Information security and data protection
Information on the University’s mandatory Information Security and Data Protection training course for students
Our short, online training course on Information Security and Data Protection is designed to raise awareness of student responsibilities and of how to stay safe online at Oxford.
If you are an Oxford student or you're about to join the University, this 10-minute course is designed to help you keep yourself, and the University’s data secure, through short animations and quizzes.
How to keep safe online - with enhanced accessibility features
Why is our training updated annually?
It is important that you know what is expected of you and the University, stay alert to the threat of cyber-crime, and know how to respond if you identify incoming threats. Our student training is updated annually to ensure you get the most accurate and up-to-date information.
The 'How to keep safe online' course will give you valuable knowledge you can use in your personal life to you and help you to keep your personal information safe. It is a reminder to stop and think before you act. The training is designed to promote a sense of active vigilance amongst everyone, across the University and Colleges, because cyber security is a collective responsibility.
What to expect from the course
Our standard course takes about 10 minutes to complete. It consists of short videos about phishing and social media, the dangers of social networking and student scams.
There is also an interactive activity within the course which we are aware some people with accessibility issues may not be able to do, so we also offer a version of the course with enhanced accessibility features, which replaces the interactive activity with a video conveying the same information.
As a student at Oxford, it’s important you have the knowledge, life skills and resources to navigate the digital landscape securely, and that you know how to play your part in protecting University systems. Understanding cyber security is not just a precaution, it's a necessity. You are not required to complete the student training course, but we would strongly encourage you to do so.
You will need to login using your SSO (Oxford Single Sign-On), with multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Please also visit our Staying Secure page for more information, resources, and practical steps towards a safer digital future.
If you have any problems or questions with the training course, please see these Frequently Asked Questions about Information Security and Data Protection training, for students and staff. If this does not answer your questions, please contact the IT Service Desk.
Please note: If you handle university data as part of your studies or have been asked to provide a certificate to your department as proof of completion of the information security training, you need to complete this full-length (50-minute) Information Security and Data Protection course online, which is equivalent to our staff training. You are encouraged to complete this every 12 months to help the University comply with UK Data Protection legislation.