Cyber Security
What is Cyber Security?
Cyber security “refers to the protection of information systems (hardware, software and associated infrastructure), the data on them, and the services they provide, from unauthorised access, harm or misuse. This includes harm caused intentionally by the operator of the system, or accidentally, as a result of failing to follow security procedures.” [The UK National Cyber Security Strategy 2016-2021, HM Government, UK.]
The concept of cyber security is built on three main principles:
• Confidentiality - ensuring that information is only available to authorised users;
• Integrity - ensuring that information is accurate and fit for purpose;
• Availability - ensuring that information is available when and where it is needed.
Why is Cyber Security important?
The University's information assets are of paramount importance and we must all play our part to ensure their confidentiality, integrity and availability.
Cyber security breaches are sadly becoming more common, and education providers (including Sussex) are regularly targeted.
When a breach happens, it can lead to lost time, financial cost and reputational damage and if the University’s information ends up in the wrong hands, the consequences could range from lost research opportunities to identity theft and fraud.
To ensure we maintain our reputation as a trusted and secure partner, it’s critically important that we can show we have robust security measures in place.
Our IT Services team are constantly working to keep staff, students and data safe, but they can’t protect us completely. We all have an important part to play in keeping the University safe and secure too. Collectively, the best way we can do this is through knowledge, awareness and vigilance.
Learn more
Visit our training and awareness page to see how you can play your part and help to reduce the risk to University systems and data.
If you have questions, wish to report an incident or raise any concerns that you might have, please email or telephone our IT Service Desk.
Words Cyber Security inside a rectangle, play your part written below