Brainstorm against business interface with graphs and data

FAIR-U Workbook for Learners (BETA)

Improve Your Understanding of the FAIR Model with the FAIR-U Workbook for Learners

To support risk practitioners, students, and other professionals in learning FAIR, we have developed a free Excel workbook called FAIR-U Workbook for Learners (beta release).

The workbook allows users to create their own risk scenarios for learning, using the FAIR Model and best practices from the FAIR Institute. 

This release is a beta and we welcome your feedback.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAIR-U Workbook for Learners?

The FAIR-U Workbook for Learners is an Excel-based tool designed to help individuals develop a hands-on understanding of Factor Analysis of Information Risk (FAIR). Unlike FAIR-U for Cyber, which is a web-based application to teach the FAIR Cyber Risk Management Framework, the workbook provides a more traditional FAIR experience by allowing users to see and manipulate the risk factors directly in an Excel workbook.

How do I get access to the FAIR-U Workbook for Learners?

The workbook is available to FAIR Institute general and contributing members at no cost. If you are a member, you can download the latest version from the FAIR Institute website. If you are not yet a member, you can sign up for free at https://www.fairinstitute.org/get-involved-apply-today.

Can I use the FAIR-U Workbook for Learners for my business or my clients?

No, the FAIR-U Workbook for Learners is strictly an educational tool. It is not designed, warranted, or licensed for conducting risk analysis for business or commercial purposes. The workbook is intended to help learners understand the FAIR model through structured exercises and guided analysis, not to support real-world cyber risk management or regulatory reporting.

I’m an instructor of risk management concepts. May I use the FAIR-U Workbook for Learners in my class?

Yes! The FAIR-U Workbook for Learners is designed to support education on FAIR. Instructors may use the workbook in their courses, including distributing it to students, as long as it is for non-commercial educational purposes and complies with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).

For any questions about classroom use or potential customizations, please contact us at fairu@fairinstitute.org.

Can I modify the workbook for my own purposes?

The FAIR-U Workbook for Learners is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).

  • You may copy and distribute the workbook for non-commercial educational purposes as long as you credit the FAIR Institute and include a link to the license.
  • You may not modify, remix, or create derivative works based on the workbook.
  • Any commercial use requires prior approval from the FAIR Institute.

If you would like to recommend modifications or enhancements to the workbook, please contact us at fairu@fairinstitute.org.

Why is the workbook locked (protected)?

We lock (protect) the workbook to prevent users from accidentally overwriting formulas or other critical cells. However, users can still interact with unlocked input cells as intended.

  • Formula transparency: On the “Beta PERT & Monte Carlo” sheet, all formulas are selectable, so users can view the algorithms used in the workbook.
  • Unlocking the workbook: The workbook and its sheets can be unprotected and unlocked using a null (blank) password.

 

The workbook includes macros. Are these needed? How do I ensure they’re safe to use?

Yes, the workbook contains macros to improve the user experience, but they are not required for learning the FAIR methodology. The macros serve the following purposes:

  • Revealing content: When users agree to the License and Disclaimer, a macro is used to reveal the necessary worksheets.
  • Resetting user inputs: A macro is included to clear all user-entered values for easy reuse of the workbook.
  • Forcing recalculations: Since the workbook does not auto-calculate (to improve performance), a macro allows users to trigger recalculations when needed.
  • Development and testing: Additional macros were used during development, but these do not affect normal user operation.

Ensuring safety:

  • Users can choose to disable macros when opening the workbook and inspect them manually.
  • However, for optimal functionality, it is recommended to enable macros.

 

Will the workbook be updated?

Yes. The FAIR Institute will periodically update the FAIR-U Workbook for Learners to reflect refinements in FAIR methodology and incorporate feedback from the learning community. Check the FAIR Institute website regularly to ensure you have the latest version.

Is this the same as the original FAIR-U powered by RiskLens?

No. The original FAIR-U powered by RiskLens has been discontinued. The FAIR-U Workbook for Learners was developed to provide a more transparent approach to learning FAIR by allowing users to see the formulas, calculations, and methodology behind FAIR risk analysis.

What should I do if I find an issue with the workbook or have feedback?

We welcome your feedback and questions. Please email us at fairu@fairinstitute.org with any issues or suggestions. We will do our best to respond within two (2) business days.

However, the FAIR-U Workbook for Learners is provided “as-is” and without warranty of any kind. It is not warranted for any purpose beyond learning and exploring FAIR. The FAIR Institute makes no guarantees about its accuracy, suitability, or fitness for any particular purpose.