MSU IT is launching the 2026 Cybersecurity Awareness Training Program, a required annual course designed to help faculty and staff recognize today’s most common cyber threats and take simple steps to protect both personal and university data.
Beginning March 18, all MSU faculty and staff will receive an email from the Ability Learning Management System with a link to the mandatory training and detailed instructions.
Key details
- New accelerated course
- Based on feedback, the 2026 training now includes a different accelerated pathway.
- Everyone will take the same course placement, and those who score an 80% or higher will unlock a streamlined, accelerated version of the course that is shorter than the standard training.
- Both the accelerated and standard courses provide valuable cybersecurity awareness knowledge.
- Completion window
- You will have 30 days to complete the training.
- The standard version can take up to 60 minutes, and the accelerated version takes about 30 minutes.
- Recommended browser
- Use Google Chrome to ensure the best performance in Ability.
- Supervisor notifications
- Ability will notify supervisors if direct reports do not complete the training within 30 days. Notifications stop automatically once training is completed.
- Your feedback matters
- After completing the course, you will be prompted for feedback.
- It will be used to improve the course in future training.
Cybersecurity requirement
Throughout 2026, members of the MSU community will complete this training in phases based on role. On-call, temporary, contract, affiliate, and certain other populations are exempt.
Student employees will not complete the new 2026 training until they receive an invite during the student phase later this year.
Completion of this training fulfills the 2026 cybersecurity requirement. For more information and FAQs, please visit go.msu.edu/cybersecuritytraining.
Why this matters
Cybersecurity threats continue to make headlines due to service disruptions and costly data breaches. As these threats grow in frequency and sophistication, it is essential that our community is prepared to defend against them.
MSU is a complex and diverse organization with sensitive data within different areas, including academics, healthcare, financial, research, and more. Protecting this information starts with each of us. Regardless of role, access to MSU systems can create risk if compromised. Every Spartan plays a role in keeping MSU secure.
Support and resources
- General questions: train.cybergoose@msu.edu
- Ability LMS troubleshooting: orrs.training@msu.edu
- Additional cybersecurity resources: secureit.msu.edu
Thank you for supporting this important initiative. Together, we can ensure a secure and resilient MSU.
