Sussex enhances cyber security awareness with new mandatory training
Posted on behalf of: University of Sussex
Last updated: Friday, 11 July 2025
In recent months, you’ve likely noticed news reports about cyber attacks on well-known brands such as Marks & Spencer and Co-op.
These have resulted in massive disruption and huge financial losses to the organisations involved, and significant concerns among those whose data has been compromised.
These attacks aren’t limited to private companies. Since 2024, UK public sector organisations have been increasingly targeted by cybercriminals.
It’s in this context that from August the University will introduce 30 minute, mandatory e-learning training on this topic for all staff, alongside the monthly, ‘bite sized’ awareness campaigns.
Suzanne Elmore, the University’s Cyber Security Manager said: “A single click can compromise an entire campus. Each day, Sussex is faced with untold number of threats - phishing scams, ransomware attacks, human engineering.
“One careless moment can have serious consequences, and awareness is the first line of defence. It’s not just an ITS issue - we all need to take collective responsibility. So please make the time in your day to learn how to protect yourself and the University.”
In taking a proactive approach to cyber security, the University will also be better able to meet its contractual obligations and support future research funding applications.
The training module will be made available to staff on an annual basis from August until the end of October via the Learn Upon system and will follow the same format as our other mandatory training.