As National Cyber Security Awareness Month comes to a close, I would
like to thank everyone who took the time to view one of the national
cyber webcasts, participated in a cyber security training event, or
simply supported this national campaign through other means. The theme
of this years campaign was Cyber Security is Everyone’s Responsibility.
Let’s put forth the effort to make this a year-long vs month-long
campaign!
In order to help you in your efforts throughout the year, I want to
remind you of a resource we brought to your attention several months
ago. To date, approximately 400 state employees have taken advantage of
the courses, earning over 200 completion certificates.
ACT Online (Adaptive Cybersecurity Training Online) is sponsored and
fully funded by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. It is a suite of
ten in-depth, comprehensive, web-based Cyber Security courses. Each
course is thoroughly reviewed by DHS before they approve it and allow
their logo to be placed on the course Certificate. Since the U.S. Dept.
of Homeland Security fully funds the training, it is provided at NO COST
to the trainee. It is divided into three tracks: one geared to IT
Professionals, another targeting Management Professionals, and the other
is directed toward Everyone who uses a computer (EVERYONE!).
The Ten courses are:
* Information Security Basics
* Information Security for Everyone
* Business Information Continuity
* Secure Software and Network Assurance
* Cyber Ethics
* Information Risk Management
* Digital Forensics
* Cyber Law and White Collar Crime
* Network Forensics
* Cyber Incident Analysis and Response
To register, visit http://www.act-online.net
<http://www.act-online.net/>
Note: During registration, please use Training Coordinator Code: 00901
and your Agency code
You can obtain your three-digit Agency code at:
http://esbd.cpa.state.tx.us/agaddress/addresslist.cfm
Depending upon the knowledge base of each trainee, each course will
generally take 4-12 hours to complete. DHS approved a Pre-Qualifying
exam to be offered at the onset of each course, which if passed,
qualifies the trainee to receive the appropriate certificate without
going through that particular training. Most IT professionals are able
to pass courses from all categories – many earn several certificates.
Managers can usually pass several as well, at least from two categories.
In a day and a half, students should be able to earn at least one
certificate, but we suggest you earn as many as possible.
The U.S. Dept of Homeland Security has deemed the issue of Cyber
Security so vital that they want this training within the reach of every
U.S. citizen. Successful completion of each course earns the trainee a
certificate bearing the DHS/FEMA emblem. Those who successfully
complete courses will come away armed with critical knowledge to help
keep the cyber security of our State of Texas robust.
Remember– ACT-Online courses are self-paced, provided at no cost, and
are available 24/7. Students can exit the courseware at any time and
resume where they left off, even during an examination. All ISOs and
IRMs are encouraged to take the Information Security Basics course. This
course is very similar to SANS Institutes Security Essentials course and
provides broad based instruction, adapted to each student. Your
feedback is welcomed.
One final note—DIR has been advised that your support of this no-cost
training is vital to its continued funding by the federal government.
The State of Texas is one of the most active participants. Let’s not let
this resource be lost due to our lack of interest or participation.
Your support in distributing this widely within your agency is
appreciated.
Bill Perez
CISO, State of TX
475 3710
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