Brock’s Information Technology Services (ITS) team has launched a new cybersecurity awareness training platform, BrockU Cyber Aware, to help students, staff and faculty protect themselves and their data from online threats.

Gemma Ahn, Associate Vice-President Head of Information Technology Services, says instances of cybercrime are growing, with 70 per cent of Canadians experiencing a cybersecurity incident in 2022 compared to 58 per cent in 2020 and the cost of global cybercrime damages expected to grow by 15 per cent a year.

“It truly takes a community effort to keep Brock University secure,” says Ahn. “Participating in our new cybersecurity awareness training platform helps users protect themselves, their data and Brock. Together, we can create a safer digital space for our entire campus community.”

The platform includes a brief survey to benchmark users’ current cybersecurity awareness level and risk score, engaging courses, regular content updates and practical simulations to help students, faculty and staff recognize cyber threats and learn best practices for online security.

Members of the Brock community can visit the ITS website to learn more about the platform and access BrockU Cyber Aware. Brock users will also receive emails with BrockU Cyber Aware onboarding information.

The platform’s debut takes place during Cyber Security Awareness Month, an internationally recognized annual campaign to raise awareness and help the public stay secure online.

“Here at ITS, we are committed to keeping our campus community informed about the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity,” says Ahn. “This month is an ideal time to refresh our knowledge and collaborate to create a stronger, more secure digital environment.”

To celebrate Cyber Security Awareness Month and the launch of BrockU Cyber Aware, ITS is hosting a contest throughout October. The BrockU Cyber Aware participants who have the lowest risk scores and are increasing their cyber awareness by using the new platform will have a chance to win a prize. Participants with the highest score by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27 will be entered into the draw.

Questions about BrockU Cyber Aware or Cyber Security Awareness Month can be sent to itsecurity@brocku.ca