Secure Your Digital Footprint: Annual Cybersecurity Training Deadline Approaching
A critical deadline is fast approaching for all faculty and staff: the annual cybersecurity training requires completion by December 20. Failure to do so may result in a temporary pause on access to CSU systems.
Recognizing the Evolving Threat Landscape
“This is an acknowledgement of the evolution of cyber risk,” said Steve Lovaas, chief information security officer.
“It’s been said that attackers don’t break in – they log in. Recent attacks have been focusing much more on gaining access to sensitive data and systems by compromising credentials. The individual is now the primary target for launching a damaging attack.”
In today’s digital landscape, cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Hackers are no longer relying solely on technical vulnerabilities; they’re targeting individuals, exploiting human weaknesses to gain unauthorized access.
Empowering Individuals: The First Line of Defense
Best practices in IT cybersecurity underscore the importance of individual empowerment. Educating users about potential threats and equipping them with the knowledge to recognize and prevent attacks is paramount.
The training program covers a wide range of essential topics, providing faculty and staff with the skills they need to safeguard CSU information. From identifying phishing attempts to understanding password best practices, the training empowers individuals to become active participants in their own cybersecurity.
A Key Component of a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy
This annual training is not just a checkbox; it’s a vital component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy designed to protect the entire CSU System.
“Our user community is an important part of our CSU System cybersecurity strategy,” said Brandon Bernier, vice president for information technology and chief information officer. “Our approach has evolved to ensuring we are doing everything we can to take care of our users and their devices. This training program is a national best practice that will help us move in that direction.”
Taking Action: Complete Your Training Today
Don’t delay – log in to Litmos today and confirm that you’ve completed the cybersecurity training before the December 20 deadline.
Protect yourself, protect CSU.
For more information, visit the IT Cybersecurity webpage.
What specific actions can CSU faculty and staff take to strengthen their individual cybersecurity practices?
## Secure Your Digital Footprint: A Conversation with the CIO
**News Editor:** Welcome back. Today we’re talking about cybersecurity, a topic that’s increasingly relevant in our increasingly digital world. Joining us is Steve Lovaas, Chief Information Security Officer here at CSU. Steve, thanks for taking the time.
**Steve Lovaas:** It’s my pleasure.
**News Editor:** Let’s dive right in. There’s a critical deadline approaching for all faculty and staff – the annual cybersecurity training. Can you tell us more about that?
**Steve Lovaas:** Absolutely. The deadline for completing this year’s cybersecurity training is December 20th. We understand everyone is busy, but this training is vital. Think of it as essential maintenance for our collective digital security.
**News Editor:** Why is this training so important, especially this year?
**Steve Lovaas:** The landscape of cyber threats is constantly evolving. As I said in our recent message, attackers are no longer just trying to ”break in” — they’re finding clever ways to “log in” by compromising our credentials.
**News Editor:** So, you’re saying individuals are the targets now?
**Steve Lovaas:** Exactly. Hackers are leveraging human weaknesses like clicking on malicious links or falling for phishing scams to gain access. Our training equips everyone with the knowledge and best practices to identify and avoid these traps.
**News Editor:** What happens if someone misses the deadline?
**Steve Lovaas:** We understand things happen, but we take cybersecurity very seriously. Those who don’t complete the training by December 20th may experience a temporary pause in their access to CSU systems.
**News Editor:** A strong reminder indeed. Steve, any final words for our listeners?
**Steve Lovaas:** Just this: This training is not just about ticking a box, it’s about empowering every individual to become a strong link in our collective defense against cyber threats. Together, we can create a more secure digital environment for all.
**News Editor:** Excellent advice. Thank you for your time, Steve.
**Steve Lovaas:** Thank you.