Useful Cybersecurity Course

Submitted by Robert Wessel on Fri, 04/07/2017 - 10:25
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The Rochester Institute of Technology is currently offering an introductory cybersecurity course on edx.org that can be audited for free. The concepts are discussed in language you would find in a major newspaper and would be of use to anyone responsible for program computers that contain sensitive information such as learner and tutor SSNs, salary information, donor lists, and anything else that could cause serious problems or lawsuits if it got into the wrong hands. It also provides information you need to be aware of when using smartphones with learners or when giving learners guidance.

Here's the link to the course: https://www.edx.org/course/cybersecurity-fundamentals-ritx-cyber501x

Comments

Thanks Bob. This information should be very useful to those who are responsible for program or agency cybersecurity, now an extremely important issue in adult basic skills education, especially for English language learners, but also for all learners, teachers and program managers. 

Could you say more about what you meant in the last sentence, "It also provides information you need to be aware of when using smartphones with learners or when giving learners guidance."? I am not familiar with what some of the issues might be for contexts such as using smartphones with learners, or giving them guidance. Also, did you mean guidance about using smartphones or guidance about something broader, including other portable digital devices or all Internet-accessible digital devices?

 

Thanks.


David J. Rosen, Moderator

Program Management and Integrating Technology CoPs

djrosen123@gmail.com

 

I specifically mentioned smart phones because discussions on Lincs tend to focus on them, but you need to be aware of cybersecurity for any Internet-connected device these days, including your Internet-of-Things refrigerator. I have had learners ask for help with banking problems, e-mails asking for personal information, and the like. Giving the wrong information could cause serious financial and possibly legal problems. Even when applying for a job online, they need to know they are giving personal information to a legitimate site, not a scam. And now, with the Internet of Things and Internet-connected cars, cybersecurity needs to be considered when purchasing anything that contains computer-based electronics.

Bob and others,

Thanks for the clarification, Bob. Do you -- does anyone here -- know of a current adult basic skills digital literacy curriculum or curriculum unit/module that adequately addresses these personal digital security issues? If so, please post a link to it.

Thanks,

David J. Rosen, Moderator

Integrating Technology, and Program management CoPs

djrosen123@gmail.com