Did you know that Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CAM) has been observed since 2004?
CAM was started to encourage conversations about the importance of online safety and security. This year, it is sponsored by the National Security Alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Information Technology Services (ITS) will observe Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October with several events, including a panel discussion about IT Security at George Mason University. For events ee Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026.
Online safety and security are a responsibility shared by all computer users to protect their personal data. At George Mason, this means protecting personal data and George Mason University’s IT systems and assets.
This year, the National Cybersecurity Alliance encourages people to build safe online habits they repeat daily. “In doing this, we can all make life difficult for cybercriminals.”
People don’t need expensive tools, don’t need to know how scams work, or to be experts to protect themselves and give cybercriminals a hard time. Here are some tips from the National Cybersecurity Alliance:
- Create passwords that are 16 characters long, unique to each account, and a random mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. A password manager, including free ones, can create and store passwords. “An eight-character password can be cracked in seconds, no matter how many &s and !s you use.” You can get more information about passwords here: https://www.staysafeonline.org/articles/passwords
- Enable multifactor authentication for every account. Using an authenticator app (George Mason University uses Duo Authentication for Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for its accounts) or biometrics (Face ID) adds another layer of security.
- Keep your software updated. Enable automatic updates on devices and check regularly to make sure your software is up to date. Updates do more than add new features; they also fix security flaws and bugs and improve the software’s performance.
- Scrutinize every unexpected inbound message, especially if it seems urgent or requests payment. Take time to review the message. Scammer messages create fear and pressure. “You don’t need to click. You don’t need to respond. You don’t need to answer the phone. You aren’t being rude. Their biggest enemy isn’t technology. It’s your skepticism.”
Online safety and security are a responsibility we all share. Safe and consistent online habits will make it difficult for scammers.