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Creating a Security Awareness Program

At my first job (obviously, this was before I became a security professional), I disabled the password-protected screensaver that was implemented on my desktop as policy. Lack of knowledge and a desire to avoid entering my password every time I took a break, got coffee, or made a phone call led to this action. While perhaps it did increase my productivity, it left my machine, my data, and a connection to the firm's Intranet vulnerable to the casual eavesdropper whenever I wasn't in the room or at my desk.

Technology can be used to avoid some of these situations, but can't rule them out entirely. Educating users and arming them with the information they need to perform their job securely is essential. We need their buy-in. As hard as that may seem, developing an effective program doesn't have to be so onerous. As with so many other business activities, if you identify and follow a sound process, the end result will likely achieve or come close to the desired goals.

The following six-step process can serve as an effective template to developing a security awareness program for your organization. The steps are detailed in the following sections.

  1. Gather information.

  2. Develop a format and forum in which to present the information.

  3. Prepare the program material.

  4. Present the program to a pilot group.

  5. Present the program to senior management.

  6. Develop a schedule for updating the program.

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Other Collection and Use of Information


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Security


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Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


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While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


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Requests and Contact


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Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020