Cyber Security Awareness Month
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
The Background ...
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a global initiative that raises awareness about online safety and empowers individuals and businesses to protect themselves from cybercrime.
Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, time dedicated for the public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.
Over the years, it has grown into a collaborative effort between government and industry to enhance cybersecurity awareness, encourage actions by the public to reduce online risk, and generate discussion on cyber threats on a national and global scale.
October 2025 marks the 22nd Cybersecurity Awareness Month - Let's celebrate!!
Engage in Events all Month!
Phishing Derby
Spot and report all four simulations to be entered into a raffle to win a prize!
Did you catch each week's phish?
Virtual Events
Join exciting talks this month!
Events are free but registration is required.
Gameshows
Register to join one of the free online gameshows offered by the National Cybersecurity Alliance!
Follow Sasha!
Sasha is the HUPD Community Engagement Dog with plenty to post about!
Follow her on Instagram @sasha_hupd
The 2025 AI Hackathon!
The 2025 AI Hackathon site has now been updated with the readout session recording and the materials shared by some of the teams. Thank you again to all the teams who presented at the readout and/or shared their materials, and to everyone who participated in the Hackathon and readout session!
Play Games and Have Fun Learning!
These game resources are free and can be played in a browser window!
- Cybersecurity Lab (Public Broadcasting Service)
- Cyber Awareness Challenge (U.S. Department of Defense)
- Craft a Phish (Living Security)
- Flag Phishery (Living Security)
- The Weakest Link (IS Decisions)
- Cyber Security Fundamentals (OpenCyberAI)
- Passwordle (University of Illinois)
- Digital Escape Room (University of Illinois)
- AI-Generated or Real? (Northwestern's Kellogg School or Management)
Grab a Snack and Watch a Short Video!
Week 1: Attacks in Messaging Apps
Today’s attackers are launching clever, targeted phishing attacks not just via email, but across your favorite messaging apps.
Week 2: Impersonation Tactics
Uncover the shocking ways cybercriminals are using spoofed emails and deepfakes to manipulate, deceive, and outsmart even the savviest online users.
Week 3: Spotting the Scam
Learn why cybercriminals rely on Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams and how you can spot the red flags.
Week 4: How and why am I Being Attacked?
Learn about the psychology behind social engineering so you can recognize and stay one step ahead.
VAP (Very Attacked Person) Protecting Accounts
Resources for Families worth checking out ...
“Then & Now” for the older adults in your family. Throughout this workbook, you’ll see a “Then & Now” theme, brought to you by the National Cybersecurity Alliance. Back then, if someone broke into your home, you could see the damage. Now, cybercrime often happens invisibly.
"My First Cyber Toolbox: A Fun and Friendly Guide to Internet Safety for Kids" is a fun, engaging introduction to internet safety, designed especially for young digital explorers aged 5-10. With colorful illustrations and simple language, this book helps children understand how to protect their digital world - just like they protect their toys, secrets, and favorite spaces in real life.
And Don't Forget to Visit ...
PrivSec Awareness & Education page - Explore essential links on the four key best practices and discover a wide range of training resources available at the university.
Best Practices Resource Hub - Access a collection of best practices for securing your devices, digital signage, social media, and more.
1Password Password Manager - Sign up for an account today with an exclusive offering for Harvard students, faculty and staff.