Information Security and Data Protection mandatory training courses

Information Security and Data Protection mandatory training courses

Dear colleagues,

The new Information Security and Data Protection training courses will be launched later today, 25 November 2024. You will receive an email asking you to complete both of these mandatory courses which must be completed every year. I urge you to take some time to complete them as they are a vital part of our defence against cyberattacks and data breaches.

We all need to do our utmost to protect the University from cyberattacks and keep our data secure. Not doing so can lead to disruption to our systems and personal data breaches, with the potential to cause damage and distress to individuals. There is also the potential for enforcement action, including fines and reputational damage to the University. The consequences of a cyberattack and/or data breach can be devastating.

Completing your training is one thing you can do to combat the threats that exist.  For most of us, we will complete the training online, however, there are large groups of staff within the University who do not routinely use computers, but we still need them to be aware and remain vigilant. If you manage anybody who does not regularly use a computer, please contact dpa@abdn.ac.uk and the team can provide you with information to deliver to these individuals.

Our information governance and information security teams work hard to protect us, but I want to emphasise that everyone has a role in protecting the University from reputational or financial impact, and in protecting personal data.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete both the Information Security and the Data Protection Training courses, you are playing an important part in the overall safe-guarding of the University. The training will provide you with the knowledge and awareness to help protect both yourself, at work and personally, and the University.

Kind regards,

Elizabeth Rattray

Chief Operating Officer