CSUSB Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM)
October heralds the start of the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the Information Security and Compliance Department is thrilled to launch our campus-wide campaign to bolster our digital defenses.
Over the next four weeks, we'll explore crucial cybersecurity topics to safeguard our personal and institutional data.
The overall theme for this year's cybersecurity awareness month is: “Don’t be S.C.A.R.E.D.”
- S - Social Media: Share smart. Lock down profiles. Guard personal info.
- C - Classification: Know your data. Handle it the right way.
- A - AI & AI Threats: Use AI wisely. Verify outputs. Protect inputs.
- R - Report & Risk Assessment: Report suspicious activity and understand cyber risks.
- E - Email Security: Spot phishing, verify senders, handle attachments/links safely.
- D - Device Security: Update, encrypt, lock, and back up. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) best practices.
Our weekly themes are:
- Week 1 (10/6 – 10/10): Social Media & Personal Information
- Week 2 (10/13 – 10/17): Data Classifications and You
- Week 3 (10/20 – 10/24): AI and AI Threats
- Week 4 (10/27 – 10/31): Workstation Security Best Practices
Exciting Challenge:
Each week, you'll have the opportunity to complete an activity related to the theme. Upon completion, you'll receive a puzzle piece for a special themed picture. If the weekly activity is completed by 12:00 PM PST the following Monday, you will have the chance to be entered into a small weekly raffle. Collect all four pieces, and you'll be entered into a grand prize raffle drawing on October 31 to win some cyber-related prizes! (Please note that all weekly activities must be completed by 12:00 PM PST on October 31st to be included in the grand prize raffle.)
Let's Make Cybersecurity A Priority This Month and Beyond!
Stay tuned for informative emails, resources, and links to on campus events. Together, we can create a more secure digital environment for our university community while having fun!
Key Cybersecurity points to practice:
Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) – Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) to add a level of security to work and/or personal accounts by using a password to protect a password. View Multifactor Authentication Tips.
- Create and use strong passwords – Use strong passwords to prevent compromise/breach to work or personal information. Safety is the name of the game. View Passwords Tips.
Setup Password Managers – Use a password manager to store all passwords to digital accounts. Create, store, and save passwords that can be automatically filled in for future use and keep accounts safe. View Password Managers Tips.
Update software – Update software frequently, or use scheduled software updates that are often included with software apps, etc. This will ensure you have the latest security for your device and use of new features. View Software Update Tips.
Recognize and report phishing – Recognize and report suspicious emails and links. Never click on suspicious links sent via email, and or text especially from people you do not know. Report phishing emails received at work to your Information Technology Services Department (ITS) or utilize personal email platforms such as Google to report phishing events. View Phishing Tips.
Be a Champion in the war on cybercrime visit: Stay Safe Online or the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency for additional digital safety!