OSU promotes cyber safety during National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and Oklahoma State University is hosting weekly events to increase awareness of the various areas of cyber safety, from social media to malware protection.

OSU’s Chief Information Officer Darlene Hightower hopes the events encourage students, faculty and staff to prioritize cyber security in their daily computer use.

“Cyber Security Awareness month is an annual campaign used to increase individuals’ knowledge on identifying data security threats.” Hightower said. “Everyone must be aware of the data stored on their computer and use due diligence and best practices to keep it safe and secure.” 

National Cyber Security Awareness Month was created as a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance to ensure Americans have the resources needed to stay safe and secure online.

“Technology alone isn’t sufficient to keep information safe. There is a human factor to information security,” Eric Maynard, Information Security Officer, said. “We’re inviting everyone on campus to participate because being cyber secure is a shared responsibility.”

Information Technology will be hosting an open table near the Student Union on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout October.  Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to visit. The weekly topics are listed below.

Week One — Intro to Cyber Security: Are you cyber aware?

More information:

• Higher Education; National Cyber Security Alliance | StaySafeOnline.org: https://staysafeonline.org/teach-online-safety/higher-education/

 

Week Two — Password Education: Long and unique passwords are essential to keeping you safe online. How do you stay protected?

More information:

• Passwords & Securing Your Accounts; National Cyber Security Alliance | StaySafeOnline.org:  https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/protect-your-personal-information/passwords-and-securing-your-accounts
• Tips for Strong, Secure Passwords & Other Authentication Tools; ConnectSafely: http://www.connectsafely.org/tips-to-create-and-manage-strong-passwords/

 

Week Three — Malicious Email: How do you spot phishers and potentially harmful emails?

More information:

• 10 Tips to Prevent Phishing Attacks; Panda Security Mediacenter: http://www.pandasecurity.com/mediacenter/security/10-tips-prevent-phishing-attacks/
• Phishing Protection Tips - Helping you avoid becoming a victim of a scam; IDT911: http://idt911.com/KnowledgeCenter/ProtectYourself/TipDetail.aspx?a=%7B24E6E64F-47CD-439B-99E9-21D6686D99C9%7D

 

Week Four — Malware: How can you protect your computer from cyber criminals and malware?

More information:

• Protect Your Computer from Malware; Federal Trade Commission – OnGuard Online.org: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/media/video-0056-protect-your-computer-malware

 

Week Five — Social Media: How can I protect myself online?

More information:

• Social Networks; National Cyber Security Alliance | StaySafeOnline.org: https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/protect-your-personal-information/social-networks

 

For more information about cyber security, contact the OSU-IT Helpdesk at 405-744-HELP.

Story by Catherine Wilson