Key benefits of this course
This course has been designed to equip you with:
- The ability to identify, classify and protect sensitive data across its lifecycle
- Strengthened ability to respond effectively to cyber risks and potential data breaches
- Practical strategies to meet legal, ethical and organisational data handling obligations
- Improved confidence in applying frameworks such as the LOCK framework and Defence in Depth
- The ability to support the development of a cyber-aware culture across technical and non-technical teams
- Skills that are valuable across sectors, including not-for-profits, government and industry
- Enhanced professional value, through demonstration of a clear understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals.
Digital badge and certificate
A digital badge and certificate will be awarded following the successful completion of any necessary tasks or assessments to demonstrate acquired learning of the short course or for meeting attendance and/or participation requirements.
Learn more about UTS Open digital badges.
Price
Full price: $100 (GST-free)*
*Price subject to change. Please check price at time of purchase.
Payment on invoice requests must be paid in full and reconciled by our Finance team before you can access your online course materials. Please make sure your invoice payments reference the UTS Open invoice number. You should also forward the remittance advice to support@open.uts.edu.au for more efficient reconciliation.
UTS Cyber Resilience Program
This course is part of our UTS Cyber Resilience program on UTS Open. Our full list of cyber resilience program courses are:
Each course is stand-alone and does not require completion of other courses. Courses can be studied in any order.
Enrolment conditions
Course purchase is subject to UTS Open Terms and Conditions.
Course outline
This self-paced course has been designed to be completed in approximately 2 hours, offering a flexible and engaging learning experience for professionals at all levels. A modular structure allows you to progress at your own pace while accessing content that is relevant, practical, and immediately applicable to your environment.
The course modules comprise:
- Introduction to secure data handling
You'll be introduced to fundamental concepts including the importance of cybersecurity awareness, data sensitivity, and the consequences of data breaches. This module sets the foundation by demystifying technical terminology and presenting real-world examples of risks and incidents.
- Data classification and lifecycle management
This module focuses on identifying different types of data, including public, confidential and sensitive, aligning treatment with privacy obligations, such as those outlined in Australian data protection legislation. You’ll be guided through the full data lifecycle, from creation and storage to sharing and disposal, using the LOCK framework to reinforce best practices.
- Threats, mistakes and risk mitigation
Using real-world case studies and interactive scenarios, this module explores common mishandling errors and introduces you to the concept of "Defence in Depth". Topics include phishing, accidental disclosure, poor password hygiene and insecure storage. Practical tips and workplace-ready checklists are provided.
- Building a culture of cybersecurity
The final module encourages you to think beyond individual practices by fostering organisational awareness and resilience. This includes strategies for promoting shared responsibility, responding to breaches and building a cyber-aware culture, particularly in resource-constrained environments such as not-for-profits.
Course delivery
The course is designed to be interactive, engaging, and accessible for non-technical audiences. Key features include:
- Self-paced learning: complete the course at your own convenience, with content available online 24/7
- Interactive learning: low-stakes quizzes and challenges reinforce understanding in a playful and non-intimidating way
- Real-world case studies: scenarios from not-for-profits and small businesses help contextualise abstract concepts
- Downloadable job aids: receive takeaway resources including classification charts, breach response flowcharts, and policy checklists
- Mnemonic-based learning: discover memorable phrases and visuals to support knowledge retention and future application.
The course assumes no background in cybersecurity and is suitable for those working in operations, communications, compliance, service delivery, or general administration roles. Participants will walk away with a clear understanding of how to classify and protect data, comply with privacy regulations, and promote safer practices in their daily operations. The content is particularly suited to individuals and teams seeking practical, actionable guidance in securing organisational data in line with best practices and regulatory expectations.
Course learning objectives
By the conclusion of the course, you should be able to:
- Explain basic concepts of secure data handling, including data classification levels, relevant privacy regulations and organisational policies
- Recognise common handling mistakes and potential security risks to individuals and organisations
- Apply and respond effectively to cybersecurity best practices by securely handling data at different classification levels, minimising the risk of unauthorised access and breaches and taking appropriate actions in case of a cyber incident
- Promote a security-aware culture by understanding the importance of cybersecurity and implementing safe practices within an organisation.
Requirements
To participate in this online course, you will need a personal computer with adequate internet access and an operating system with a web browser compatible with Canvas, the UTS online learning management system.
Contact us
For any questions on enrolment or payment, please email support@open.uts.edu.au
If you have a specific question on course content or requirements, please email Brett.Oberstein@uts.edu.au
