Cyber Security Awareness Month

It’s Oct. and that means Halloween, Pumpkin Spice, and National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. NCSAM is in its 18 year, continuing to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and helping everyone “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart!”

As our lives have become increasingly dependent on technology, virtually all personal and business data is kept on internet-connected platforms, which can become a gold mine for bad actors. The first full week of Cybersecurity Awareness Month will highlight best security practices and focus on general cyber hygiene to keep your information safe.

Phishing attacks and scams have thrived since the COVID pandemic began in 2020 and today, phishing attacks account for more than 80 percent of reported security incidents (data from Verizon). Week 2 of Cybersecurity Awareness Month will stress the importance of being wary of emails, text messages or chat boxes that come from a stranger or someone you were not expecting. Think before you click on any suspicious emails, links or attachments and make sure to report any suspicious emails if you can.

Industry is increasingly relying upon internet-connected devices and solutions to improve organizational efficiency, speed of crisis response, and much more. The emergence of Internet-Connected Devices sometimes called The Internet of Things (IoT) has made our lives easier but has also exposed us to vulnerabilities that cyber criminals regularly attempt to exploit. The third week of Cybersecurity Awareness Month will delve into the implications of internet-connected device use, and what steps we can take do our part and #BeCyberSmart.

Week four is all about making security a priority. For individuals, keep cybersecurity at the forefront of your mind as you connect daily. Before purchasing a device or online product, do your research. When you set up a new device or app, consider your security and privacy settings and update default passwords. Cybersecurity should not be an afterthought.

Throughout the month, we will be sharing information and materials to the campus. Remember, you are free -- in fact encouraged -- to share these materials with others, including your family, friends and neighbors.