In recognition of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Brock Information Technology Services (ITS) has planned several initiatives focused on helping the University community be more secure online.

Employee workshops throughout October will discuss topics such as encryption, social media, digitally connected devices, cybercrime and mobile devices.

“Attending these short 30- and 60-minute workshops is a simple way for staff and faculty to learn about the importance of cyber security,” said Daniel Garcia, IT Security Specialist. “Participants will leave with simple steps to protect themselves, their friends and families, their devices and the University.”

To help explain just how easy it can be for cybercriminals to target Brock employees, ITS created a video that offers tips on how members of the University community can protect themselves against potential threats and what to do if they get hacked.

ITS employees will be in the Mackenzie Chown Complex A-Block hallway on Tuesday, Oct. 30 from noon to 1 p.m., testing the cyber security knowledge of passersby and handing out prizes.

On Wednesday, Oct. 31, posters designed by students in the Goodman School of Business’ Information Assurance course will be on display as part of the annual cyber security poster competition.

Questions about the initiatives planned for Cyber Security Awareness Month can be directed to Russ Fisenko, Technical Analyst at rfisenko@brocku.ca or x4995 or the ITS Help Desk at itsecurity@brocku.ca or x4357.

Additional cyber security tips and resources can be found on the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security’s website.

Workshop details for staff and faculty

Encryption
Wednesday, Oct. 3 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the Computer Commons.
Encryption may seem like a task only taken on by computer whizzes in the movies. In reality, encryption is pretty simple and can be an important part of keeping data safe. Register online.

Social media: Think before you post
Wednesday, Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. to noon in STH 201.
Representatives from University Marketing and Communications and Information Technology Services will discuss the risks of participating in social media and offer tips to secure social media accounts. No registration is required. 

IoT Internet of Things
Thursday, Oct. 11 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the Computer Commons.
Digitally connected devices are becoming integral to many aspects of our lives. Learn about the Internet of Things — a collection of devices that communicate with each other over home networks or the internet — and the increased potential for hacker targeting. Register online. 

You Are The Target
Thursday, Oct. 18 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the Computer Commons.
Cybercriminals know that the more credit cards they steal, the more back accounts they hack and the more passwords they comprise, the more money they can make. Learn how to protect yourself from cybercrime. Register online. 

iOS mobile devices
Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the Computer Commons.
Most people own at least one mobile device. Learn how to protect it. Register online.