Military and civilian users are being told to use caution and cut back on the recreational use of Navy information technology systems. In an Oct. 11 directive, the Navy recognized information technology’s ability to "greatly enhance our warfighting and business-processing capabilities" when used properly. When not, however, IT systems "increase … exposure to malicious intrusions, expose our information to threats, and increase costs." The high use of IT systems for purposes other than mission requirements has also placed a strain on resources, the guidance stated. "Of the top 50 Web sites visited by Department of the Navy users, nearly 48 percent of them are high intensive … or likely non-mission sites or both," the directive stated. It is up to commanders and civilian managers to enforce appropriate use of IT systems, the directive said.
