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 50-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 (PDF*) (Text Only Version) 
• Beware of Scams
• Protect Information when using the Internet and email
• Protect Passwords
• Mobile Devices and Wireless
• Working With Different Types of Data
  • Categories of Data
• Report a Security Incident
• Other Essential Security Measures
  
  • Install Operating System and Software Updates
  • Don't Download Unknown or Unsolicited Programs or Files
  • Lock your computer screen
  • Physical Security
  • Protect Your Passwords
  • Stay Secure with Google
  • Travel Securely
  • Back Up Important Files
• Security Self-Test: Questions and Scenarios (PDF*) (Text Only Version) 

*Training Module PDFs were created for use with Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader, or a similar PDF viewer. If you do not have one of these programs, we recommend using the Text-Only version.

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 Service Manager for Policy and Compliance at 459-2779 or ispolicy@ucsc.edu .

Role-Based Information Security Training at UCSC

Information security training needs and requirements vary based on a person's role on campus. This CHART provides a role-based view into information security training resources available to the UCSC campus community and the ITS division. All training is online unless otherwise indicated.

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

• Google Safety Center
• UCSC's Google Security Page

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 http://www.sonicwall.com/phishing/.

Other Specialized Training Resources

• Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Security Awareness Training 
• Security Breach Examples and Practices to Avoid Them  
• HIPAA Training:
  • HIPAA "Security Rule Overview"
  • HIPAA training for ITS employees
• FERPA Resources on the UCSC Registrar's website, including a quick-reference, comprehensive procedures, and a FERPA quiz (CruzID Gold login required) for individuals with access to student records
• Information from US-CERT about home computer security
• Online Cybersecurity Training from the US Department of Homeland Security - free of cost to government employees, including UC employees. Course list.  Request an account.  FAQ.
• Training for ITS Employees

For questions or to report problems with any of the resources on this page, please contact ispolicy@ucsc.edu .