National Security Month: Security is everyone’s responsibility

"Security is about more than technology and digital systems. It is also about people, buildings, equipment, information and emergency preparedness. Every day, employees and students make choices that help create a safer environment for themselves and others," says OsloMet’s Chief Security Officer, Stian Rabe.

How security-conscious are you really?

You probably lock your bicycle and keep a close eye on your mobile phone. But what about your access card, your computer, or the information you have access to? Throughout October, OsloMet is placing security in the spotlight and highlighting why small everyday choices can have major consequences.

Most people do not think about security until something goes wrong. An unlocked door. An unknown person following you into a restricted area. A computer left unattended. Or a suspicious email opened in a hurry.

While these incidents may seem minor, the consequences can be significant.

You are part of security

"When we talk about security, it is easy to think about guards, alarms and technical systems. But the most important security resource at OsloMet is the people who study and work here," says Rabe.

That is why National Security Month is about one thing: awareness.

What would you do if you saw someone without an access card in an area you were unsure they should be able to enter? Do you know who to contact if you notice something unusual? And how familiar are you with the procedures to follow if a crisis occurs?

Our working habits and daily use of technology are also crucial to our security. Following rules and recommendations for safe use is an important part of our digital security.

Small choices matter

Good security is often about very simple actions:

Stop and pay attention to your surroundings.
Do not allow unknown individuals into areas that require an access card (restricted access areas).
Take care of access cards, keys and IT equipment.
Report anything that appears wrong or suspicious.
Familiarise yourself with emergency preparedness and reporting procedures.

No one expects you to handle a security incident on your own. However, everyone can help identify and prevent problems before they become serious.

Use Security Month to learn more

OsloMet encourages all employees and students to use Security Month as an opportunity to learn more, ask questions and reflect on their own role in security work.

Sikresiden.no

Security is not something that “someone else” takes care of. It starts with you.

OsloMet’s Chief Security Officer, Stian Rabe, encourages everyone to familiarise themselves with the information available at Sikresiden.no, an important resource for increasing knowledge about security.

Sikresiden.no offers useful information and training on security.

Events during Security Month

Throughout the month, OsloMet will host a range of security-related events and training activities.

You can find Self-preparedness information stands at:

We will be joined by Norske Kvinners Sanitetsforening (The Norwegian Women's Public Health Association), which will focus on personal preparedness and how each of us can be better equipped to handle unexpected situations. At the information stands, students and staff will receive advice and guidance based on the recommendations on personal preparedness issued by the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB).

20 October, 12:00–13:00 Webinar: “Research assessments and approvals in Norway – a short introduction.” Our Data Protection Officer, Simon Gogl, will host a webinar in English aimed at international researchers. The presentation will provide a brief overview of the requirements for privacy assessments, ethical reviews and other necessary approvals required to conduct research in Norway.

21 October, 10:00: Digital security in uncertain times (in Norwegian). Roar Thon, Director of Professional Services at the Norwegian National Security Authority (NSM), will give a presentation and answer questions about how we can improve our digital security in everyday life.

26 October, 13:00–15:30: Management training in personnel security (in Norwegian). "Personnel security helps us protect and enable our core values: academic freedom, openness, international collaboration and knowledge-sharing. In doing so, it helps safeguard our social mission." A basic course in personnel security will be held for OsloMet managers.

(This text has been translated with the use of Microsoft Copilot. The text has been quality assured by OsloMet.)