Brock University’s Information Technology Services team has relaunched virtual workshops that aim to help employees and students recognize potential cybersecurity risks and protect their data.  

The workshops are part of the Level Up Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign taking place this month, and will address common cybersecurity issues, such as phishing and ransomware, and outline how to protect one’s private data. 

Feedback from previous cybersecurity workshops has been positive. Zhanyldyk Dustanova, Financial Manager with the Faculty of Education, said the Avoiding Phishing Attacks workshop helped her recognize vulnerabilities and security risks.  

“It made me aware of different ways cybercriminals can access my personal and work devices to retrieve information for financial gain,” she said. “It was eye-opening to learn that I personally can embed security into my day-to-day practices by knowing how to identify phishing emails; using multi-factor authentication, virtual private network and encryption; selecting secure internet/Wi-Fi connection; and setting strong passwords.” 

Workshops began earlier this week with a session on Cybersecurity 101, which discussed how to understand the underlying nature of a cybersecurity threat and using authentication methods and other ways to protect against cybersecurity attacks.  

Upcoming cybersecurity workshops are listed below. To enrol, visit the Cybersecurity Awareness Portal. 

The portal also includes real-time examples of the latest phishing emails and security alerts, and a phishing simulation to help students and employees better recognize phishing attempts. Anyone who completes the simulation will be entered into a draw to win a prize. 

Upcoming cybersecurity workshops  

Avoiding Phishing Attacks
Monday, Feb. 13 from 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Participants will learn about phishing, the signs of a phishing email and how to protect themselves against phishing attempts.

Ransomware
Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Participants will learn about ransomware, its impacts and how to protect themselves against ransomware attacks.

Protecting Private Data
Monday, Feb. 27 from 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Participants will learn about private data, basic encryption and other methods of protecting data.  

Questions about the cybersecurity workshops can be directed to  itsecurity@brocku.ca