Strengthening digital trust: Cyber Security Awareness Month 2024
Published: September 26, 2024
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, a globally recognized campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of information security.
Every year, the University of Toronto celebrates Cyber Security Awareness Month with events and educational resources aimed to equip the tri-campus community with knowledge on information security.
Cyber Security Awareness Month at U of T
This year’s theme is about strengthening digital trust. Explore how the University is building trust-based digital experiences and the role you play in this effort. Together, we will delve into themes of secure, transparent and ethical digital interactions, focusing on creating a reliable digital environment where people trust that their data is handled responsibly.
Throughout October, we will host events and share resources aligned with this goal. You will have the opportunity to learn about information security efforts at U of T, engage with security practitioners, access security resources and discover how you can protect yourself and our community against security threats.
Resources
U of T Information Security resource spotlight
Cyber Security Awareness Month events
Information security awareness booth and privacy clinic
Oct. 9, 2024, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Bahen Centre for Information Technology, the Atrium
Open to U of T students, staff and faculty.
Join us at our booth for some intellectual fun and participate in educational games to test your knowledge of information security. Plus, there are prizes and giveaways that await you—a token of our appreciation for your commitment to information security at U of T.
Meet information security practitioners from across the tri-campus community. They’ll be available for insightful conversations about the information security field, sharing security best practices, essential safety tips and more.
There will also be a privacy clinic available for those interested in getting one-on-one help setting up privacy settings for social media apps.
No registration required!
Student connection panel event
Oct. 21, 2024, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
Open to students and educators.
Join us for an engaging panel event where you’ll hear directly from students, the next generation of cyber security professionals. Students from the University of Toronto and McMaster University will share their hopes and fears as they step into the field of cyber security, offering a fresh perspective on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Discover how this generation views the evolving landscape of cyber security and what drives their passion. Learn about the exciting cyber security initiatives students are involved in and explore how educators and administrators can better support and nurture their enthusiasm for cyber security.
Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and be inspired by the future leaders of cyber security!
Meet the panelists:
- Tyler Cong, Computer Science and Capture the Flag club member, U of T
- Dre Cura, Mental Health Studies, U of T
- William Khem Marquez, Computer Engineering and Capture the Flag club President, U of T
- Zehra Naqvi, Communication, Culture, Information & Technology and Psychology, U of T
- Tim Philip, Computer Engineering, McMaster University
Moderators:
- Donna Kidwell, Acting Chief Information Officer, U of T
- Tracy Dallaire, Director, Information Security Services and Client Services, McMaster University
Fireside chat: Building digital trust
Oct. 29, 2024, 2 – 3 p.m.
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
Open to students, staff and faculty.
In this fireside chat, attendees will discover how technology can be designed to create secure, empowering digital experiences.
Join information security experts Donna Kidwell, U of T’s Acting Chief Information Officer, and Kate Giovacchini, Executive Director of Engineering at Arizona State University, as they share groundbreaking approaches to enhancing security and privacy by design.
Don’t miss this opportunity to rethink data management and build trust in technology.
Partner events
Discover online safety
Oct. 2, 2024, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual workshop via Zoom
Designed for individuals with beginner technical knowledge, this workshop will help equip you with the information and tools to:
- Create strong passwords and passphrases
- Download apps safely
- Help you avoid online scams
Ontario’s 2024 Cyber Security Conference: Securing Ontario’s Digital Future
Oct. 9, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Toronto Metropolitan University or via Zoom
Open to students and technical and non-technical IT and cyber security professionals from across Ontario’s broader public sector.
Learn about how Ontario is strengthening cyber resiliency to better protect our personal data from cyber security threats and deepen your knowledge of the current cyber security landscape through presentations and discussions with experts. Minister Todd McCarthy, Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, and Minister Nolan Quinn, Ministry of Colleges and Universities, will deliver keynote addresses.
Tiny Tutorials: How to set up your 1Password Business account
Oct. 10, 2024 (multiple timeslots available)
Location: Webinar
Is it your first time using 1Password, or a password manager in general? This bite-sized tutorial helps you learn tips and tricks you need to know to start using 1Password today. You will learn how to:
- Set up and manage your 1Password account.
- Use personal and shared vaults.
- Autofill passwords and other secure items.
Navigating online privacy and security
Oct. 21, 2024, 2:30 – 4 p.m.
Location: Virtual workshop via Zoom
Designed for individuals with beginner to intermediate technical knowledge, this workshop looks at how to keep your devices and your personal life secure online. Topics will include how to:
- Secure your accounts and devices
- Keep your devices safe from malware
- Prevent and deal with cyberstalking
1Password for you: Tips for making your workflows easier
Oct. 23, 2024, 9 – 10 a.m.
Location: Webinar
Join us for an interactive webinar where we’ll show you how you can use 1Password to secure your team without slowing them down. We’ll cover all the ways 1Password can help you improve productivity, streamline workflows, and protect against cyber attacks. You will learn how to:
- Improve your productivity without compromising your online security.
- Maintain control of your digital safety in the age of security breaches.
- Use a password manager to improve your team’s efficiency.
Tiny Tutorials: Best practices for team collaboration
Oct. 24, 2024 (multiple timeslots available)
Location: Webinar
In the newest edition of our Tiny Tutorials series, we’ll share tips, features, and best practices for secure collaboration – all in 20 minutes. You’ll learn:
- The 1Password features that make collaboration seamless.
- Best practices for collaborating across and within teams.
- Best practices for collaborating with vendors, agencies, and other teams outside of your organization.
Digital Research Infrastructure cybersecurity training panel
Oct. 29, 2024, 1 – 2 p.m.
Location: Virtual panel via Zoom
Explore strategies for effective cybersecurity training, overcoming challenges, and engaging diverse audiences. Panelists will discuss resource allocation, stakeholder buy-in, and future trends in cybersecurity training delivery. Ideal for anyone looking to learn more and improve their organization’s cybersecurity education and strengthen security awareness.
Panelists: Ryan McRonald, Julie Le Hegarat, Raphaelle Gauriau and Scott Baker.
Facilitator: Catherine Di Vita
