Protecting our digital future: Cyber Security Awareness Month 2025

Published: September 22, 2025

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. Learn how to protect our digital future.

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, a nationally recognized campaign highlighting the importance of information security.

At the University of Toronto, we use this month to share knowledge, tools and resources that help the tri-campus community stay safe online.

Cyber Security Awareness Month (Cyber Month) at U of T

This year’s theme is about protecting our digital future. Safeguarding the university’s data and systems helps protect everyone who learns, teaches, researches and works here.

Explore how U of T fosters a culture of digital trust and how each of us contributes to a secure, ethical and reliable digital environment.

Throughout October, we will provide resources, programs and events designed to expand our understanding of information security. You will have the opportunity to engage with security experts, access practical resources, and learn how to protect yourself and our community from digital threats.

This webpage will be updated regularly with news, tips, resources and event details to support your cyber security toolkit.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates and join us in building a safer digital future together.

Resources

Cyber Security Awareness Month 2025 articles

Throughout October, we will be sharing resources on protecting our digital future and supporting information security.

General resources

Campaign digital assets

The U of T community can access a variety of digital media assets, including social media graphics and copy, virtual backgrounds, digital screen signage and more.

Partner resources

Strengthen your online safety with practical tips and tools from trusted organizations:

Cyber Security Awareness Month events

Information security awareness booth

Oct. 1, 2025, 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Bahen Centre for Information Technology, the Atrium

All U of T community members are welcome.

Join U of T’s Information Security team at our booth to meet information security practitioners from across the tri-campus community. They’ll be available for conversations about the field, sharing best practices, safety tips and more.

There will also be interactive games, prizes and giveaways! No registration required.

Asset or adversary? AI and cyber security in 2025 and beyond  

Oct. 21, 2025, 11 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)

All U of T community members are welcome.

Join University of Toronto CIO Donna Kidwell and three international experts for a one-hour virtual panel exploring the intersection of AI and cyber security—and implications for digital trust. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in our digital systems, it offers us powerful tools but also presents new vulnerabilities. This session will unpack the implications of AI for information security, data integrity and institutional resilience in higher ed and beyond.

Panelists:

  • David Lie:
  • Patricia Thaine:
    • Co-founder and CEO of PrivateAI and University of Toronto alumna.
    • Specialist in privacy-preserving technologies and AI ethics.
  • Mickey Mancenido:
    • Associate professor of statistics at Arizona State University.
    • Human‑centered AI researcher and expert in statistical and human factors engineering.

Together, panelists will explore question such as:

  • What are our biggest challenges in safeguarding privacy and trust in an AI-driven world?
  • How can AI tools and techniques help us bolster our cyber security efforts? What role do powerful AI systems play in executing cyber threats and attacks?
  • What do we mean when we talk about human‑centered AI?
  • How does the intersection of AI and cyber security play out specifically in the higher ed context, where high-value data is plentiful? What can we do with that data to empower our communities? What can we do for that data to protect our communities?

All members of the University of Toronto community are welcome to join for accessible insights and practical takeaways. Bring your questions for the panelists!

Cyber security trivia

Oct. 24, 2025, 3 – 4 p.m.
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)

All U of T community members are welcome.

Test your knowledge, challenge your peers and learn essential tips to stay cyber safe at our interactive cyber security trivia event. Hosted by Laurie Harrison, director, Digital Learning Innovation and Marden Paul, director, Planning, Governance & Assessment, this fun and engaging session will put your cyber smarts to the test with questions on security best practices, online privacy, emerging threats and more.

Whether you’re a trivia pro or just curious about improving your security know-how, this event is for you. Prizes await the top players.

Tabletop exercise

Oct. 28, 2025, 1 – 3 p.m.
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)

For U of T staff and faculty.

Join U of T Mississauga’s Information & Instructional Technology Services (I&ITS) for a discussion-based exercise that strengthens the university’s ability to manage real-world threats.

Work through realistic scenarios that simulate cyber security incidents, explore roles and responsibilities, and practice decision-making in a collaborative setting. The exercise highlights cross-functional communication, escalation procedures and coordinated responses.

By the end, you’ll better understand U of T’s incident response framework, build confidence in handling incidents and help identify ways to improve preparedness.

Coffee with the CIO and CISO

Nov. 18, 2025, 10 – 11 a.m.
Location: UTSC, Arts & Administration Building, Room AA209

For U of T students.

Take a break, grab a coffee and join an informal conversation at U of T Scarborough with Dr. Donna K. Kidwell, chief information officer (CIO), and Deyves Fonseca, chief information security officer (CISO). This small-group session, limited to 20 students from across the tri-campus community, is your chance to ask questions, share ideas and learn about digital leadership and cyber security at U of T. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided, and registration is required.

Contests

Repost for rewards (social media contest)

Oct. 1, 12:00 a.m. ET to Oct. 17, 11:59 p.m. ET 2025

For U of T student clubs (all campuses).

This Cyber Security Awareness Month, we’re teaming up with U of T’s student clubs to spread the word! By reposting our official Cyber Month content, your club can help protect our digital community and compete for Visa gift cards. The more your posts are liked, the better your chances of winning.

Your participation helps raise cyber security awareness across U of T and strengthens our digital community. Mobilize your members to like your post — every click counts!

Prizes:
  • 1st: $200 Visa gift card
  • 2nd: $150 Visa gift card
  • 3rd: $100 Visa gift card

Cyber security poster contest

Oct. 6, 12:00 a.m. ET to Nov. 9, 11:59 p.m. ET 2025

All U of T community members are welcome to participate.

Calling all creative minds! As part of Cyber Security Awareness Month, we’re launching a poster design contest to showcase the U of T community’s talent and ideas. Whether hand-drawn, digital, or AI-assisted, your poster can inspire others to “Protect our digital future” and could be featured across campus.

Prizes:
  • 1st: $500 Visa gift card
  • 2nd: $300 Visa gift card
  • 3rd: $200 Visa gift card

Partner events

Ontario’s 2025 Cyber Security Summit: Securing Ontario’s Digital Future

Oct. 7 – 8, 2025
Location: Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

For executives and IT and cyber security professionals from across the Ontario Public Service (OPS) and Broader Public Sector (BPS).

Join Ontario’s public sector leaders, cyber experts, and industry innovators for two days of insight, strategy, and collaboration at the province’s premier cyber security event.

Hosted by the Ontario’s Cyber Security Centre of Excellence (COE), the 2025 summit will explore advancing digital fluency, tackling critical cyber challenges, and strengthening leadership to build a more resilient public sector.

This event is available for both in-person and virtual.

Are you still reusing passwords? Learn how to break the habit.

Oct. 7, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Oct. 7, 2 – 3 p.m.
Location: Virtual (Zoom)

All U of T community members are welcome to participate.

If you’re still using the same password everywhere, you’re putting all your accounts at risk. In this session, we’ll show you how 1Password makes it effortless to create and manage unique logins for every site—without ever needing to remember them. Walk away with practical steps to level-up your personal and professional security.

Beyond the browser: Discover why 1Password is a safer, simpler choice than built-in password tools

Oct. 8, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Oct. 8, 2 – 3 p.m.
Location: Virtual (Zoom)

All U of T community members are welcome to participate.

If you’re still using the same password everywhere, you’re putting all your accounts at risk. In this session, we’ll show you how 1Password makes it effortless to create and manage unique logins for every site—without ever needing to remember them. Walk away with practical steps to level-up your personal and professional security.

Sensitivity labels: Know your data. Label it. Protect it.

Oct. 9, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Oct. 9, 2 – 3 p.m.
Location: Virtual (Zoom)

All U of T community members are welcome to participate.

Every document and email carries a level of sensitivity—whether it’s public information, internal use only, or highly confidential. Sensitivity Labels make it easier to classify and protect data by applying the right rules automatically, such as encryption or restricted sharing. In this information session, we’ll introduce the concept of Sensitivity Labels, explain how they fit into OISE’s approach to data security, and give you a preview of what to expect when they roll out.

Cybersecurity and AI: Legal and Ethical Challenges

Oct. 10, 2025
Live online

For senior leaders and managers, technology leads and in-house or corporate counsel.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the cybersecurity landscape—reshaping how threats are detected, systems are defended, and breaches are understood. At the same time, AI introduces new vulnerabilities, governance challenges, and legal ambiguities that organizations must confront head-on.

This intensive one-day symposium brings together legal experts, policymakers, privacy officers, and cybersecurity professionals to examine the legal, ethical, and strategic implications of AI in cybersecurity. Through a series of expert-led sessions and scenario-based exercises, participants will explore real-world risks and opportunities, regulatory pressures, and governance frameworks for responsible AI adoption in high-stakes digital environments.

Cyber Security Jeopardy

Oct. 15, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Oct. 17, 2 – 3 p.m.
Location: Virtual (Zoom)

All U of T community members are welcome to participate.

Answer in the form of stronger security! Join us for Cyber Security Jeopardy, where your knowledge of online safety, passwords, scams, and best practices will be tested in a fast-paced game show format. Compete with colleagues, win bragging rights, and pick up practical tips along the way.

Phishing Escape Room

In-person: Oct. 22, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Location: OISE – Room 3-328)
Online: Oct. 23, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

All U of T community members are welcome to participate.

Think you can spot a scam? Step into our Phishing Escape Room and put your detective skills to the test. Work with your team to crack clues, identify red flags, and escape before the phishers win. A fun way to sharpen your instincts against real-world threats.

Phishing Escape Room

Oct. 29: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: OISE Library

All U of T community members are welcome to participate.

Ever wonder how long it takes to crack your password? At our Password Cracking Booth, you’ll see just how easy (or hard!) it is for hackers to break weak credentials. Learn what makes a strong password—and walk away ready to outsmart cybercriminals.

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