Strengthening digital trust: Highlights from 2024 Cyber Security Awareness Month
Published: November 20, 2024
This October, the University of Toronto’s Information Security division led the annual Cyber Security Awareness Month campaign, inviting the community to explore how our institution fosters trust in digital experiences. We also examined the critical role that each of us plays in making these experiences safe and secure.
Simultaneously, the Government of Canada’s campaign highlighted the unique strengths every generation has when it comes to staying safe online. Together, these complementary themes shaped the month’s events and content, sparking insightful discussions across campus and beyond.
In addition to the events outlined below, Information Security, in collaboration with the ITS’ Education, Awareness & Culture team, developed a series of educational articles. These articles highlight key information security initiatives and resources that are available to the U of T community, providing valuable insights into how we can all contribute to a safer digital environment.
Information security booth and privacy clinic
On Oct. 9, information security experts gathered in the Bahen Atrium to engage with students, staff and faculty. Attendees participated in discussions about privacy best practices and the ever-evolving field of information security. A key focus was the University’s general purpose password manager, 1Password, which helps individuals protect their accounts.
“We had a fantastic time discussing cyber security with community members at our Information Security Booth,” says Kalyani Khati, Associate Director, Information Security Strategic Initiatives. “The engagement from students at our Privacy Clinic was incredible, as they learned how to set up their privacy and security settings on Instagram and LinkedIn. Kudos to the 53 individuals who signed up for password managers, taking an important step toward safeguarding their accounts.”
Student connection panel event
Building on the themes of generational strengths and digital trust, a dynamic panel of students from both U of T and McMaster University came together for a virtual discussion on how their generation views the evolving landscape of cyber security and what drives their passion.
Fifty-one attendees gained insights into the unconventional learning paths students are taking to gain practical experience beyond traditional classroom learning. Luckily, two members of U of T’s Capture the Flag club—a group of students curious about cyber security and hacking—were featured on our panel, offering a firsthand account of how these challenges provide hands-on learning opportunities in cyber security.
“In the real world, you’re not going to solve security risks on pen and paper; the practical experience of uncovering vulnerabilities and exploiting them is how you will learn,” explains William Khem Marquez, U of T student and Capture the Flag president. “Capture the Flag challenges push you to think creatively and hone your problem-solving skills.”
This event was moderated by Donna Kidwell, Acting Chief Information Officer, ITS, U of T and Tracy Dallaire, Director, Information Security Services and Client Services, McMaster University, who have both had diverse career paths and thus diverse learning opportunities that led them to cyber security.
“It was inspiring to hear innovative ideas on how we can expand opportunities to learn and connect within the cyber security community,” says Tracy. “As leaders in cyber security and higher education, we have a unique responsibility to champion student clubs and initiatives that foster inclusion, innovation and skill development. I’m excited to see how we can turn these ideas into action.”
Building digital trust: Fireside chat
Donna joined us back on screen for a captivating fireside chat with her former colleague, Kate Giovacchini, Executive Director, Engineering, Arizona State University. Together, Donna and Kate discussed how technology can be designed to create secure, empowering digital experiences.
“Transparency is a powerful mechanism for agency,” begins Donna. “By being transparent about the data we collect and offering it back to learners, we provide them with better decision-making tools for their journey. This creates an exciting opportunity to leverage what we know as institutions to empower learners, staff and faculty.”
As a higher education leader, Kate also reflected on the responsibility to set an example for students by showing what it looks like when organizations respect and protect your data.
“Our role is to imbue the next generation of digital citizens with a strong understanding that they have rights over their data, and they co-author it with the organizations and tools they interact with,” says Kate. “Learners have the right to make decisions using their data, and part of our job is helping everyone become an agent of their own trust and experience.”
These conversations sparked throughout Cyber Security Awareness Month remind us that building trust in the digital world is an ongoing effort that requires participation at every level. From raising awareness about personal security practices to fostering transparency about how we handle data, each step helps create a safer, more empowered digital environment.
