IS&T Spotlight:
IS&T Campaigns for Cyber Security
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. States, universities, and the private sector work together to educate the public and provide tools that promote safe online activities. There’s a lot to stay on top of: cyber threats continue to evolve, and new legislation and policies are being passed regarding data protection and the reporting of breaches.
At MIT, IS&T has been active in coordinating a month-long cyber security awareness campaign. This has included messages on password strength and privacy, knowing how to deflect phishing attacks, and using file-sharing software safely and within copyright guidelines. You can find these messages on posters and plasma screens around campus.
To conclude its campaign, IS&T has teamed up with the Department of Facilities and the Audit Division to sponsor Security Awareness Day on November 5.
Be Aware, Be Very Aware
The main event on Security Awareness Day will be an afternoon of presentations by security professionals, held in the Media Lab’s Bartos Theater (E15-070) from 2 to 5 pm. The keynote speaker will be Scott Bradner, Technology Security Officer at Harvard University. Bradner will discuss important cyber security issues of the day and what to be on the lookout for.
John DiFava, Chief of Police and Director of Facilities Operations and Security at MIT, will talk about physical security on campus and best practices for protecting electronic equipment and other information assets.
Tom Jagatic, a member of the IT Security Support Team in IS&T, has done research on social engineering threats. He will share his knowledge of the latest trends in phishing: using email and legitimate-looking web sites to trick individuals into divulging personal information, such as Social Security or credit card numbers.
In addition to these speakers, the event will include informational tables, products from partner vendors, prizes, giveaways, and light refreshments for attendees.
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