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Cyber security training at Oxford

Information about the University’s mandatory Information Security and Data Protection training course, which must be completed annually by all staff

Security enables our core mission of teaching and research 

Academics, researchers, staff and students at the University handle valuable information, from world-leading research and reading lists to personal data and payroll. Keeping this information secure is essential for protecting our people, our work, the systems we rely on, and for demonstrating our commitment to secure digital systems to partners and collaborators.

We are operating in an environment of increased cyber threats around the world, but simple actions such as recognising phishing emails, protecting passwords, handling sensitive data correctly, and reporting concerns quickly can make a big difference. The decisions that we all make online, every day, matter. 

The University’s online Information Security and Data Protection training course must be completed at least once a year by all staff using University systems (University Single-Sign-On credentials required for access). It is designed to help staff feel confident navigating today’s digital landscape, safely and responsibly, and to ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities as good digital citizens at Oxford.

Why is this training so important?

This training helps our staff to: 

  • Understand their cyber security and data protection responsibilities
  • Recognise and respond to common cyber threats
  • Protect University, research, student and personal information
  • Work securely, whether on campus, at home or while travelling
  • Build practical digital safety habits that are useful both professionally and personally

Information security is not only about technology and being able to continue using the systems we rely on for research, teaching, learning and administration; it is about protecting people and people's data, and supporting the University to deliver its academic mission effectively.

Take your training

If you are a member of staff at the University or Colleges, you can find information about this training requirement on OxIntranet, the University-wide intranet (SSO login required), including answers to frequently asked questions and contact details in case you require advice or support.

You can access the University's current training course directly via the MetaCompliance platform (SSO login required).