October Marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Every October, the importance of cybersecurity takes center stage as Cybersecurity Awareness Month is observed. 

This month-long initiative, originally launched in October 2024 by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), serves as a crucial reminder of the role we all play in staying safe online. 

The month was created to educate the public on how to protect their personal data and secure their online systems. Over the years, it has grown, adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Michael Menne, Chief Information Security Officer at Minnesota State, explains that the month serves as an opportunity to educate the public on how to protect their personal information. 

“Cybersecurity attacks have increased exponentially in the last few years. We’re attacked every single day, it’s never ending. I’m generating statistics right now about which types of attacks we’re experiencing and where they’re coming from, so we can implement security controls to try and prevent that,” Menne said.

Cybersecurity has become increasingly relevant as more aspects of daily life move online. From social media and email to banking and shopping, the internet is embedded in everyday routines. With that shift comes the risk of data breaches, phishing scams and identity theft.

Menne points out that individuals increase their awareness of cybersecurity, which will help lower the vulnerability to cyberattacks. 

“They’re trying to get in our systems any which way they can. And they’re constantly testing our systems and evolving their attacks to trying to get in, to get at especially students money,” he said. 

While large companies are frequent targets, cybercriminals often focus on individual users because they can exploit weaker security practices and attack their financial identity. 

College students are often at particular risk for cybersecurity issues, as they manage numerous online accounts and devices. Menne suggests students focus on four aspects of cybersecurity, including phishing, patching, protection and passwords.

“Make sure your passwords are secure. Make sure you’re using unique passwords. Phishing is another one,” Menne said. “Phishing is a way for them to gain those passwords, and again, to gain those credentials to get into your systems. And then patching your devices, making sure that your devices are up to date. Unpatched systems become like rusty cars. They get holes in them.”

Phishing scams remain a significant threat to students, often arriving in the form of emails that mimic legitimate messages from trusted organizations. “The number one thing they need to look for is phishing, any site that doesn’t look legitimate, or any site that looks a little bit off,” Menne advised. “​​Be suspicious of those emails that are coming from anywhere that’s not inside the university. Always be suspicious.”

Menne said students can verify their suspicion on phishing or attacked accounts with IT Solutions, where students workers carefully review every request. Menne also advised to check the credit report. “This is important to ensure that attackers have not opened fraudulent credit accounts in the student’s name that they may be liable for,” he said. The credit report could be viewed on www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action website.

Caption: Students at the Centennial Student Union are working on their laptops and taking advantage of the secure university resources, such as te secure eduroam network (ALEXIS DARKOW/The Reporter).

Write to Amal.sharafkhodjaeva@mnsu.edu