Cyber Security Awareness Month
Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026
The Background
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a global initiative that promotes online safety and empowers people to protect themselves from cybercrime. Since 2004, the U.S. President and Congress have designated October as a time for public and private organizations to work together to highlight the importance of cybersecurity.
Let’s stay informed, stay secure, and make life difficult for cybercriminals!
What's New in 2026
Discover what’s new this year - from our updated security policy and revamped annual training to the Best Practices Resource Hub and the Privacy Principles Live Workshop.
Updated Security Policy
Our recently updated University Information Security Policy provides clearer guidance on protecting university data, systems, and accounts.
Revamped Annual Training
Retitled to "Foundations of Cybersecurity and Data Privacy for Harvard Faculty & Staff", our fresh, interactive content is tailored to today’s threats, and now includes a test-out feature! (Registration is through HTP.)
Link to training - coming soon!
Best Practices Resources Hub
Bookmark this site as your continuously updated library of quick tips, checklists, and how‑to guides.
Privacy Principles Live Workshop
Be sure to attend this live, interactive session with staff, reviewing real-world examples to safeguarding personal and institutional privacy. (Registration is through HTP. Prerequisite: Privacy Principles Training)
Ways to Get Involved All Month
All month long, you’re invited to dive into our Phishing Derby, join virtual events, explore interactive games and learning resources, and stay engaged through a fun cybersecurity scavenger hunt using our own webpages.
Phishing Derby
Opt-in to the derby by Sept 30th, spot and report all four simulations and be entered into a raffle to win a prize!
Did you catch each week's phish? Check back during the month of October to find out!
Virtual Events
You won't want to miss out on our exciting talks this month!
Events are free but registration is required.
Scavenger Hunt
Participate in a fun online scavenger hunt using Harvard PrivSec webpages to learn about security, privacy, and getting help!
Complete the quiz and submit your answers by October 30.
Harvard email address is required in order to be entered into a raffle for a prize.
Games for Learning
Boost your cybersecurity skills while having fun! Explore these free, browser-based games and interactive learning resources.
Special Events
2026 Capture the Flag Cyber Challenge
Partnering with TryHackMe, this challenge is fully remote, self-paced, and open for every skill level - whether you're curious about cybersecurity or you’re a seasoned practitioner!
Here’s the details:
- October 5–9: the challenge starts.
- October 10–16 : Open platform access where you can explore TryHackMe's other learning paths at your own pace.
- Time commitment: Commit a few hours or chase the leaderboard if you want to compete.
- Prizes and recognition: the top 10 will win prizes, and every participant earns an IT Academy badge.
- Winners announced October 12.
AI Hackathon
Join the Harvard AI Community of Practice (AI CoP) and other members of the Harvard community for the third annual AI Hackathon on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 9 am-4 pm!
What to Do Now
- Join the Slack channel and bookmark the Hackathon information page for updates, resources, and key information.
- Form your team and identify a team lead, then register your team in the Slack channel.
- Work with your team to identify a problem to work on during the Hackathon.
The kickoff session Zoom link will be shared in the Slack channel on 10/22.
What Can We Help With?
Looking for more support this year? We got you covered - from topic‑specific sessions for your team and guidance on international travel, to AI resources and how to dispose/recycle an item!
Need A Topic-Specific Session?
Let us know if there is a topic your team would like to explore, and we’ll collaborate with you to design and facilitate a customized session tailored to your learning needs.
Questions About International Travel?
Answers to common questions about the loaner laptop program can be found here!
Looking For AI Training?
A fabulous collection of workshops, training and resources for Harvard staff (HarvardKey req'd)
Recycling or Disposing an Item?
Visit the easy-to-use Waste Wizard on Harvard's Facilities Maintenance Operations page for all your answers!
Resources For Families
"How To Stay Safe Online" is a playlist of six short videos available on the National Cybersecurity Alliance's StaySafeOnline.org YouTube channel, with topics from how how to report phishing in Gmail to changing privacy and security settings on Instagram.
“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. This content will also be presented in a virtual event on October 29 12-1pm by our team!
"Protecting Kids Online" is a webpage created by the Federal Trade Commission to help parents navigate through important conversations with their kids - from the risks of socializing online, to teaching them how to use their cell phones responsibly, along with what to know and do if they experience image-based abuse.
Be Internet Awesome empowers kids with tools and education to confidently and safely explore, grow, and play online.
"The KnowBe4 Cyber Awareness Program for You (CAPY)" is designed to keep you safe online without feeling like a chore. Whether you are a parent looking to protect your kids, a person navigating new technology, or a student staying social, CAPY provides the "snackable" tools to help you stay secure.
No Escape Room - is an interactive film brought to you by National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, to discover how teens get trapped and experience what it feels like to get caught in online sextortion.
AARP's Fraud Watch Network - AARP is committed to helping Americans 50 and older recognize all kinds of fraud, recover from it's impact and keep their families safe from these crimes.
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.
1Password Password Manager - Sign up for an account today with an exclusive offering for Harvard students, faculty and staff.
Sasha's Instagram page - Sasha is the HUPD Community Engagement Dog with plenty to post about!
How You Can Launch Your Cybersecurity Career - The National Cybersecurity Alliance has put together some great resources on launching a career in cybersecurity!
Have I Been Pwned - Great resource to check if your email address is in a data breach!