Small steps, strong defence: Cyber Security Awareness Month 2026
Published: September 28, 2026
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, a nationally recognized campaign that highlights the importance of information security.
At the University of Toronto, we use Cyber Security Awareness Month to share knowledge, tools and resources that help the tri-campus community stay safe online.
Cyber Security Awareness Month at U of T
This year’s theme is small steps, strong defence. Safeguarding the university’s data and systems helps protect everyone who learns, teaches, researches and works at U of T.
Cyber security is also connected to the university’s Presidential Commitments to preparing future-ready graduates, advancing responsible AI adoption at scale and mobilizing knowledge for social and economic impact.
U of T is developing ai.utoronto.ca as a centralized resource for information about the university’s response to the emergence of generative artificial intelligence and its work to define what responsible, useful and trustworthy AI adoption looks like at institutional scale.
Explore how U of T fosters a culture of digital trust and how each of us can contribute to a secure, ethical and reliable digital environment.
Throughout October, we will provide resources, programs and events to build awareness of information security and digital safety. You can engage with security experts, access practical resources, and learn how to protect yourself and our community from digital threats.
Follow us on Bluesky, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates. Join us in taking small steps to help safeguard our digital environment.
Resources
General resources
- Phishing 101: How to identify and report a phishing attempt
- Use artificial intelligence intelligently
- How to read a privacy policy – general guidance
- Privacy check-up: LinkedIn and Instagram
- Asset or adversary? The intersection of AI and cyber security adds new layers to digital trust
- Defending against MFA fatigue attacks: Pause before you approve
Partner resources
- National Cybersecurity Alliance: Offers guidance to protect yourself, your family and your organization from cybercrime.
- Government of Canada – Get Cyber Safe: Provides resources to help Canadians boost their cyber fitness and stay secure online.
- Cyber Security Awareness Month (CAM) in a Box: Provides tools and resources to help promote cyber security awareness, including games, articles, infographics and quizzes.
Cyber Security Awareness Month events
Trust, verify, trivia!
Oct. 14, 2026, 2–3 p.m.
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
All U of T community members are welcome.
Small steps, strong defence: The cyber booth and Crack the Code
Oct. 20, 2026, 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: Bahen Centre for Information Technology, Atrium
All U of T community members are welcome.
Thursday@3: Trust, verify, protect: Cyber security in the age of AI
Oct. 22, 2026, 3–4 p.m.
Location: Virtual, Microsoft Teams
All U of T community members are welcome.
Initiatives
Cyber security essentials for U of T students
Complete the non-credit training module in Quercus to strengthen your cyber security knowledge.
Details coming soon.
Partner events
Ontario’s 2026 Cyber Security Summit
Nov. 10, 2026
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).
