Information Security Classes for Staff and Faculty - Course Descriptions
Class schedule and registration information
NEW! Advanced Viruses/Malware
In this class, we will learn techniques for spotting scams and fraud as well as learning how to tell viruses and malware from hoaxes. Topics include:
- Online search techniques and strategies
- Skills for identifying legitimate web sites vs. attack sites
- Strategies for determining the accuracy and legitimacy of online resources and websites
NEW! Social Media Privacy and Security
Are you concerned about the recent security breaches on social media sites such as LinkedIn? Want to know how to market yourself online safely? This class is for you! In this class, which is the follow up to Facebook 101, we will discuss the security and privacy issues associated with various social media sites. We will compare and contrast the risks and rewards of using the various social media sites for personal and professional purposes. Additionally, we will discuss recent security breaches and the online privacy debate.
NEW! Navigating the Computer Access Request and Check Out Processes
This class is designed to help anyone who requests computer access for employees and/or handles the Check Out process when an employee leaves the University. Topics include:
- Common pitfalls and confusions on the CAR form
- What forms are required for different types of access
- How to most efficiently route forms
- Using the new online Check Out tool
- Common pitfalls and confusions in the Check Out process
Faculty Brown Bag Series
Faculty Brown Bag sessions are held once a month through the long semesters (Fall and Spring). Each session is dedicated to an Information Security topic relevant to the faculty on the campus.
Past sessions have included:
- Online Security and Privacy
- Securing Research Data
- Identity Theft
- Handling Sensitive and Student Data
Identity Finder classes (for Windows)
In these hands on classes, participants learn how to install and use Identity Finder to search for and secure sensitive data. Topics include:
- Scheduling automatic scans
- Scanning network drives
- Creating custom scans
- Scanning specific directories
- Excluding directories from scans
- How to handle sensitive information
- Shredding files
Information Security Awareness Certificate
The Information Security Office has created a new series of classes to help the campus community understand and deal with current security threats. The series will cover a broad range of information security topics including understanding and protecting yourself from viruses/malware and identity theft, online security and privacy, and how to protect your computer and your data. Each class will focus on one topic and provide participants in depth information as well as recommended security best practices related to the topic. Participants who complete all required classes will earn the Information Security Awareness Certificate.
Topics include:
- Digital Certificates
- IronPort Encryption for external email
- Etiquette
- Personal Folders/organization strategies
Viruses/Malware
Have you heard horror stories about viruses and other malware? Want to know how to separate fact from fiction? This class is for you! In this session, we will discuss viruses and phishing in depth. Participants will also learn security best practices to help protect themselves and their data.Topics include:
- Current viruses/malware
- Infection methods
- Phishing/Spam
- Banner ads
- Links
- Videos
- Symptoms of infection
- What to do if you are infected
- Protecting yourself
Tech Tips: Protecting Your Computer and Data (hands on)
In this session, participants will learn the technical skills they will need to protect their computers and data, both at work and at home.- Topics include:
- Operating System updates
- Anti virus updates
- Application updates
- Safer surfing
Personal Information and Sensitive Data
Do you really know what personal information and sensitive data are? Do you know if your daily work involves either? This class will explain UTD policies and procedures concerning personal information and sensitive data. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss and develop strategies for handling issues that have arisen in their daily tasks concerning these types of data.
Topics include:
- Definitions of personal information and sensitive data
- Data classifications
- Policy requirements for protecting data
- Risks/consequences of not protecting data
Information Security Policies
Do you know what security policies you should be following in your daily tasks? In this session, we will examine the actual policy wordings as well as common interpretations. We will also discuss suggestions for incorporating work strategies to follow policies more effectively.
Topics include:
- Password policies
- Email policies
- Encryption policies
- Data protection policies
- Policy enforcement
Online Security and Privacy
In this session, we will discuss potential risks of using social networking and communication sites, such as Face book, MySpace, blogs, and wikis, and give you tips to keep yourself and your data safe in today's online world.
Topics include:
- Viruses
- Identity Theft overview
- Social Engineering
- Protection tips
Identity Theft
This session is an in depth exploration of Identity Theft including common methods and motivations. Additionally, we will discuss ways to identify and avoid identity theft.
Topics include:
- Definition
- Examples of scams
- Methods and Motives
- Protection tips
Optional Class: Facebook 101 (hands on)
This class is optional for the Information Security Certificate series. In this hands on class, participants will learn how to navigate and function safely within Facebook.
Topics include:
- Creating a new account
- Setting security settings
- Posting status updates
- Posting pictures
- Private messages
- Pages
- Groups
- Friending people
- Third party applications
Class schedule and registration information
