Information Security
Failure to apply robust information security procedures can leave your firm, employees and clients exposed to serious risks. This course will help you protect confidential information from unauthorised disclosure and ensure it is trustworthy, accurate and reliable to access. You will learn best practices, and how to be alert and respond to ongoing attempted or potential information security incidents.
Designed for United Kingdom
Course running time is 22 Minutes
This course is customisable
Course Summary
Our information security course covers various important aspects of safeguarding data and maintaining a secure environment. The course begins by emphasising the responsibilities and legal implications associated with handling confidential information. It then delves into topics such as data sharing protocols, encryption techniques, secure file transfer, access control mechanisms, and incident response procedures.
Password security is highlighted, with an emphasis on best practices for creating strong passwords, regularly updating them, and avoiding password sharing. The course also addresses remote working security concerns, including the risks of using personal email accounts for work-related communication and strategies for maintaining privacy in public settings.
Notification and reporting obligations are discussed, focusing on the legal requirements for reporting security incidents and the steps involved in incident documentation, escalation, and external reporting. Additionally, the course covers personal data management, such as data subject notification, record keeping practices, pseudonymisation techniques, and secure disposal of personal data.
The course also touches on other information security areas, including software vulnerabilities, hardware failures, malware threats, visitor supervision, precautions for working in public places, and disaster preparedness. Physical access control, email security, and the human element in maintaining security consciousness are also covered.
Lastly, the course provides insights into cyber security statistics, handling zip files securely, IT approval processes, intentional incidents, and the factors contributing to information security incidents. It aims to equip learners with advanced knowledge and practical skills to effectively implement information security principles and protect valuable data.
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Information Security Learning Outcomes
Applying Information Security
This course is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to understand and implement effective information security practices.
Throughout this course, we will delve into various critical aspects of information security, starting with understanding your responsibilities in safeguarding valuable data. You will learn about the legal and ethical implications of handling confidential information and the importance of adhering to industry best practices.
Data sharing is a common practice in today’s digital landscape. However, it also poses significant risks if not handled with caution. In this course, you will gain a deep understanding of data sharing protocols, including encryption techniques, secure file transfer, and access control mechanisms. We will explore different scenarios and provide practical guidance on how to securely share data while minimising the risk of unauthorised access or data breaches.
Reporting obligations play a crucial role in maintaining information security. You will learn about the importance of timely and accurate reporting of security incidents, vulnerabilities, and suspicious activities. We will discuss incident response procedures, incident handling, and the steps involved in conducting effective investigations.
We will also delve into security policies, which serve as the foundation for robust information security practices. You will gain insights into developing, implementing, and enforcing security policies within organisations. We will explore various types of security policies, including access control, password management, and acceptable use policies.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply information security principles effectively. Whether you are an IT professional, a manager responsible for safeguarding information, or simply interested in enhancing your understanding of information security, this course is a vital step towards a secure digital future.
Passwords & Access
You will explore the fundamentals of password security, starting with understanding password best practices. You will learn about creating strong, unique passwords and the importance of regularly updating them. We will discuss password complexity, length, and the role of multi-factor authentication in strengthening access controls.
Password sharing is a common practice, but it can also introduce significant security risks. In this course, you will gain a deep understanding of the potential dangers associated with password sharing and explore secure alternatives for sharing sensitive information. We will discuss the principles of role-based access control and the importance of assigning appropriate user privileges.
Effective password security is crucial to protect sensitive data from unauthorised access. You will learn about various password security measures, such as password hashing, salting, and encryption. We will explore the importance of secure storage and transmission of passwords, as well as techniques for protecting passwords against common attacks, including brute force and dictionary attacks.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement robust password security practices and enhance access controls. Whether you are an IT professional, a system administrator, or an individual concerned about protecting your personal information, this course is essential for safeguarding valuable data.
Remote Working
Further in the course we will explore key aspects of remote working and security, starting with understanding the potential risks of using personal email accounts for work purposes. You will gain insights into the importance of separate work and personal email accounts and the risks associated with using personal email for confidential business communications. We will explore secure alternatives for work-related emails and the benefits of using encrypted email services.
Shoulder surfing, the act of someone looking over your shoulder to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information, is a significant concern in public spaces. In this course, you will learn about the risks of shoulder surfing and strategies to mitigate them. We will explore techniques for maintaining privacy and safeguarding sensitive information when working in public settings.
You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the security of remote work environments. Whether you are a remote worker, a manager overseeing remote teams, or an individual concerned about protecting sensitive information while working outside the office, this course is crucial for maintaining a secure remote work environment.
Notification & Reporting
You will gain insights into the legal and regulatory requirements for notifying individuals, customers, and authorities in the event of a data breach or security incident. We will discuss the importance of timely and accurate notifications and explore real-world case studies to understand best practices.
Reporting obligations play a vital role in maintaining transparency and accountability in information security. You will learn about the reporting requirements for different types of security incidents, vulnerabilities, and suspicious activities. We will discuss the steps involved in incident reporting, including incident documentation, escalation procedures, and internal and external reporting channels.
Understanding who to contact for guidance is crucial when navigating complex information security issues. In this course, you will gain knowledge about the appropriate resources and contacts for seeking guidance and assistance. We will explore industry-specific guidance, regulatory bodies, and professional networks that can provide valuable insights and support.
Personal data breaches pose significant risks to individuals and organisations. You will gain a deep understanding of what constitutes a personal data breach, the legal and ethical implications, and the steps involved in responding to and reporting a personal data breach. We will discuss incident response protocols, breach assessment, and the requirements for notifying affected individuals.
Personal Data
In this course, we will explore key aspects of personal data management, starting with understanding when to notify the data subject. You will gain insights into the legal and ethical obligations surrounding data subject notification, including the circumstances that require notifying individuals about the collection, use, and processing of their personal data. You will learn best practices for providing clear and transparent notifications to build trust and ensure compliance.
Record keeping is crucial for maintaining accountability and demonstrating compliance with privacy regulations. In this course, you will learn about the importance of effective record keeping practices. We will explore the types of records that should be maintained, the duration for which records should be retained, and the security measures necessary to protect personal data records.
Pseudonymisation is a technique that adds an additional layer of protection to personal data. You will gain a deep understanding of pseudonymisation and its role in minimising the risks associated with processing personal data. We will discuss pseudonymisation techniques, including data anonymisation and tokenisation, and their implications for privacy and data protection.
Personal data breaches can have severe consequences. You will learn about the concept of a personal data breach and the steps involved in responding to such incidents. We will explore incident response protocols, breach assessment, and the requirements for notifying regulatory authorities and affected individuals. You will gain insights into the importance of timely and accurate reporting and mitigation measures.
Disposal of documents containing personal data is a critical aspect of data management. In this course, you will learn about secure document disposal practices. We will discuss the methods for properly disposing of physical and digital documents to prevent unauthorised access and data breaches.
Quickfire
You will explore multiple aspects of information security, starting with understanding information security policies and procedures. You will gain insights into the importance of policies and procedures in establishing a robust security framework. We will discuss the key elements of an effective policy, including access control, password management, and acceptable use policies.
Sending personal data to the wrong recipient can have severe consequences. In this course, you will learn about the risks associated with data misdirected to unintended recipients and strategies to mitigate such incidents. We will explore encryption techniques, email verification protocols, and user awareness training to prevent inadvertent data disclosure.
Loss of media containing personal data is a significant concern. You will gain a deep understanding of the potential risks and impact of media loss, such as USB drives, laptops, or external hard drives. You will learn about encryption, physical security measures, and data backup practices to protect against media loss and unauthorised access.
Theft or loss of devices can result in data breaches and security incidents. You will learn about the measures to secure devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, from theft or loss. We will discuss device encryption, remote tracking and wiping, and password protection to mitigate the risks associated with stolen or misplaced devices.
Software errors and malicious attacks can compromise information security. In this course, you will explore common software vulnerabilities and techniques for minimising the risk of exploitation. We will discuss software patching, secure coding practices, and intrusion detection systems to detect and respond to software-related incidents.
Hardware errors and failures can also impact information security. You will learn about the potential consequences of hardware failures and strategies to mitigate their impact. We will explore redundancy, data backups, and disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity in the event of hardware failures.
Malicious software attacks pose a constant threat to information security. You will gain insights into different types of malware, including viruses, ransomware, and phishing attacks. We will discuss antivirus software, firewalls, and user awareness training to prevent and respond to malicious software incidents effectively.
Visitor supervision is essential to maintain a secure environment. You will learn about the importance of visitor access controls, visitor badges, and monitoring systems to prevent unauthorised access or tampering.
Working in public places introduces unique risks to information security. In this course, you will gain knowledge about the precautions to take when working in public settings, such as using secure networks, encrypting data transmissions, and maintaining physical privacy.
Overheard discussions can inadvertently lead to information leaks. You will learn about the risks of discussing sensitive information in public places and techniques for maintaining confidentiality and privacy during conversations.
Natural disasters can disrupt information security measures. You will gain a deep understanding of the potential impact of natural disasters and strategies for disaster preparedness and recovery, including data backup and off-site storage.
Physical Access
In this course, you will explore key aspects of physical access control, starting with understanding visitors to the workplace. You will gain insights into the potential risks and implications of unauthorised visitors. You will learn about visitor management systems, visitor registration protocols, and the importance of monitoring and tracking visitor activities.
Visitor authorisation is essential to ensure only authorised individuals access restricted areas. In this course, you will learn about the process of granting visitor authorisation and the necessary documentation and identification requirements. You will explore visitor badges, access control systems, and visitor escort policies to maintain a secure environment.
Piggybacking or tailgating is a common security vulnerability that can compromise physical access control. You will gain a deep understanding of the risks associated with unauthorised individuals following authorised personnel through controlled access points. We will discuss strategies for preventing piggybacking, such as access control barriers, security awareness training, and vigilant monitoring.
The security of confidential paperwork is crucial for protecting sensitive information. In this course, you will learn about the risks of unauthorised access to confidential documents and techniques for safeguarding them. We will explore secure document storage, shredding practices, and document retention policies to prevent unauthorised disclosure.
You will explore key aspects of email security, starting with understanding the importance of securing email communications. You will gain insights into common email vulnerabilities and the potential risks associated with unauthorised access, interception, or tampering. You will learn about encryption techniques, secure email protocols, and best practices for ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of email messages.
Impersonation fraud, commonly known as phishing, is a prevalent cybercrime that targets individuals and organisations. In this course, you will learn about the techniques used by fraudsters to deceive email recipients and obtain sensitive information. We will explore strategies to identify and avoid phishing attacks, including email authentication, email filters, and user awareness training.
Accidental disclosure of emails containing sensitive information can have severe consequences. You will gain a deep understanding of the risks associated with inadvertent email disclosures and techniques for preventing such incidents. You will learn about double-checking email recipients, using email classification labels, and implementing data loss prevention (DLP) measures to minimise the risks of unintentional data leaks.
Further Information
This course is designed to provide you with advanced knowledge and insights into key areas of information security, including cyber security statistics, zip files, IT approval processes, the role of people in security, intentional incidents, and the occurrence of information security incidents.
In this course, you will explore the realm of cyber security statistics, equipping you with the knowledge to understand and interpret key metrics and trends. You will gain insights into the latest cyber security threats, attack vectors, and industry-specific statistics. You will discuss how these statistics can inform decision-making, risk assessments, and the implementation of effective security measures.
Zip files are commonly used for compressing and sharing files, but they can also pose security risks if not handled properly. In this course, you will learn about the potential vulnerabilities associated with zip files and best practices for handling them securely. You will explore techniques for scanning zip files for malware, password protection, and encryption to mitigate the risks of file-based attacks.
IT approval processes play a critical role in ensuring the security and compliance of technology implementations. You will gain a deep understanding of the IT approval life cycle, including requirements gathering, risk assessments, testing, and deployment. You will learn about the importance of involving security experts and stakeholders in the approval process to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
The human element is a significant factor in information security. In this course, you will learn about the role of people in maintaining a secure environment. We will explore the importance of user awareness training, establishing security policies and procedures, and fostering a culture of security consciousness within organisations.
Intentional incidents, such as insider threats or malicious activities, can have severe consequences. You will gain insights into the risks posed by intentional incidents and strategies for prevention and detection. You will learn about access controls, monitoring systems, and incident response protocols to mitigate the risks of intentional security breaches.
Information security incidents can happen unexpectedly, causing significant disruption and damage. You will learn about the various factors that contribute to the occurrence of security incidents, including technical vulnerabilities, human errors, and external threats. We will explore incident response frameworks, incident management procedures, and the importance of continuous monitoring and threat intelligence.