Cybersecurity Awareness & Prevention

Cybersecurity plays a critical role in protecting the information, systems, and people that keep WSU running.

Every day, employees interact with digital tools, data, and communications that could be targeted by cyber threats. To support a secure and resilient university environment, WSU provides a series of cybersecurity awareness trainings designed to help employees recognize and respond to common risks. These trainings focus on real-world scenarios such as phishing attempts, social engineering, and protecting sensitive information.

What is in the Training

Cybersecurity Awareness & Prevention training includes:

  • Phishing Awareness: Understanding and Preventing Phishing Attacks
  • Phishing Awareness Quiz
  • Social Engineering: Staying Safe and Avoiding Scams
  • Insider Threat Awareness at WSU
  • WSU Cybersecurity Incident Response Training

The 3 W’s Behind Cybersecurity Awareness & Prevention

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Why This Training is Required

WSU requires cybersecurity awareness training for all employees to support the protection of institutional data, systems, and services.

This requirement is established through university policy and aligns with broader expectations for safeguarding sensitive information, including maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of institutional data.

Cybersecurity training is assigned annually to ensure employees stay informed about evolving threats and best practices for protecting university systems and information.

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Why It Matters to Your Work

Every employee interacts with technology and data as part of their daily work, making cybersecurity a shared responsibility across the university.

Cyber threats often rely on human interaction, such as clicking a link, opening an attachment, or responding to a message that appears legitimate. Training helps employees recognize these situations and respond appropriately.

This training helps you understand:

  • Identify phishing attempts, suspicious messages, and common scams
  • Protect sensitive and institutional data
  • Respond appropriately to potential security incidents
  • Reduce the risk of accidental data exposure or system compromise

The skills and information included in the training series help to ensure that employees are prepared to recognize risks and take action, supporting both individual and institutional security.

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Who Should Prioritize Completing It

Because everyone who uses university systems plays a role in protecting information and technology, all employees are expected to complete this training annually. This includes faculty, staff, student employees, and temporary hourly employees with access to university systems.

Where to Find Support

For questions about cybersecurity training or to report a potential security concern, support is available through the Office of Information Security and Assurance (OISA). OISA provides guidance, resources, and support related to protecting WSU data and systems, including how to recognize and respond to potential security threats.

Questions About Cybersecurity at WSU?

Want to learn more about cybersecurity practices, policies, or how they apply to your role? Explore WSU’s information security resources or connect with the Office of Information Security and Assurance for additional guidance.

Percipio Help

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Self-guided Help and Resources

Learners can get self-guided help from two sources:

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Who to Contact if You Need More Help

Learning Administrators support employees across the university by helping connect learners to required and optional training in Percipio. Assigned by area, college, or campus, they provide guidance on training access, completion, and compliance to support employee learning and development.

Contact your assigned Learning Administrator when you have questions about required training, assignments, or access to learning content in Percipio. They can also help if you encounter issues with enrollment, completion records, or need guidance on training requirements specific to your area, college, or campus.

If you know who your area’s Learning Administrator is, they’re your best first point of contact for questions about training, assignments, and learning support within your area. Learning Administrators work closely with Learning & Organizational Development (LOD) and can often help quickly resolve questions or guide you to the right next step.

You can contact LOD directly if you’re unsure who your Learning Administrator is, your question spans multiple areas or campuses, or you need additional support beyond what your Learning Administrator can provide.