Security Awareness Training

Security awareness training is an important part of UCSC's IT Security Program. The presentations and resources on this page will provide you with information to help keep your computer and information secure.

UC Cyber Security Awareness Training - required for UC employees

Description and instructions...

As part of the University of California's efforts to address the increasing threats to the security of our information systems and data, all UC employees are now required to take this 40-minute Cyber Security Awareness training course. Employees required to take this training are contacted directly via email from learningcenter@ucsc.edu with instructions.

Each member of the University community has a responsibility to safeguard the information assets entrusted to us. This training program will better prepare all of us to fulfill this responsibility and to strengthen our defenses against future attacks. Adopting behaviors that protect information benefits the University, and can benefit you and your family, as well.

In-Depth Computer Security Topics for UCSC

The following pages are designed to supplement the above Information Security Awareness Training. They provide a more in-depth review of specific cybersecurity topics. They can be used together as a comprehensive supplemental curriculum or individually to address specific areas. Each page provides tools and information about what to do and what not to do to keep your computer and data safe and secure. Additional topics are available at How to Stay Secure.

• Introduction to Computer Security
• Beware of Scams
• Protect Information when using the Internet and email
• Protect Passwords
• Mobile Devices and Wireless
• Working With Different Types of Data
  • Protection Level Classification
  • Availability Level Classification
  • Recovery Level Classification
• Report a Security Incident
• Other Essential Security Measures
  • Avoiding Data Security Breaches
  • Back Up Important Files
  • Don't Download Unknown or Unsolicited Programs or Files
  • Encrypt Your Computer
  • Install Operating System and Software Updates
  • Install Anti-Malware Software 
  • Lock your computer screen
  • Physical Security
  • Secure Data Disposal
  • Stay Secure with Google
  • Turn On Your Firewall
  • Turn Off Unnecessary Services
  • Travel Securely
• Security Self-Test: Questions and Scenarios 

In-Person Training 
To inquire about requesting a special in-person computer security awareness training for your UCSC department, unit or group, please contact the ITS Support Center.

Role-Based Information Security Training at UCSC

Information security training needs and requirements vary based on a person's role on campus. All training is online unless otherwise indicated. View the current security training offerings by role.

UC Computer Security Basics

Introduction to Computer Security provides a starting point if you are new to UC Santa Cruz and/or cybersecurity principles.

Cyber Security Information for Google

• UCSC Google Workspace Security
• Google Safety Center
• Google Phishing Quiz

Phishing and Spam IQ Quiz

SonicWALL has published a fun, informative quiz to test how well you distinguish between email schemes and legitimate email. Check it out at https://www.sonicwall.com/phishing-iq-test.

Other Specialized Training Resources

• HIPAA Security Rule Training
• FERPA Training
• PCI DSS Security Awareness Training
• Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE) Cybersecurity Training (Request Account | Public Courses)