While training for new hires has been live for a while now, we had to hold off releasing the new training for those who are not new to Mount Royal until our content was approved.  We finally have approval! We are approaching things very differently this year and want to make sure everyone understands how the new program works before they are enrolled in the training.

So what are we doing differently?  The new hires have the same training program we used last year. This ensures everyone who comes to campus knows the basics. This training is now live and ready for enrollment. If you didn’t finish your new hire cybersecurity awareness training last year, you will be re-enrolled in the same program again.  However we are aware that taking training on the same subjects every year is getting a bit tiresome. So if you have taken training in the past, you will find a pre-test in your Security Education Platform My Assignments list. The questions in the pre-test are organized into categories. If you get one or more questions in each category wrong, you will be assigned training on that topic.  If you get all the questions right, you will not have to do any cybersecurity training.

Unfortunately if you handle payment card data or are a high value target you will still have specialized training modules designed for your role that you will have to complete.

Even when you know how to be cybersafe, small reminders make being cybersafe easier.  Starting January 2022, a new Cyber Guys video will be ready for viewing every month. These short 3 to 4 minute videos remind you how to avoid becoming a victim while tickling your funny bone.  This is one time you can watch a funny video and not have your boss frown at you.

To view the videos, just login to the Security Education Platform. They will be in your My Assignment list. They are not mandatory to watch but we think they are just entertaining enough that you will want to. Unfortunately if you are a new hire, you will have to wait until next year to see the videos. That little treat is only available to those who have had training in the past.

Remember:

• If you have new hires they can enroll and start their cybersecurity or PCI awareness training right away.
• If you didn’t finish your new hire cybersecurity awareness training last year, you will be enrolled in it again this year.
• If you have completed training in the past, you will take a pre-test to determine what training topics you will be assigned.

We really, really hope that all of you enjoy this new approach to training and find it helps you stay cybersafe.  If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at securityawareness@mtroyal.ca and I would be happy to answer any questions.

Reminders are going out for everyone to complete their cybersecurity awareness training. In response people are noticing they have no training assignments and are wondering if they have completed the training or not.  These wonderful folks usually completed their training in October.

Unlike Blackboard, the new Security Education Platform doesn’t let you access modules once they are completed. They are removed from your assignment list. However you can still see what training you have completed by looking at your Report Card.

To access your Report Card, click on your name in the upper right hand corner of the platform window and then select My Report Card.  It will show you the status of all your assignments.

Please note that the name has been blurred out in this screenshot.  In addition, you will see the cybersecurity survey in your assignment list.  This survey is no longer available. Don’t worry if you didn’t complete it, it was optional.

I hope this helps those of you who can’t remember if you completed your training or not. If you have any other questions about the cybersecurity awareness training, please feel free to continue to contact me.

The cybersecurity awareness program at MRU has been around for several years now.  Throughout that time we have encouraged the campus community to Be Superheros by practicing cybersafe behavior.  While the Be a Superhero branding has worked well for us, we are always looking for ways to make the program more engaging and effective.

We would like your feedback on our branding. Let us know if you still want to Be a Superhero or if it is time to leave our capes behind.  You can find the survey here.

Everyone who completes the survey will receive a contest entry code for the Cybersecurity Challenge and a chance to win a $250 Best Buy gift certificate. As this is the last month to collect entry codes, this is a great way to get entries in and move your team forward.

The 2019/2020 Cybersecurity Challenge wrapped up on September 30 last month. A big congratulations to Stephanie Spencer in Continuing Education! She is the winner of the $250.00 gift certificate to Best Buy! Have fun shopping Stephanie.

The winner of the Golden Superhero Award is once again the Facilities Management team. Congratulations team for an outstanding effort! Here is the gang in their COVID glory,

A huge thank you to everyone who participated! It was the best year ever for the Challenge. That said, this year’s Challenge is shaping up to be a close race. For the first time in three year’s, the Facilities Management team is not in first place and the top four teams are running neck and neck. Who will be the winner next year? Tune in on March 31, 2021 and find out!

Welcome to another Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM)!!  Although we can’t meet in person, we do have a full list of activities that you can participate in.

Cybersecurity Challenge 2020/2021

The Challenge is back with several improvements.  As before, you earn contest entry codes by participating in cybersecurity activities. Each entry gets you one chance to win a $250 Best Buy gift certificate from Cisco Systems Canada.  However the contest now runs from October 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. This should prevent Challenge fatigue while still ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate.

The teams have also been updated. They are now only 100 members in size. As all the teams are the same size, the leaderboard will display the actual number of entries rather than percentages. Lastly, the sharing of codes officially became against the rules. If you don’t participate and enter a code, you will be disqualified from the Challenge.

Virtual Treasure Hunt

To replace our Hack the Room activity, we have a virtual treasure hunt. Bluebeard has hidden a chest full of crypto currency. Solve the clues, collect contest entry codes and find the treasure. Everyone who finds the treasure is entered into a draw for a $100 Amazon gift certificate courtesy of WBM Technologies.

The Cybercrime Series

Come join us for tales of cyberhorror. The Cybercrime Series looks at cybernightmares and how to prevent them. We have two scheduled for October.

• Cybersecurity: Are our graduates ready for the new economy? – Angele McAllister
• The Cybersecurity Monster Manual: Stopping things that go “hack” in the night – Michael McDonnell

Double codes for completing training in October

To encourage you to complete your cybersecurity training, we are offering two contest entry codes for completing your training this month.

Our regular activities

Keep an eye out for our regular activities as well.  Participating in them earns you contest entry codes for the Challenge. You can subscribe to the newsletter, show off your cybersecurity sticker, join us in the Cybercafe or complete your training.