Stay Safe Online: HCC Celebrates Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and HCC has been named a 2023 Cybersecurity Champion! Join us as we highlight cybersecurity education and awareness, and how the HCC community can protect their digital assets, personal information, and online privacy. Howard Community College is proud to support this online safety awareness and education initiative co-managed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Cybersecurity Alliance.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
Avoid Today's Cyber Threats
Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication: After entering your password to log in to an app or website, dealing with this additional level of security known as multi-factor authentication or MFA can be frustrating. Learn more about MFA.
Using Strong Passwords and a Password Manager: Whether for work, school, or your favorite apps, remembering your passwords has moved beyond memorizing your parents’ birthdays. Learn why it’s important to use strong passwords and a password manager.
Watch this short video of how HCC students responded when asked, "What's your password?"
Updating Your Software: Almost 2 in 5 survey respondents say they either “sometimes,” “rarely,” or “never” install software updates (National Cybersecurity Alliance). One of the easiest ways to keep information secure is to keep software and apps updated. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re telling others to step away from the “remind me later” button to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. Read more about keeping your software and apps updated.
Recognizing and Reporting Phishing: If you notice something “phishy” such as fake emails or social media posts trying to lure you into clicking a bad link, don’t take the bait! Read more about phishing.
Take this Google quiz about phishing
Study Cybersecurity at HCC!
According to the 2021 State of Cybersecurity report, the COVID-19 pandemic increased cyberattacks by 300%, thus creating a need for more cybersecurity talent to be placed within organizations to protect confidential data.
The Cybersecurity associate degree program prepares students for working with network security or support in private, public, and government arenas at the mid-administrative level, and for transferring to similar programs to complete a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity.
Hear from students and faculty to learn more about the Cybersecurity program at HCC in this short video.
HCC's cybersecurity program overview
Have a cyber-secure October!
