Operations Security in Academia

The course explores OPSEC in academia, training faculty, staff, and students to identify and mitigate risks to sensitive research data while upholding open science principles.

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About this Course

This course introduces operations security (OPSEC) in academic settings, focusing on identifying and mitigating risks to protect sensitive research data. The course equips faculty, staff, and students with practical skills to protect research integrity in an increasingly connected academic world.

Course Preview:

Language Availability: English

Suggested Audiences: Academic Deans, Academic Integrity Officers, Cybersecurity Professionals, Data Scientists, Editors, EHS Officers, Grant Administrators, IRB Members, IT Professionals, Laboratory Supervisors, Lawyers, Librarians, Postdoctoral Researchers, Professors, Program Managers, Project Managers, Research Assistants, Research Compliance Officials, Research Ethics Consultants, Research Security Officers, Researchers, Risk Management Officers, Technology Transfer Officers

Organizational Subscription Price: $675 per year/per site for government and non-profit organizations; $750 per year/per site for for-profit organizations
Independent Learner Price: $99 per person


Course Content

Introduction to OPSEC

Explore the critical need to safeguard sensitive information in various contexts. This module delves into security operations, guiding learners through identifying essential information, assessing vulnerabilities, and implementing protective measures. Tailored for academic settings, the module emphasizes risk mitigation strategies while balancing the principles of open science with the protection of critical data.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22017 (English)
Author(s): John Talerico, III, BSEE, MBA - Virginia Tech

Security Challenges

This module addresses processes an academic setting may implement to manage security challenges by differentiating fundamental research, open to all participants, from controlled research, which restricts access to secure intellectual property. The unrestricted nature of fundamental research promotes innovation but increases vulnerability to information breaches. Achieving a balance between fostering openness and implementing security mechanisms remains a critical challenge for protecting academic research.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22018 (English)
Author(s): John Talerico, III, BSEE, MBA - Virginia Tech

Guidance for Faculty

Investigate faculty practices when implemented, create a robust OPSEC using encrypted databases and access logs to manage internal access for vetted individuals who handle sensitive research data. For external releases, faculty will learn to evaluate information for public disclosure. Countering insider risks and improper access will also be addressed.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22019 (English)
Author(s): John Talerico, III, BSEE, MBA - Virginia Tech

Guidance for Students

Investigate and recognize from the student’s perspective unauthorized access and potential misuse of research. This module discusses what is appropriate to disclose for outward-facing situations such as interviews and online postings, as well as the students' responsibilities in controlled research through the institution’s OPSEC framework.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22020 (English)
Author(s): John Talerico, III, BSEE, MBA - Virginia Tech

Data Management and Security

This module equips learners with strategies for safe data storage using physical, administrative, and technical safeguards. It explores the synergy between data security and OPSEC, teaching how to identify vulnerabilities and protect sensitive data from misuse.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22021 (English)
Author(s): John Talerico, III, BSEE, MBA - Virginia Tech

Course Closeout

This module provides a concise review for all administrative leadership who play critical roles in implementing and coordinating OPSEC measures.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 22189 (English)
Author(s): John Talerico, III, BSEE, MBA - Virginia Tech


FAQs

Who should take the Operations Security in Academia course?

Learners who wish to gain foundational knowledge about operations security (OPSEC) in academic settings.  This course is ideal for all academic institutions, but in particular those that may have researchers conducting research that may benefit from individuals having an enhanced knowledge of OPSEC.

How long does it take to complete this course?

The OPSEC in Academia course has been intentionally constructed with video-based lessons that are no more than 15 minutes each.  As such, we expect learners who are asked to complete the entire course to complete it within approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

How does the Operations Security in Academia Course complement other CITI Program courses?

Is the course eligible for continuing medical education credits?

The course does not currently have CE/CME credits available.


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