Welcome to Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024!

Each October, we come together as a community to strengthen our online practices and guard against digital threats. Launched in 2004 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance, this month-long initiative encourages individuals and organizations to enhance their cybersecurity skills and awareness.

This year’s theme, “Secure Our World,” focuses on practical, everyday steps you can take to safeguard your devices, recognize phishing attempts, and cultivate strong digital habits. At Cal Poly Humboldt, we’ve curated a series of engaging activities, challenges, and presentations with the chance to win prizes generously donated by Cal Poly Humboldt Dining!

Whether you’re a student, faculty, or staff member, we invite you to participate and elevate your cybersecurity knowledge. By joining in, you’re not only protecting your own digital assets—you’re contributing to the security of our entire campus. And, of course, there are exciting prizes to be won!

Webinars & Events: Let’s Get Cyber-Ready!

AI - Information Security with IBM

Date: October 4th | 10:00 am
IBM Security will talk about how AI is used to improve the team's ability to troubleshoot Information Security incidents and other ways AI is assisting. Pre-Register here

Capstone Project: Security Awareness

Date: October 4th | 1:00 pm
As part of a capstone project, CSU Channel Islands Student James Piedrasanta (alumnus, 2024) explored how to improve security awareness for college students. He will discuss his findings and potential improvements. CompTIA Chief Tech Evangelist Dr. James Stanger and Unisys CISO Gary Landau will also share insights into the threat landscape and privacy protection. Pre-register here

How the FBI defends against cyber threats. 

Date: October 4th | 2:00 pm
Learn firsthand from the FBI how they defend against cyber threats using network forensics and open-source intelligence (OSINT). Discover how the FBI tackles cases involving technology experts and uses OSINT to produce actionable intelligence. Pre-register. Pre-register here

Eric Escobar | Thinking like a Threat Actor

Date: October 7th | 11:00 am
Join cybersecurity expert Eric Escobar from Dell SecureWorks as he shares strategies for protecting your organization and digital life by thinking like a threat actor. Pre-register here.

Dr. Levent Ertaul | Security Presentation

Date: October 7th | 11:00 am

Join Dr. Levent Ertaul from Cal State East Bay for a discussion on protecting your privacy and security in today's digital world. Get valuable tips to keep your personal data safe. Pre-register here.

InfraGard | Rick McElroy | Cybersecurity Strategies from VMware

Date: October 8th | 11:00 am
Rick McElroy, Principal Cybersecurity Strategist at VMware, will offer critical insights into safeguarding your infrastructure from cyber threats. Register [here].

CSU | Josh, Chris W., Ed H., Babita Gupta | AI and How it Impacts Privacy and Security of Systems and Students

Date: October 10th | 11:00 am
Join a panel of experts from Cisco and the CSU system discussing key cybersecurity strategies and insights. Register here. 

CSULB | Crowdstrike | Threat Briefing 

Date: October 15th | 9:00 am

Emily O'Carroll, Field CISO at Crowdstrike, discusses innovations, opportunities, and challenges in cybersecurity fueled by AI. Register here,

SDSU Faculty | Lance Larson | Homeland Security & Cybersecurity

Date: October 15th | 1:00 pm
Lance Larson, Co-Director of SDSU’s Graduate Program in Homeland Security, will discuss the crucial overlap between homeland security and cybersecurity. Register here.

CSUF AI and the Future

Date: October 15th | 2:00 pm
Dr. Amir Davirian, CSU Fullerton Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, will explore the future of AI in cybersecurity and its potential impact. Register here.

CSULB | Guidepoint Security 

Date: October 16th | 11:00 am
Join this session to explore how AI is transforming cybersecurity. Emily O'Carroll from Crowdstrike will share insights into AI-driven innovations. Register here.

SDSU | Lisa Newton | InfraGuard

Date: October 16th | 2:00 pm
Lisel Newton, Senior Director of Information Security Risk & Compliance at Gossamer Bio, will share tips for securing personal accounts and devices, including social media and apps. Register here

A Snapshot on Techniques and Best Practices

Date:  October 18th | 10:00 am
Ivana Brooks, Cyber Intelligence Analyst at the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center, will provide a briefing on cyber threat landscape and cyber awareness. Register here.

Splunk: AI & Phishing

Date: October 21st | 10:00 am
Join Tamara Chacon, Security Strategist at Splunk SURGe, for a session on AI and phishing. Learn how AI is transforming phishing detection and response. Register here

Generative AI: Be on the Inside When the Machines Take Over the World

Date: October 25th | 10:00 am
Join us for an interactive discussion on the capabilities, threats, and use cases of Generative AI with Matt Singleton, Executive Strategist at CrowdStrike and former CISO for the State of Oklahoma. Matt will explore the potential benefits and risks of AI while addressing concerns specific to Higher Education and the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Register here

SJSU Hackathon

Date: October 25th | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Virtual (In-person options TBD)
Test your cybersecurity skills in this team-based hackathon, hosted by SJSU IT and the SJSU Cyber Intelligence and Security Club. Open to all CSU students. Register here.

FBI | Internships & Careers

Date: October 25th | 1:00 pm
Discover internships and career opportunities with the FBI. Meet agents and explore pathways into cybersecurity careers. Get more information here.

Additional Resources: Cybersecurity at Your Fingertips

• Watch CISA’s “Secure Our World” video series for expert advice.
• Stay informed with the latest cybersecurity tips from the SANS OUCH! Newsletter.

For more information on how to get involved and stay secure, visit Your Digital Life at Humboldt. Let’s make October a month of learning, safety, and fun!