Notice
Definition
In information security compliance, a notice is a clear, timely message that informs people about important security, access, or monitoring conditions before they use a system or share information. In practice, “notice” most often appears as a system use notification (security notice banner) at login, in an application, or at a network entry point (such as VPN) to communicate rules of use, acceptable behavior, and that activity may be monitored or logged. A well-designed notice is easy to understand, visible at the right moment, and specific about what the user is agreeing to by proceeding (for example: authorized use only, no expectation of privacy on corporate systems, security monitoring is in place, and misuse may lead to disciplinary action). Notices support governance by setting expectations, strengthening enforceability of policies, and reducing ambiguity during incident response or audit evidence reviews. They should be consistent with internal policies, proportionate to the environment’s sensitivity, and maintained as controlled text so changes are reviewed, approved, and tracked. While a notice can reference monitoring and logging, it should remain factual and avoid misleading claims; it should also align with applicable privacy and data protection requirements where required.
Real-World Examples
Corporate login banner
A company displays a system use notification on Windows and SSH logins stating authorized use only and that activity may be logged for security purposes.
VPN access notice
A scaleup shows a notice before VPN connection warning that remote access is monitored and restricted to approved devices and business use.
SaaS admin console notice
A startup includes a notice in the admin portal reminding administrators that privileged actions are recorded and reviewed to protect customer data.
A system use notification is a notice shown to users before or at the point of access that explains authorized use rules and informs them that security controls such as logging or monitoring may occur.
It should be short and clear: the system is for authorized users, usage is subject to policies, activity may be logged/monitored for security, and misuse may lead to action. Avoid vague or exaggerated statements.
A specific banner text is not universally mandated, but many organizations use notices to support access control and acceptable use practices, and to strengthen evidence that users were informed at the point of access.
A privacy notice explains how personal data is collected, used, and shared, while a security notice banner focuses on authorized system use, security monitoring/logging, and policy expectations for accessing corporate systems.
It is an acknowledgement that security monitoring or logging may occur when using the system. Wording should be factual and explicit (e.g., “Activity may be monitored and logged for security”) and aligned with internal policy and applicable requirements.
Common issues include overly long text users ignore, unclear scope of monitoring, inconsistent wording across systems, lack of version control, and statements that conflict with policies or actual logging/monitoring practices.
They should receive an equivalent notice appropriate to their access. If they use the same systems, the same banner is usually best; if access differs, tailor the notice while keeping core expectations consistent.
Example: “Authorized use only. This system is monitored and activity may be logged for security. By continuing, you agree to comply with company policies. Unauthorized use may result in action.”
| Version | Date | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 | 2026-02-26 | WatchDog Security GRC Wiki Team | Initial publication |
