiness.
Just as we are responsible to protect the confidentiality of Company and customer information, many associates also have an obligation to former employers to protect their information. The Company prohibits any associate from disclosing or using the confidential information of a former employer in connection with the associate's work at the Company.
All requests for information from any outside source, such as the media, are to be referred to Corporate Communications. |
