2025 Cyber Security Awareness Month
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Education Commons is committed to making cybersecurity a regular practice here at ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø.
Learn about and participate in the workshops and events happening at ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø throughout October.
Starting October 1, 2025, all registered ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø students will have access to a new Cyber Security Awareness course in Quercus. Complete the course by October 10th to strengthen your online safety skills and earn a chance to win the newest Apple AirPods!
The course takes just 20 minutes and is designed to give every ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø graduate student the essential skills to navigate today’s digital world with confidence. You’ll learn practical strategies to:
- Recognize and avoid common online threats
- Protect your personal and academic information
- Contribute to a stronger culture of digital security at ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø
At the end, a short multiple-choice quiz will help reinforce your learning and ensure you’re ready to put your knowledge into practice. Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your cyber security skills—and maybe win a great prize!
Participate in a Workshop
Are You Still Reusing Passwords? Learn How to Break the Habit.
Tuesday, October 7th
11:00am to 12:00pm
2:00pm to 3:00pm
If you’re still using the same password everywhere, you’re putting all your accounts at risk. In this session, we’ll show you how 1Password makes it effortless to create and manage unique logins for every site—without ever needing to remember them. Walk away with practical steps to level-up your personal and professional security.
Beyond the Browser: Discover Why 1Password Is a Safer, Simpler Choice Than Built-In Password Tools
Wednesday, October 8th
11am to 12pm
2:00pm to 3:00pm
If you’re still using the same password everywhere, you’re putting all your accounts at risk. In this session, we’ll show you how 1Password makes it effortless to create and manage unique logins for every site—without ever needing to remember them. Walk away with practical steps to level-up your personal and professional security.
Sensitivity Labels: Know your Data. Label it. Protect it.
Thursday, October 9th
11:00am to 12:00pm
2:00pm to 3:00pm
Every document and email carries a level of sensitivity—whether it’s public information, internal use only, or highly confidential. Sensitivity Labels make it easier to classify and protect data by applying the right rules automatically, such as encryption or restricted sharing. In this information session, we’ll introduce the concept of Sensitivity Labels, explain how they fit into ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø’s approach to data security, and give you a preview of what to expect when they roll out.
Cyber Sense & Awareness for Students
Thursday, October 9th
12:00pm to 12:30pm
Designed specifically for ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø students, learn how to empower yourself with our Cyber Security Awareness Session and learn how to protect against digital threats and scammers.
Opening remarks will be offered by ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø Registrar and Director, Education Commons.
Attend an Event
Cyber Security Jeopardy
Answer in the form of stronger security! Join us for Cyber Security Jeopardy, where your knowledge of online safety, passwords, scams, and best practices will be tested in a fast-paced game show format. Compete with colleagues, win bragging rights, and pick up practical tips along the way.
- Online, October 15, 11:00am to 12:00pm
- Online, October 17, 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Phishing Escape Room
Think you can spot a scam? Step into our Phishing Escape Room and put your detective skills to the test. Work with your team to crack clues, identify red flags, and escape before the phishers win. A fun way to sharpen your instincts against real-world threats.
Keynote speaker (in-person on October 22): Professor Jim Slotta, 11:00am to 11:15am
- In-person, October 22, 11:00am to 12:00pm (Location: ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø - Room 3-328)
- Online, October 23, 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Password Cracking Booth
Ever wonder how long it takes to crack your password? At our Password Cracking Booth, you’ll see just how easy (or hard!) it is for hackers to break weak credentials. Learn what makes a strong password—and walk away ready to outsmart cybercriminals.
- In-person, October 29, 2:00pm to 3:00pm (Location: ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø Library)
Explore the U of T Phish Bowl
Wondering what real phishing attempts look like?
Check out U of T’s Phish Bowl — a live gallery of recent scams targeting our community. Stay alert, learn what to watch for, and keep your guard up.
Updates From Other Units
"This year’s theme is about protecting our digital future. Safeguarding the university’s data and systems helps protect everyone who learns, teaches, researches and works here."
- U of T Information Security
"This Cyber Security Awareness Month, we’re teaming up with U of T’s student clubs to spread the word! By reposting our official Cyber Month content, your club can help protect our digital community and compete for Visa gift cards. The more your posts are liked, the better your chances of winning."
- U of T Information Security
"Calling all creative minds! As part of Cyber Security Awareness Month, we’re launching a poster design contest to showcase the U of T community’s talent and ideas. Whether hand-drawn, digital, or AI-assisted, your poster can inspire others to 'Protect our digital future' and could be featured across campus."
- U of T Information Security
