The Commonwealth of Virginia requires employees to complete IT security awareness training every year. To meet this mandate, NOVA and VCCS employs the KnowBe4 security awareness training solution. Annual training consists of four courses as well as five policy documents to read and accept. Completion of assigned training is a requirement for system access.
Security Awareness Training is required annually of all full time and adjunct credit faculty, full time staff, administrators, P-14s and contractors. The purpose is to provide valuable information about best practices, policies, and procedures to ensure secure information systems at NOVA. Our goal is for everyone to enjoy a safe, reliable computing environment.
A welcome e-mail listing training assigned to you will be sent when your training is activated. A similar message will be sent when your annual renewal is due. Select Login and enter your e-mail address. Personnel with active nvcc.edu addresses will be presented with a web form for nvcc.edu account and e-mail password.
Training status is recorded within KnowBe4 and completion certificates are available for download as new courses are finished. There is no need to forward certificates to NOVA staff.
Why do I need to take IT security awareness training?
Security awareness training is important to ensure that all personnel are informed about our security responsibilities. Technology fills our world and information presented here will benefit you in both your personal and your professional life. Topics include malware (viruses, spyware, etc.), spam, phishing and identity theft. This training is required annually by VCCS.
Who must complete IT Security Awareness Training?
Everyone issued a NVCC LAN/email account must complete IT Security Awareness Training within 30 days of receiving their account and annually thereafter. This group includes faculty, staff, P-14, retirees, student hires, temporary employees, volunteers, and contractors working for the College.
What will I learn during IT Security Awareness Training?
Annual training consists of four courses assigned to everyone as well as five policy documents to read and accept. Completion of assigned training is required to maintain system access.
General Security Awareness Training – All Employees
1. 2025 KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training - 45 Minutes
2. Creating Strong Passwords - Security Awareness Training
FERPA Security Awareness Training – All Employees
3. FERPA and HIPAA for HIgher Ed Faculty and Staff
Teleworker Security Awareness Training – All Remote Workers/Teleworkers
4. Taking Security Awareness Home
Over the course of the year, additional training will be assigned based on one’s role within the College.
• VCCS Roles and Responsibilities
Audience: System Owners, Data Owners, Security Administrators, Technical Staff
• Other courses as required by general need, auditor oversight, and availability
What do I need to take this training?
A computer with a web browser and an Internet connection. Access Knowbe4.com with Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
What is the URL for the KnowBe4 website?
Non-compliant account access is limited to KnowBe4 until training is complete.
Why am I getting a blank white screen when I attempt to login?
You may have a pop-up blocker installed that is preventing KnowBe4 from loading correctly. Allow pop-ups from this site to complete the training.
I thought I had completed IT Security Awareness Training, but I am being told that I have not. What do I need to do?
Finish all assigned training modules and agree to all of the policy documents to complete the training. Visit your My Training dashboard to review your status, to access assignments, and to download or print any certificates as needed.
How do I change my IT Security Awareness password?
Access to the training system is integrated with your active nvcc email account and password. If you are unable to connect, verify that your browser is not using a different account or logged into another Microsoft 365 tenant.
Who should I contact if I have questions about IT Security Awareness Training?
• Or call 703-426-4141
What will happen if I do not complete IT Security Awareness Training?
If you do not complete your training:
• Non-compliant accounts are reported to management and disabled until training is complete.
If your access is suspended for failure to complete training, log into KnowBe4.com with your nvcc.edu credentials (user name and password) as soon as possible and complete your assignment. Use the
Microsoft Self-Service Password Reset Portal (SSPR) to reset your password if needed. Contact the IT Help Desk or Accounts Team when your training is complete so that your training can be verified and your access restored.
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