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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month around the world 

This month marks a global initiative aimed at helping everyone stay safe and secure when using technology. At WashU, the Office of Information Security is proud to support this effort, promoting a full month of essential cybersecurity practices. 

We’re encouraging the WashU community to adopt these key behaviors to strengthen your online security. While there are many ways to stay safe online, starting with these basic steps can make a big impact: 

  • Use strong passwords and a password manager 
  • Enable multifactor authentication 
  • Recognize and report phishing 
  • Keep your software up to date  

Test Your Cybersecurity Knowledge and Win Big! 

In recognition of this special month, we’re hosting a competition through KnowBe4. WashU faculty, staff, and students can win one of these top prizes: 

  • Grand Prize: $1,000 BearBucks credit 
  • First Runner-Up: $500 BearBucks credit 
  • Second Runner-Up: $300 BearBucks credit 
  • Third Runner-Up: $200 BearBucks credit 

For more details on how to participate and enter the competition, visit our  competition page.

Cybersecurity Events This Month 

Join us for a series of virtual webinars and an e-waste recycling event, organized in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability. These events are designed to help you sharpen your cybersecurity skills, while promoting eco-friendly practices: 

  • Webinar: Review of a Security Incident 
    Date: October 23, 2024 
    Time: 11:00 am – 11:45 am 
    Presenter: Jason Murray 
  • E-Waste Recycling and Confidential Paper Shredding Event (WUSM) 
    Date: October 29, 2024 
    Time: 8:00 am – 10:30 am 
  • Webinar: Detecting AI Voice Clones 
    Date: October 29, 2024 
    Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm 
    Presenter: Dr. Ning Zhang 

For a full list of events and more information, visit our  Cybersecurity Awareness Month page.

Stay Safe, Protect Us All 

Your vigilance in identifying and avoiding online threats is one of our strongest defenses against cybercrime. By learning how to protect yourself from security breaches, you also help keep our institution safe. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at  infosec@wustl.edu.

Thank you for playing a critical role in keeping our community secure!