With the rise of phishing, brute force attacks, online scams and more sophisticated technologies to help hackers decode passwords and break into accounts, initiatives like Cybersecurity Awareness Month are more important than ever.
All throughout the month of October, McGill’s IT Services offered a number of activities as an opportunity to help raise awareness about cybersecurity and the importance of protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of personal data. Click here for a refresher on the activities that we participated in.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
An internationally recognized campaign held annually in October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaborative effort between government and industry. The objective of this initiative is to provide all digital citizens with the resources needed to stay safer and more secure online while also protecting their personal information.
Tips on how to stay safe online all year round
Although Cybersecurity Awareness Month is now behind us, it doesn’t mean threats to our cybersecurity are gone. Brush up on your cybersecurity awareness and stay vigilant to threats all year round by following these simple tips:
- KEEP A CLEAN MACHINE:
Having the latest security software, web browser and operating system is the best defense against viruses, malware and other online threats. This includes your PC, laptop, cellphone and tablet. Read all about our guidance on antivirus solutions for home use and how to protect yourself from spyware. -
SHARE WITH CARE:
Think before posting about yourself and others online. Consider what a post reveals, who might see it and how it might affect you and others now and in the future. Also be thoughtful about who gets that information about you, such as your purchase history or location, and how it’s collected through devices, apps and websites. For more info, read about how to protect your privacy when using social media and stay safe online. -
BACK IT UP:
Protect your valuable work, music, photos and other digital information by making an electronic copy and storing it safely. Check out our recommended file storing and sharing solutions. -
CREATE STRONG PASSWORDS:
A strong password is your best line of defense against cyber-attacks. Use a password generator to create long, strong and random passwords and then rotate those passwords regularly – for example, every 3 months. Find out if you are following best password practices by taking a look at our strong password guidelines and password reset instructions .
Keeping the internet safe and secure is our shared responsibility
Whether you’re a student, faculty or staff, you’re the first and last line of defense in keeping McGill safe online. Remember, what you do online affects everyone. Good online habits help the global digital community. Learn more about McGill online cybersecurity education and awareness by signing up for our SANS training course in myCourses.
