October is recognized as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, established in 2003 through a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cybersecurity Alliance.
“Cybersecurity awareness is critical to enhance the organizational culture of current and ongoing cyber threats. The more we know, the safer we become,” said Senior Cybersecurity Awareness Specialist Nolyn Johnson.
To raise awareness across the Purdue University community, Purdue IT has scheduled a series of events in partnership with the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the National Cybersecurity Alliance and CampusGuard. Boilermakers can also visit the Purdue cybersecurity awareness website year-round for more information and training opportunities.
Big Ten Academic Alliance Cybersecurity Awareness Game Show (Campus Wide)
Level UP Your Cyber Game – College Gameday Edition!
Sponsored by the National Cybersecurity Alliance
Today, good cyber skills are the new good life skills, and we're here to put your mind through the motions! Join us for a turbocharged gameshow and test your abilities! We will engage you with thrilling challenges and strategic quandaries. Come for essential info and practical techniques to safeguard your digital life after the stadium lights have dimmed. Compete against your campus rivals for ultimate bragging rights and victory!
Cybersecurity Trivia Night
Sponsored by Purdue Systems Security & CERIAS
Join us for a fun and interactive night of Cybersecurity Trivia! Whether you’re a beginner or a security pro, there’s something for everyone. No prior knowledge is required — participants will learn the basics, test their skills, and even share knowledge with others. Prizes will be awarded to the top performers, and appetizers will be served to all attendees. Come for the food, stay for the fun, and leave with new cybersecurity skills!
REGISTER: https://forms.office.com/r/3GsCV4mVe8
Big Ten Academic Alliance CISO Panel
Securing the Mission: Building Awareness and Resilience in Higher Ed
Higher education institutions face unique security challenges that demand thoughtful, coordinated responses across distributed environments. This panel will explore how structure, leadership, and shared understanding are critical in addressing risks while advancing the mission of teaching, learning, and research. Panelists Guy Albertini (Rutgers), José Domínguez (Oregon), Asmat Noori (Michigan) and Andrew Weisskopf (Michigan State) will discuss:
REGISTER: https://www.eventsquid.com/register/29019
New Quarter 2 Voluntary Training available on the Cybersecurity Awareness Site: https://www.purdue.edu/securepurdue/Cybersecurity/training.php
Big Ten Academic Alliance Scary Cyber Tales: Don't Let Your Data Go Bump in the Night
Step into a spine-chilling journey through the real-life dangers of the digital world! This event will uncover true stories of cyberattacks, data breaches, and online scams that could send shivers down your spine. Learn about the most common threats — phishing, ransomware, malware, and social engineering — and walk away with practical tips to keep your digital life safe.
Join cybersecurity experts for an hour of spooky tales and essential security lessons to ensure your data doesn’t turn into a scary cyber tale!
REGISTER: https://www.eventsquid.com/register/29019
Big Ten Academic Alliance Rachel Tobac: Exploiting Trust - The Human Element of Security
It only takes one email, a 30-second phone call, or a single social media DM to be hacked. Meet Rachel Tobac, a renowned ethical hacker who specializes in social engineering attacks. Through her real-life stories and demonstrations, Rachel will show how criminals exploit human trust to steal money, data, and system access.
She will break down recent cyberattacks in the news, highlight how AI is changing the threat landscape, and teach defense strategies to stop the next human hacker in their tracks. With her engaging tales from the field and live hacking demos, Rachel will leave you and your team “politely paranoid” — and much better prepared.
REGISTER: https://www.eventsquid.com/register/29019
Stop by our Cybersecurity Awareness Booth to learn practical tips for staying safe online! Our team will share easy-to-follow practices on:
We’ll also be collecting suggestions for future events — come share your ideas and help shape upcoming cybersecurity activities!
CERIAS Security Seminar Series – Weekly Guest Lectures
Organized by CERIAS – Purdue University
Every Wednesday, CERIAS (Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security) hosts guest lectures on cutting-edge security topics. These seminars bring together leading researchers, practitioners, and thought leaders to discuss the latest trends and challenges in cybersecurity.
Students are encouraged to attend to stay updated on current issues in security, connect with experts, and engage in discussions that bridge research with real-world practice.
REGISTER: https://www.cerias.purdue.edu/news_and_events/events/security_seminar/upcoming