Cybersecurity Training and Awareness

Be aware of threats

Always report phishing or suspected ransomware.

Follow these guidelines to avoid phishing or ransomware:

• Don’t click on unfamiliar links. Visit official company websites by typing their URL (website address) directly into a browser.
• Read carefully. If a message contains an emotional appeal, like a threat intended to scare you or a plea for help, it may be a scam.
• Don’t reply directly to a suspicious message or use the contact information it provides. If needed, follow up using a different, trusted means of communication, like calling a verified number, starting a new message thread to a known address or visiting a valid website.
• Only click on or download email attachments from people or companies you know. Verify that attachments and cloud files are safe before opening or downloading, because these files can contain malware (malicious software such as a computer virus) or ransomware.
• Pause before you paste. Legitimate websites, applications, and IT support processes will never ask you to copy and paste hidden commands. If a webpage is asking you to do this, stop immediately because the hidden command may download malware.
• Avoid interacting with unexpected pop-up windows. Try to close unexpected pop-up windows without clicking on the content inside. Consider using a pop-up blocker for additional protection. Check out the Web Browsers – Pop-up Blockers support article for more information.
• Check your software applications for the most recent versions. Outdated apps and operating systems are the target of most ransomware attacks. If your apps need to be updated, you’ll probably be prompted to update them. If there’s an option to automatically update in the future, select that option. Because some apps don’t have auto-updating features, it’s best to check them all.

Cybersecurity Champions program

Cybersecurity Champions come from departments across campus and advocate for cybersecurity within their own work areas. We provide tools and knowledge to help you identify opportunities for improvement and possibly implement changes in your area. No IT or technical background is needed to participate, just a curiosity about how to improve cybersecurity for yourself and your work group. You will:

• Participate in learning opportunities, activities and online conversations through posting ideas or positive, helpful comments to help build our community.
• Receive the monthly Inside Scoop newsletter in your inbox, designed to help you with community outreach and personal accomplishments.
• Get a selection of swag to share with coworkers and help spread the cybersecurity message.

If you have questions about the Champions program, contact securitytraining@uillinois.edu.

Complete an interest form to join the Champions.

Employee online training

Required quarterly training

Employee required training is available at https://go.uillinois.edu/securitytraining (log in required). Quarterly training for faculty and staff helps to keep cybersecurity top of mind. Small, targeted timely subject matter​ modules that can be accomplished in 20 minutes or less focus on practical knowledge that can be applied in work and personal situations. 

Cybersecurity affects you, whether you use a computer, a tablet or a smartphone (or all) in your work, school or personal life. Cybersecurity is about keeping your technology safe, including networks, data, programs and devices. Cybersecurity helps to protect your data and your devices, like a lock on the front door protects your home.

This training is required for most employees by university policy. See the Information Security Policy training requirement in the Campus Administrative Manual (for Illinois/System Offices) at https://cam.illinois.edu/policies/fo-36/ and at https://www.uis.edu/policy/information-security-policy-university-illinois (for Springfield). The training requirement is also referred to as Security Training Standard (“IT16”). Cybersecurity training is not required for students.

Optional training

Additional training opportunities are available for those who want to delve deeper into a subject. To take an optional training, visit the cybersecurity training portal at https://go.uillinois.edu/securitytraining.

Employee in-person training

Specialized trainings for work groups

Your work group may have specific cybersecurity training needs. Our team can offer specialized training, including role-based training. Reach out to find out how we can work together at securitytraining@uillinois.edu.

Student cybersecurity training

Cybersecurity and privacy matter. Students can take a free training course that covers:

• Job scams
• Phishing messages
• False warrants and immigration scams
• Financial and student loan scams
• and more

eText at Illinois course: https://etext.illinois.edu/
Be sure to expand the “My Skillding Blox” heading to take the Cybersecurity & You course.