Security Awareness Training

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. CSUN's Security Awareness Training program helps faculty, staff, and student employees recognize security threats, protect university information, and make safer decisions when using CSUN systems and technology.

Security awareness training is assigned through CSU Learn and includes short training modules covering important security and privacy topics.

Why Security Awareness Training Matters

Cybersecurity threats often target people rather than technology. Phishing, stolen credentials, accidental disclosure, and improper handling of information can all put university systems and information at risk.

Security awareness training helps members of the CSUN community recognize these risks and understand what they can do to protect:

  • Student information
  • Employee information
  • University systems and accounts
  • Confidential and sensitive data
  • CSUN's technology resources

Small security habits can make a significant difference.

Required Security Awareness Training

CSUN employees are required to complete assigned security awareness training. Training requirements may vary depending on your role and your level of access to university systems or confidential information.

You will receive notifications when training has been assigned to you and when it is due.

CSUN's Security Awareness Training includes modules designed to address different aspects of protecting university information.

Module 1: Data Security Introduction and FERPA

Module 1 introduces fundamental data security concepts and responsibilities for protecting university and student information.

Topics include:

  • Data security fundamentals
  • Protecting confidential and sensitive information
  • FERPA and student privacy
  • Appropriate handling of university information
  • Individual responsibilities for protecting data

Module 2: Physical Security and Unintended Disclosures

Module 2 builds on the security concepts introduced in Module 1 and focuses on preventing information from being accidentally exposed.

Topics include:

  • Physical security
  • Protecting sensitive information in the workplace
  • Preventing unintended disclosures
  • Safeguarding printed and electronic information
  • Protecting information when working in shared or public spaces

Accessing the Data Security Modules Training Through CSU Learn

All CSU campuses, including CSUN, have transitioned to a training program for faculty, staff and student employees. To access the training program, follow these steps:

Visit CSU Learn using Chrome or Firefox.

Alternatively, type in csu.sumtotal.host into the search bar to access the webpage.

On the CSU Login page, select Northridge from the dropdown menu.

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Log in using your CSUN user ID and password.

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Select Assigned Learning to display the courses.

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Select Select the course and follow the instructions to complete the training.

  • Data Security Introduction And FERPA (Module 1)
  • Physical Security and Unintended Disclosures (Module 2)

Select Register to begin the training.

If you have any questions or require assistance with accessing training, please contact Information Security at (818) 677–6100.

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Security Awareness Beyond Training

Security awareness does not end when you complete an assigned course. Everyone who uses CSUN technology has an ongoing role in protecting university information.

USB storage devices, especially USB Flash Drives are notorious among hackers due to inexpensive cost and portability. Plugging a USB Storage Device in CSUN-owned workstations can jeopardize the security posture of a CSUN workstation and the data contained within it. USB storage devices are one of the easiest channels to spread an infection to a workstation and network. Disabling USB storage devices also discourages use and the storing of unencrypted Level 1 or Level 2 data on flash drives and external hard drives. USB drives are small and easy to lose. If data is unencrypted, the data is easily accessible to non-authorized individuals. The USB Storage Devices used in CSUN workstations must be encrypted.

For more information and a video on the dangers of USB storage devices and to request an exception, please visit the USB Storage Device Exception page. 

The purpose of the Identity Theft Red Flag and Security Incident Reporting Procedure is to provide information to assist individuals in 1) detecting, preventing, and mitigating identity theft in connection with the opening of a “covered account” or any existing “covered account” or who believe that a security incident has occurred and 2) reporting a security incident. For more information or to report an incident, please visit the Identity Theft Red Flag & Security Incident Reporting page. 

Submit a Security Incident Report

Despite taking preventive measures, phishing email attacks continue to be sent from compromised faculty and staff accounts. The best method to prevent these attacks is to never enter your CSUN user ID and password in response to an email request. For more information on how to protect yourself, visit the Avoid Fraudulent Email Messages page. 

The need to protect confidential information such as social security numbers and credit card numbers is well understood. Sensitive student and employee data that are accessed daily at CSUN as part of faculty and staff responsibilities however, also need to be protected. This includes information such as grades, GPAs, test scores, advising records, addresses and other personal contact information. Familiarize yourself with different types of confidential and sensitive data that needs to protected by visiting CSU Data Classification page. 

Smartphones and tablets are miniature computers capable of accessing personal and university data via the web, email, Box, the myNorthridge portal, and other resources. Review CSUN's Secure Your Mobile Device page. In the event CSUN-owned or your personal device is lost or stolen, promptly report to the Department of Police Services.

For more tips and how-to guides visit CSUN's Tips & Guides page.