It’s Cyber Security Awareness Month!

Generation Cyber Safe

Cyber Security Awareness Month (Cyber Month) is an internationally recognized public awareness campaign held each October to help the public learn more about the importance of cybersecurity. The campaign helps Canadians stay secure online by teaching them simple steps to protect themselves and their devices.

The theme for #CyberMonth2024 is Generation Cyber Safe: Because online security knows no age.

Online security affects all Canadians, regardless of when they were born — that’s why every generation is part of Generation Cyber Safe. This Cyber Month we’re celebrating the unique strengths every generation has when it comes to staying safe online and sharing information on how each generation can use their qualities to help others, too.

You can learn more about Cyber Security Awareness Month on the Government of Canada website - Get Cyber Safe. If you have any questions about cyber security and online safety at Lakehead University, please contact the Technology Services Centre by email helpdesk@lakeheadu.ca

Week 1: The most secure generation

Being part of Generation Cyber Safe means understanding the importance of securing your accounts. As a first line of defence, using strong and unique passphrases help protect you from falling victim to online threats like credential stuffing. This week check out the following resources:

Week 2: The most resourceful generation

Every generation needs the right tools to succeed, especially when it comes to staying safe online. This week check out the following resources:

anti-virus protection
automatic updates:

using a virtual private network (VPN)
countering malware and ransomware (see sections on malware and ransomware)

Week 3: The most social generation

Something all generations have in common is the need to stay connected. When it comes to being online however, there are threats that come with staying social. This week check out the following resources:

phishing
social media safety
social engineering (see social engineering section)
identity theft and protecting your digital identity
artificial intelligence (AI) generated content

Week 4: The most proactive generation

Being part of Generation Cyber Safe means being proactive about your online safety. It is important to learn cyber security best practices and how to protect yourself online, as well as recovering from an attack. This week check out the following resources:

backup and storage options
cyber security awareness training (see cyber checkup below)
how to spot an unsafe business
working remotely

Week 5: The most helpful generation

Champions are key to the success of Cyber Month and the Get Cyber Safe campaign. The more Canadians learn about staying safe online, the more resilient we’ll all be against cyber threats.

The best way to raise awareness about cyber security is to have more organizations involved — and that includes Lakehead! Being a Cyber Month champion helps show that we are all concerned about cyber security.

Once again, thank you for making this Cyber Month a success. It's dedication like yours that truly makes us stronger in our digital world.

Take the Get Cyber Safe Checkup

You can start by taking stock of your own cyber security knowledge by taking the Get Cyber Safe Assessment Checkup.

Notes: Banner image courtesy of Get Cyber Safe.

Events may be scheduled throughout the month. Watch for updates in the Lakehead Events calendar and on this website.