Important Update: New Cyber Security Training
Cyber security continues to be one of the biggest risks facing organisations, with recent high-profile attacks at M&S, Co-op and Jaguar Land Rover reminding us how serious and disruptive these incidents can be. To keep the University secure, it’s essential that we all remain alert and confident in recognising and responding to threats.
What’s changing
Until now, staff have completed one annual cyber security awareness course. While this has covered key areas, completion rates have been low and the “once a year” format does not reflect the fast-moving cyber landscape. To improve both engagement and protection, we are moving to a new structure:
- One annual core module – covering essential responsibilities and University policies.
- Quarterly micro-modules (approx. 12 minutes each) – focused on current threats and practical topics such as phishing, password security, data handling, and AI-enabled scams.
Pre – Test
Each quarterly module will begin with a short pre-quiz. If you score 80% or higher, you will not need to complete the full module for that quarter.
Tracking and reminders
Completion of Cyber Security courses is considered essential and as such reminders will be sent via email. Completion reports will be shared with each area so managers can track progress.
Why this matters
This approach gives you:
- Short, practical learning that fits into busy schedules.
- Up-to-date awareness of real threats, including examples from our sector.
- The tools to protect both yourself and the University.
By spreading training throughout the year, we build knowledge gradually, avoid “once-a-year fatigue,” and align with best practice in cyber awareness. Regular training also helps us demonstrate compliance with ISO 27001 and other standards.
How do I access the training?
On 22nd October at 10am, all staff (and those joining in the future) will receive an email direct to your University email account titled “University of Stirling Cyber Awareness Training”. The emails are sent directly from the Metacompliance platform so the email address will be no-reply@metacompliance.com.
You can also access the Dashboard directly via: This link
You can also access the training via Teams. The Metacompliance app should be available on the left hand side bar within Teams. You will also get a Teams notification when a new course or module is released.
You will not need to log in and should be able to access the course immediately. You do not need to sit the course in one sitting so you can complete the course, section by section.
If you have any questions, please contact the Information Centre on the details below:
Located within the University Library
Email: information.centre@stir.ac.uk
Web: stir.ac.uk/informationservices