Ohio University Hosts Events to Raise Awareness
October has been designated as Cybersecurity Awareness Month since 2003, a federal initiative to encourage safe technological practices. Ohio University (OU) participates by organizing various events, such as the Data Security Day Conference and a cybersecurity-themed movie night featuring “The Great Hack.” These activities emphasize the importance of protecting against cyber threats. Despite the focus on security during this month, cyber-attacks remain a constant risk throughout the year, underscoring the need for continuous vigilance.
Avinash Karanth, chair of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at OU, stresses the importance of protecting devices. He advises students and faculty to ensure their devices have the appropriate encryption levels to safeguard sensitive information. Karanth reassures the university community that the hardware used at OU is secure, while Associate Professor Shawn Ostermann highlights the role of university firewalls in preventing malware from spreading across networks. Students like Tin Vuong, a junior in the advanced computing program, explain that firewalls filter potentially harmful requests, adding another layer of protection.
However, despite these security measures, social engineering attacks like phishing remain a significant threat. Vuong points out that users, rather than applications, are often the weakest link. Phishing attacks, in which attackers trick victims into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links, are becoming more sophisticated. The university’s Office of Information Technology provides resources, such as the Phish Bowl, to help students and faculty identify and avoid phishing scams.
Strengthening Cyber Defenses: MFA and Password Management
One of the most effective ways to enhance cybersecurity is through Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), a security measure that Ohio University has made mandatory for all users. MFA requires more than just a password; it involves verifying a user’s identity through a phone number or email, making it significantly harder for attackers to gain access to accounts. Ostermann praises the system, noting that it ensures a high level of security for logging into campus systems.
In addition to MFA, Ostermann advises students and faculty to avoid reusing passwords across different accounts. He emphasizes the importance of using unique passwords for each platform to reduce the risk of hackers accessing multiple accounts. To manage this complexity, he recommends using Password Managers, which store and generate strong passwords securely. Although some may hesitate to trust a third party with their passwords, Ostermann assures that these services are safe due to their encrypted databases. He specifically endorses popular password managers like One Password and those built into Mac and Windows systems.
Promoting Cybersecurity Awareness Month about Vigilance Campus
Despite the availability of cybersecurity resources at Ohio University, such as training modules offered by the Information Security Office, engagement remains limited. According to Karanth, many faculty members, especially those in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science departments, are already familiar with the fundamentals of cybersecurity, which are taught as part of their curriculum. Similarly, students like Vuong acknowledge that they haven’t relied heavily on the university’s resources, citing that the training isn’t mandatory.
However, the emphasis on cybersecurity throughout October serves as a crucial reminder for the university community to take advantage of these resources. With the rise of cyber threats, continuous education and vigilance are key to maintaining a secure digital environment—not just during Cybersecurity Awareness Month but year-round.
