While October is often associated with ghosts and scary themes, it’s also a time to learn about online tricks that are no treat.

Cyber Security Awareness Month, which kicked off Oct. 1, is dedicated to helping people stay secure online by teaching them simple steps to protect themselves and their devices.

“Now more than ever, technology plays a central role in people’s lives, and that role is expected to increase more and more,” said Brock Information Technology Services (ITS) Security and Infrastructure Specialist Daniel Garcia. “Staying safe and protecting data is a necessity. From simple spam to ransomware, Brock handles a multitude of attacks daily. Threats to the Brock community are real, and everyone here must recognize that the University is a target.”

In recognition of Cyber Security Awareness Month, Brock ITS has created resources and workshops to provide information and tools that will help members of the University community to increase their knowledge of cybersecurity.

Although the main purpose is to help the Brock community stay safe while using the University’s resources, the information is also valuable in other scenarios. ITS will be offering workshops to the Brock community regarding phishing, maintaining the health and security of a computer system, ransomware, and handling private data and other content through the new Cyber Security Awareness portal. This portal will provide real-time information regarding the latest attacks at Brock, cybersecurity alerts, workshop registration and training information.

To register for workshops, please visit the workshops section of the portal.

Questions about the initiatives planned for Cyber Security Awareness Month can be directed to Sean Meloney, IT Security Analyst at smeloney@brocku.ca or at itsecurity@brocku.ca