Celebrating Cybersecurity Awareness Month: IT Department Highlights Key Strategies and Initiatives for Enhanced Digital Safety

University Launches Intensive Cybersecurity Training Amid Rising Threats

Indianapolis,IN – october 8,2025 – Butler University is bolstering its defenses against escalating cybersecurity risks wiht the launch of a “Cybersecurity Backstage Pass,” a new initiative aimed at educating both students and staff about the growing landscape of online threats. The program, initiated this month, features a specialized training course, a series of informative events, and ongoing weekly guidance for safeguarding against cyberattacks.

combating Social Engineering Tactics

The cornerstone of the “Cybersecurity Backstage pass” is a training course delivered through Proofpoint, specifically designed to counter social engineering schemes. These include prevalent tactics like phishing expeditions, business email compromise attacks, and other manipulative methods used by cybercriminals to obtain sensitive personal information.According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, phishing remains the leading cause of data breaches, accounting for 74% of all incidents.

Additional Resources Available

Supplementing the core course, an accessible resource hub has been established within the University’s Canvas learning management system. This platform provides additional educational materials and tools to enhance cybersecurity knowledge and awareness.A webinar titled “Social Engineering: The Art of Exploitation” will occur on October 15th and 16th, offering deeper insights into these deceptive practices.Moreover, a session entitled “Seeing Bias: AI, Representation and Responsibility in the Digital Age” on October 20th integrates discussions on ethical considerations within the digital realm; this session also fulfills a Butler Cultural Requirement.

Student Awareness and Institutional Vulnerability

First-year computer science student Chelsea Flynn acknowledges the ever-present dangers of online security. “Many peopel unknowingly store a important amount of personal data online,” Flynn stated. “With the increasing reliance on online banking, a robust cybersecurity system, such as two-factor authentication, is crucial for maintaining privacy.”

Melanie Perez, Butler’s information security analyst, emphasized the heightened vulnerability of educational institutions. “Our systems house a wealth of personal data, making universities frequent targets for cyberattacks,” Perez explained. “The healthcare sector remains the primary target, but higher education institutions are consistently ranked as the second most targeted.” The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported a 12% increase in cybercrime complaints in 2024, further highlighting the growing threat.

Low Training Completion Rates Raise Concerns

Despite the critical need for cybersecurity awareness, participation in the available training programs remains surprisingly low. Wade Javorsky, Chief information security officer, noted that completion rates typically fall between five and fifteen percent, depending on the time of year. “students are often seen as easy targets by malicious actors,” Javorsky explained. “Thus, active engagement with our training and outreach initiatives is essential.”

The transferable Skills of Cybersecurity

The Information Technology department recognizes the growing demand for cybersecurity skills across diverse professional fields. “These skills are increasingly valuable in today’s job market,” Perez asserted. “employers are prioritizing candidates with a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles. Developing these skills now will undoubtedly provide a significant advantage in the future.”

Staying Safe Online: A Guide for students and Professionals

Cybersecurity is not merely an IT concern; it’s a fundamental aspect of modern life.Here are some key takeaways to enhance your online safety:

Threat	Prevention
Phishing	Verify sender legitimacy, avoid clicking suspicious links, report suspicious emails.
Weak Passwords	Use strong, unique passwords for each account; consider a password manager.
Malware	Keep software updated, use reputable antivirus software, and practice safe browsing habits.
Social Engineering	Be wary of unsolicited requests for personal information; verify the identity of individuals online.

Did You Know? Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, making it considerably harder for hackers to gain access, even if thay have your password.

Pro Tip: Regularly review your privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can see your personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cybersecurity

What steps are you taking to enhance your online security? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

What specific metrics are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the enhanced phishing simulations beyond the reported rates?

Strengthening Our Digital Defenses: A Proactive Approach

This October, as we celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Archyde IT Department is reinforcing its commitment to protecting our digital assets and ensuring the safety of our data. The threat landscape is constantly evolving, demanding a proactive and multi-layered approach to cybersecurity.We’re not just reacting to threats; we’re anticipating them. This year’s focus centers around employee education, robust infrastructure upgrades, and streamlined incident response protocols.

key Initiatives for 2025

We’ve rolled out several key initiatives designed to bolster our digital security posture. These aren’t just technical fixes; they’re about building a culture of security awareness throughout Archyde.

* Enhanced Phishing Simulations: we’ve increased the frequency and sophistication of our phishing simulations. These realistic exercises help employees identify and report suspicious emails, a critical line of defense against phishing attacks and malware distribution. Results from Q3 2025 simulations show a 20% improvement in employee reporting rates.

* Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Rollout: MFA is now mandatory for all Archyde accounts,adding an extra layer of security beyond just a password. This substantially reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised.We’re utilizing authenticator apps and hardware security keys for maximum protection.

* Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Implementation: We’ve deployed a new EDR solution across all company endpoints (laptops, desktops, servers). EDR provides real-time monitoring, threat detection, and automated response capabilities, allowing us to quickly contain and mitigate cyber threats.

* Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policy Updates: Our DLP policies have been updated to better protect sensitive data, both in transit and at rest. This includes stricter controls on data sharing, encryption requirements, and regular data audits.

* Vulnerability Management Program enhancement: We’ve invested in advanced vulnerability scanning tools and automated patching processes to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities in a timely manner. Regular penetration testing is also conducted by external security experts.

Employee Training: The Human Firewall

Our employees are our first line of defense. Ongoing cybersecurity training is paramount. This year’s training program focuses on:

* Recognizing Phishing attempts: Detailed instruction on identifying red flags in emails, including suspicious links, grammatical errors, and urgent requests.

* Password Security Best Practices: Reinforcing the importance of strong, unique passwords and the use of password managers. We recommend a minimum password length of 12 characters and encourage the use of passphrases.

* Safe Browsing Habits: Educating employees on the risks of visiting untrusted websites and downloading suspicious files.

* Social Engineering Awareness: Understanding how attackers manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive details.

* Reporting Security Incidents: Clear instructions on how to report suspected security incidents to the IT Department. A dedicated security email address ([email protected]) has been established.

Infrastructure Security: Building a Resilient Foundation

Beyond employee awareness, a secure infrastructure is crucial. We’re continually investing in technologies and practices to strengthen our defenses.

* Network Segmentation: Dividing our network into smaller, isolated segments limits the impact of a potential breach.

* Firewall Optimization: Regularly reviewing and updating firewall rules to block malicious traffic.We utilize next-generation firewalls with intrusion prevention systems (IPS).

* Intrusion Detection and prevention Systems (IDPS): Monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity and automatically blocking threats.

* Regular Security Audits: Independent security audits are conducted annually to identify vulnerabilities and assess our overall security posture.

* Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM): For our cloud-based services, we employ CSPM tools to ensure proper configuration and security settings.

Incident Response: Preparedness is Key

Despite our best efforts, security incidents can still occur. Having a well-defined incident response plan is essential.

1. Identification: Quickly identify and assess the nature and scope of the incident.
2. Containment: Isolate the affected systems to prevent further damage.
3. Eradication: Remove the threat and restore affected systems.
4. Recovery: Restore data and services to normal operation.
5. lessons Learned: Analyze the incident to identify areas for improvement.

We conduct regular tabletop exercises to test our incident response plan and ensure that our team is prepared to handle real-world scenarios. our dedicated security incident response team (SIRT) is available 24/7 to address any security concerns.