October is Cyber Security Awareness Month: U R Cyber Security

“U R Cyber Security” is NC State University’s theme for National Cyber Security Awareness Month. October 2012 marks the ninth annual event sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Alliance “to increase the awareness and prevention of online security problems.”

Despite technological advances in the information security industry, human error is considered the greatest IT security threat. This year, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) will sponsor its annual security awareness event, “U R Cyber Security,” to show campus users that they play an important role in campus IT security and in protecting each others’ digital lives.

To kick off Cyber Security Awareness Month, security expert Tim Gurganus of OIT Security and Compliance will present “Reducing Risks to Cyber Attacks” on Tuesday, Oct. 2 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Washington Sankofa Room (Room 126) of the Witherspoon Student Center. Learn how today’s cybercriminals target your computer, identity and money, and get practical advice on how to combat any threats that come your way. Gurganus will give a brief history of malware on campus, the anatomy of cyber attacks, and the top five actions you can take to make your PC, smartphone and online experience safer. ­To register, visit Classmate.

There will be many Cyber Security activities offered throughout the month of October. For more information on this year’s events, please see the Cyber Security Awareness Month website. Refreshments will be served at all events, and participants will have the opportunity at each event to register to win several great prizes, including an Apple iPad, a Kindle Fire, NC State football tickets (Florida State and Boston College) and Trend Micro antivirus licenses. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 31.