Contact: Robbie Ward
STARKVILLE, Miss.--To preserve security involving student, faculty and staff records and private information, Mississippi State now is requiring all employees to complete information security training.
As part of the university's information security policy, the recently announced mandatory programs will inform employees about safeguards available to protect their own privacy, as well as keeping student records safe from unauthorized persons interested in viewing them.
The first part of the training and awareness program will involve an online program for employees and student workers to ensure student records, personal employee information and other information isn't compromised.
MSU President Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong said the policy also requires all new employees to complete the program within 30 days of employment. Current employees have until June 30 to complete the training.
"Keeping records secure is a vital responsibility of this university," Foglesong said. "These training programs help inform everyone about what they can do to make this happen."
Data classification and individual responsibilities; risk assessment, safeguards, training, and awareness monitoring; and audit and compliance are among areas to be covered.
Along with the training program, MSU's Office of Information Technology Services offers free software to faculty, staff and students to prevent computer virus attacks and other actions that may violate computer security.
MSU faculty and staff needing more information should contact the Help Desk at 325-0631.
News media needing more information, should contact ITS director Mike Rackley at mike.rackley@msstate.edu or 662-325-9311; or visit www.infosecurity.msstate.edu.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.