Campus Security Awareness Campaign 2016
This post is part of a larger campaign designed to support security professionals and IT communicators as they develop or enhance their security awareness plans. View the other monthly blog posts with ready-made content, as well as a printable calendar with the 12 topics. Learn more.
For over a decade, colleges and universities have promoted National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) each October as part of a collaborative effort to ensure everyone has the resources they need to stay safe online. Since information security is everyone’s responsibility, here are some tips to share with your campus this month.
Get the Word Out
Newsletter Content
Did you know?
- 93% of Americans believe their online actions can help make the web safer for everyone.
- However, 28% of Americans say they lack knowledge about ways to stay safer online. [Source]
It is important for each of us to be aware of the increasing security risks of mobile devices, from laptops and tablets to smartphones and wearable technology, and 24/7 access to our personal data.
- Protect Your Device: Add a passcode to your cell phone, tablet, or laptop right now!
- Use Strong Passwords or Passphrases: Especially for online banking and other important accounts.
- Check Your Social Media Settings: Review your social media security and privacy settings frequently. Enable two-step verification whenever possible.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest technology trends and security issues such as malware and phishing.
- Get Trained: Contact your institution’s IT, information security, or privacy office for additional resources or training opportunities.
Use this image to support your message (click for larger image).
Social Posts
- October is National #CyberSecurity Awareness (#CyberAware) Month! We are ready, are you? [link to your NCSAM page or https://staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/]
- #Cybersecurity is Our Shared Responsibility. Happy #CyberAware Month! [link to your NCSAM page or https://staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/]
Tip: NCSA provides sample social media posts by August or September each year so you can schedule lots of security awareness tips and advice in advance of NCSAM in October. Or simply follow @StaySafeOnline, @STOPTHINKCONNECT, or #CyberAware and retweet during NCSAM and the months leading up to it.
E-Mail Signature
Ask staff to add a tip to their e-mail signature block and link to your institution’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month or information security page.
Example:
John Doe
Chief Information Security Officer
University of XYZInformation Security is Everyone’s Responsibility! Learn more. [Link “Learn more” to your institution’s security awareness page/NCSAM activities or link to StaySafeOnline.org’s NCSAM page.]
Embed or Share Videos
Resources
Share these resources with end users or use them to inform your awareness strategy.
- Escaped Malware: Guidelines to Protect Yourself (poster) [Use something like this for caption above and link picture to Pinterest post.]
- Practice good online safety habits with these tips and advice from Stop.Think.Connect.
- Learn more about the Two Steps Ahead campaign.
- Get involved with StaySafeOnline.org.
- See what EDUCAUSE and other institutions are planning in this NCSAM Resource Kit.
- Stay informed with the monthly SANS OUCH! Security Awareness Newsletter.
Brought to you by the Awareness and Training Working Group of the EDUCAUSE Higher Education Information Security Council (HEISC).
© 2016 EDUCAUSE. This EDUCAUSE Review blog is licensed under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 International license.