October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and NEOMED is proud to join this international initiative to keep our people, data and systems safer online. The campaign reminds us that simple actions can make a big difference. This year we join organizations across the nation in supporting the theme: "Securing the Next 250." This theme highlights the role in protecting the systems and information that keep our communities running. Critical infrastructure includes healthcare, education, energy, transportation, communications and other services that people rely on every day. Universities like NEOMED play an important role in this ecosystem through education, research, healthcare partnerships and technology services.
Throughout October, we will share weekly learning opportunities focused on practical steps that every member of our community can take to reduce cyber risk. You can help by taking these four essential steps:
- Update software: Install updates promptly on all devices. Don’t click “Remind me later.” Updates patch vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. Turn on automatic updates whenever possible.
- Use strong passwords and a password manager: Create passwords that are at least 14 characters, random (mixed case letters, numbers, symbols), and unique for every account. Use a password manager to generate, fill and remember them for you.
- Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever possible: MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Use it everywhere it’s offered, and choose the most secure method available, such as a passkey or authenticator app.
- Recognize and report phishing: Stay alert for suspicious messages. Always verify the sender before clicking links or opening attachments. If you spot a scam, use Outlook’s “Report Phishing” button or forward the email to help@neomed.edu.
We’ll be sharing more tips, activities and resources throughout October, so watch your inbox and the Pulse for updates. These activities are designed to take only a few minutes to complete while providing valuable knowledge that helps protect both personal and university information.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By practicing good cyber hygiene and remaining vigilant, we help ensure a resilient and secure future for our institution and the communities we serve. We look forward to your participation throughout CybersecurityAwareness Month!
Thank you,
Information Technology