Information Security at Penn: A Practical Guide | Information Systems & Computing

Intro to training

To help reduce the risk of compromise and/or unauthorized access to sensitive University data, the Office of Information Security provides Information Security at Penn: A Practical Guide online training. This training is offered through Workday and consists of three short, high-quality videos targeted to raise awareness about three important security themes:

Computer Compromises
Passwords & Phishing
Lost or Stolen Data & Devices

Each module takes approximately five minutes to complete, followed by a brief assessment. You can finish all three training modules along with the assessment in approximately 20 minutes, or you can spread out the training over a timeframe that works best for you.

Access Training

You can access and complete the Information Security at Penn: A Practical Guide online training course by clicking on the link provided here. If the link is broken or you cannot access it directly, please follow the instructions below to find the course.

Visit Workday
Enter your Penn Key and password
From the MENU on the top left-hand, click on Learning
Search for Information Security at Penn: A Practical Guide
Select Information Security at Penn: A Practical Guide
Complete each module, followed by the assessment, and exit each training module.
Click Return to Content Structure. You'll notice the completed module color is green.
Select the next training module

After completing the three training modules, you can print a certificate of completion.

If you continue to encounter issues, please notify the OIS Training Officer by sending an email to security@isc.upenn.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions for Training

This section provides answers to common questions about the "Information Security at Penn: A Practical Guide" course in Workday Learning, which is a required training for all Penn faculty, postdoctoral scholars, student workers, and staff, including contingent and temporary workers. For additional information, please contact security@isc.upenn.edu.

1. I recently completed a different information security training in Workday Learning. Do I still need to take this course?

Yes, all University faculty, postdoctoral students, student workers, and staff members are required to take this training, regardless of whether or not prior training was completed.

2. The training isn't working or won't load. Who do I contact?

For technical or access issues, please submit a Learning Request Form.

3. When do I need to complete the training?

The training will be assigned in Workday Learning starting November 20, 2025, and must be completed by December 31st, 2025.

4. I started the course but had to stop before it was completed. Do I need to start over?

The course will save your progress after each module is complete. If you stop the course at any point during a module, you will need to start that module again from the beginning.

5. What happens if I don’t complete the training by the deadline?

The Workday Learning team will monitor completion of the training. You will receive email notifications through Workday Learning to complete the training, and you will receive additional follow-up from a representative from your School or Center if you do not complete the course by the deadline. Failure to complete the training may result in loss of access to University systems.

6. Can I take the training on a mobile device?

Yes, the training is compatible with multiple platforms, including various browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) as well as Apple devices (iPhone, Macbook, iPad) and Android devices.

7. Do I need speakers or headphones?

The training is narrated, so speakers or headphones are preferred. There is a transcript of the training available for those that prefer to follow along with the text. To access the transcript, select the Transcript tab at the top-right of each video that includes audio.

8. Is the training accessible for people with disabilities (e.g., closed captioning)?

There is a transcript link at the top-right of each video that includes audio. This link provides a complete transcript of all audio.

9. How many questions are on each learning assessment? What score do I need to pass?

Each learning assessment contains five questions. You will need to answer four questions correctly to pass. You can retake the learning assessment as many times as needed to pass.

10. Will I receive a certificate or confirmation once I complete the training?

Yes. Once you’ve completed the training, including passing the learning assessments for each module, the training will show as complete on your learning transcript. If you would like a certificate, see the tip sheet Self Service: Generate and Print Workday Learning Certificate of Completion.

11. Where can I find more information about information security at Penn?

Visit the Office of Information Security website for more information.

Security Tools

Resources

Support

For questions related to the Information Security Essentials training, please contact the Office of Information Security at security@isc.upenn.edu.