The security of SMU data and technology systems is a top priority for Information Technology Services. Throughout the year, ITS provides a number of training and educational opportunities to develop user awareness of the various security threats and best practices for security data.
For the past several years, SMU has developed, implemented and expanded a Security Awareness campaign. Each year, we have hosted a poster contest where students are encouraged to contribute original works that focus on specific security issues. The top 12 entries are selected to become a part of a calendar which is distributed free of charge to all SMU students and employees. In addition, SMU also distributes pens, post-its, mouse pads and other materials, which promote our Security Awareness program.
SMU distributes 6 newsletters per year, which outline security warnings, and best practices. Central IT hosts a Technology Leaders Forum for staff members from each department and school representative that is responsible for IT in their area. These meetings also help provide security awareness.
During the month of October for the last 3 years, SMU has promoted Security Awareness Month. As a part of Security Awareness Month, we conduct an email campaign with tips and advice on how to maintain security patches, how to avoid online scams and phishing sites, and advertise what resources are available at SMU to help our constituents with a problem. In 2008 we conducted several specific departmental training programs with a focus on security.
We have implemented 2 online training courses that Students, Faculty and Staff can access at any time. Our basic class, Security 101 covers basic issues like viruses and firewalls, and offers tips on how to spot a fake email. Our intermediate class covers Phishing Scams and SPAM. This training is designed to outline new features available in 2008 to spot phishing sites in a users web browser and how to configure mail filtering to reduce SPAM.
We are committed to expanding our security awareness program over the next several years to include more training opportunities. This October, we will not only hold a series of Brown Bag sessions covering security topics, but we will also have a Technology Fair. Details coming soon!