Campus observes Cyber Security Month with programs and costume contest

‌

Ben Woelk

Phishy returns to campus.

More than 23 percent of computer users in the U.S. fall for phishing attacks, the e-mail messages that look like legitimate notices from banks or other organizations. These messages are attempts to get personal information such as bank account or social security numbers.

Back for a second year to raise awareness about e-mail phishing attempts is the Information Security Office mascot, Phishy. He will be at RIT Oct.19– 30 as part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Phishy will join Information Security staff to discuss digital self-defense for individuals and departments from 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. each day in the Student Alumni Union lobby.

Also scheduled for the month is a ‘Phrends and Phoes’ Security Awareness Costume Contest that will take place at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 30 in the SAU. Contestants are asked to dress up as friends or foes of information security.

“There will be a number of prizes given during the event, a grand prize for the costume contest and other prizes for select visitors to Phishy’s information table,” says Ben Woelk, communications and training specialist, RIT Information Security Office. “We’re looking forward to seeing how people represent friends and foes. Appropriate—and unique— costumes could include viruses, worms or spyware for foes and firewalls, antivirus and antispyware for friends.”

Find out more about phishing or other cyber security techniques at the ISO Website.