CyberSecurity Presentation Planning

The Problem

Cybersecurity is a complex issue. It is relentlessly evolving and requires a constant commitment by any librarian to keep pace and to understand the dangers to which we are all exposed; not only as individuals -librarians and/or patrons – but as a community as a whole. Security is like vaccines, if we are not all vaccinated we can\’t stop the spread of diseases. In cybersecurity, vaccination means understanding the basic concepts on how the digital world works. It also means accepting that we can never lower our guards. As new viruses keep mutating, new cyber threats are always lurking, so it is indispensable to keep alert. Most importantly, it is our responsibility as librarians to not only learn as much as we can to protect ourselves, but to make sure that our patrons do the same.

Goals

The purpose of this instructional media is to teach librarians the fundamental features involved in cybersecurity, to learn where reliable information on new threats can be obtained, and to establish constant training procedures and strategies at the library to help keep individuals on top of their game in protecting themselves.

Users:

Librarians

Stakeholders:

• Library Managers: who want to make sure all personnel is knowledgeable enough in cybersecurity topics.
• Patrons: Who rely on librarians not only to guarantee a safe environment for them, but also to help them train on how to protect themselves.

Additional Comments

It is important to mention that cybersecurity could become a contentious topic. It runs closely to an even more delicate subject: privacy. The purpose of this particular training dwells in teaching basic individual techniques to foster safety, steering away from policies that might compromise the privacy of individuals.

Outcome Goal of Instructional Module

• Librarians will recognize, understand, and identify possible threats.
• Librarians will evaluate their own behaviors and weaknesses in relation to cybersecurity.
• Learn where and how to gather a list of relevant trustworthy information to keep up to date.
• Plan instructional materials for the patrons of their library about cybersecurity

Assessment

• Librarians will write a brief self assessment risk evaluation of their current status. Their weaknesses and strengths.
• Librarians will write a list of three ideas about what they have learnt and that they will be willing to apply on their lives immediately.
• As a team effort, librarians will prepare a document with links to resources and points of interest for future consultation for staff -current and future- as well as a strategic plan to keep the information up to date.
• Librarians will write a list of the topics that they will cover in their instructional materials to better target patron’s security issues in their particular community.

Materials

• Oral presentation.
• Micro videos explaining some threats and risks.
• Reading materials and handouts.
• Hands-on training simulating life situations.
• Check security features available -or lacking- in the library’s computers.
• The training will require a room with a projector and computers for each attendee