National Cybersecurity Awareness Month: A Renewed Call to Action

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a nationwide effort between government and industry to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and help provide the resources we all need to be safer and more secure online. 

While the message about cybersecurity may seem repetitive, it’s crucial to remain alert and give it priority in our daily lives. The fact is, the risks from cyberattacks are constantly changing and we need to adapt to these changes.

In 2024, the most severe cyber threat to higher education was ransomware. According to a report by Malwarebytes, ransomware attacks against higher education institutions have increased by 105% in 2024. This surge was largely due to the activities of two prominent ransomware gangs, LockBit and Rhysdia, which were responsible for over 100 attacks on educational institutions. These and other ransomware groups primarily use phishing emails as their main attack vector. These attacks can cost higher education institutions from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, not to mention the operational impact, and reputational damage that comes along with it. 

This past year, FIT saw increased phishing attacks targeting students through job employment scams and spear phishing that used Google Street View to deceive our users.  Our Information Security department works diligently to tighten our email filters to stop these phishing emails from hitting our inboxes. Still, there is always a new type of scam or malicious email right around the corner. 

Cybersecurity is not solely the responsibility of the Information Security department; it’s a collective effort that requires the participation of every employee. Practicing safe online habits can significantly reduce our risk of falling victim to cyberattacks. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Be cautious of suspicious emails and attachments.

• Never click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.

• Report phishing to Google using the “Report Phishing Button”.

• Use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts.

• Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.

• Keep your home computers and devices up to date.

• Use a trusted anti-virus program on your home devices. 

By following these guidelines and working together, we can create a stronger, more secure digital environment for our institution. Let’s commit to making cybersecurity a top priority for all of us. For more information about National Cyber Security Month please visit: The National Cybersecurity Alliance website.