In an age where information is a precious commodity, librarians play a vital role as guardians of knowledge. As digital resources and technology become integral to modern libraries, the need for librarians to understand and implement cybersecurity practices has never been more critical. Welcome to “Fundamentals in Cybersecurity for Librarians,” your gateway to mastering the art of protecting both physical and digital assets in the ever-evolving landscape of library services.

Whether you are a digital native or not super “techy”, fear not! This course will cover the fundamentals with very little technical jargon and as many concrete analogies as necessary to cover any of the more abstract topics.

Topics include:

1. Introduction

• Welcome to the Course
• CIA of Cybersecurity

2. Think Like a Criminal

• Types of Cybercriminals
• Ransomware
• Data Theft
• Making Your Systems a Slave
• Cyber Vandalism

3. Tricks of the Trade

• Vulnerabilities
• Rogue USBs
• Social Engineering
• Phishing

4. How to Smell Something “Phishy” and Other Ways to be Safe

• Know Your Surroundings
• Password Best Practices/Tricks
• Encryption
• Social Engineering Awareness
• Lost Devices
• Vulnerability Management

5. Wrapping Up

• Final Thoughts

In this comprehensive online class, we will empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity,  and availability of library collections and digital data. Cybersecurity is not just about defending against external threats; it’s about maintaining the trust of your patrons and ensuring that your library remains a trusted repository of information in the digital age.