Editor's note: This is the first article in a series in observance of National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

11:44 a.m., Oct. 1, 2009----Since 2001, EDUCAUSE, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and other national organizations have declared October to be National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and the University of Delaware is joining in the annual effort to promote cyber security to the campus community.

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“During October 2009, we'll remind the University community how important it is for everyone to protect their computers, our network, and the information we each store on our computers,” Scott Sweren, the University of Delaware's information security officer, said.

Sweren commented that the NCSA Web site points out that any network is only as strong as its weakest link. “It's very important for each individual to understand that one person's actions can affect the security of an entire network,” he said.

Therefore, UD Information Technologies (IT) will spend October increasing campus awareness that cyber security is a shared responsibility requiring daily vigilance. During October, IT will get the word out in a variety of ways, including:

• A series of UDaily articles on important information security topics;
• New posters displayed in campus computing sites;
• Mailings to departmental HR Liaisons; and
• Online information and activities.

Karl Hassler, associate director of IT-Network and Systems Services, said that during October the IT Help Center will highlight computer security information at its Web site. “We have a calendar of activities that we're suggesting University students and employees visit; some of the items listed are interactive games and some are links to important information or videos we want the campus community to see,” he said.

Sweren said that the University's Cyber Security campaign will remind the campus community that members all need to do the following things:

• Protect confidential information;
• Know with whom you're dealing online;
• Use anti-virus, firewall and anti-spyware software;
• Update your computer's operating system, application software and Web browser regularly;
• Use strong passwords;
• Back up your work; and
• Physically secure your computer, your work session, flash drives, and paper documents.

For more information, visit:

IT-Help Center's Cyber Security Awareness Calendar

IT's National Cyber Security Awareness Month Web site

Computer Security at UD

UD's IT-Help Center