Digital security

Data protection is a fundamental right, which means that everyone has the right to privacy and the protection of their personal data. The processing of personal data is regulated in particular by the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as well as by national data protection legislation. Data protection applies to situations where personal data is processed—that is, information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. Personal data may only be processed if there is a legal basis for the processing, such as consent, a contract, a statutory obligation, or the legitimate interest of the data controller. For example, Metropolia processes students’ personal data in connection with the organization of teaching and study administration. In addition to personal data, key data protection concepts include data subject, which refers to the person whose data is being processed—for example, a student. The data controller is the entity that determines the purposes and means of processing personal data; in the case of Metropolia, the data controller is Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. The data processor, on the other hand, is typically an external party that processes personal data on behalf of the data controller and according to its instructions.

Information security refers to technological and organizational measures that ensure the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of information. Information security ensures that Metropolia's information services are secure and inaccessible to unauthorized parties, such as cybercriminals. Information security manifests itself in our everyday lives, for example, through the use of passwords, PIN codes, access control, security guards, reliable network connections, multi-factor authentication, and backups. It also helps reduce the number of phishing messages and spam you receive, and plays an important role when you report issues and incidents to Metropolia’s user support (Helpdesk).

Building digital security starts with the individual. Digital security concerns everyone, and this Digital Security Starter suits everyone—whether you are just beginning your studies, starting a new academic year, or updating your skills in another situation. The Moodle course provides you with the most important skills to identify and manage digital risks in your studies, at work, and in your free time. The aim of the training is to encourage you to consider the importance of digital security as a part of your own life, whether at home, at work, or while studying.

You can access the Digital Security Starter course here (reuqires login).