BaylorITS Encourages Everyone to “Be Real” about Cybersecurity

This October marks the 20th year of Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Baylor University proudly reaffirms its commitment as a champion for this national initiative. As part of the celebration, Baylor Information Technology Services is launching an awareness campaign that encourages everyone to "be real" about cybersecurity. Drawing inspiration from the popular BeReal social media app, this campaign will utilize a multifaceted approach, including posters, web ads, slides, and social media posts, to reinforce essential cybersecurity best practices among Baylor students, faculty, and staff.

The campaign will focus on a range of critical topics, including phishing awareness, password security, two-factor authentication, software updates, data protection, and privacy. Baylor recognizes that while its cybersecurity team remains vigilant, the entire university community plays a pivotal role in safeguarding institutional data and personal information.

Jon Allen, chief information officer and chief information security officer for Baylor University, emphasized the importance of ongoing education, stating, "Continuing to educate our community through mandatory faculty/staff training, our annual BearAware campaign, and campus alerts as crises arise helps to keep us all as safe as possible in an ever-changing environment."

Since 2004, October has been designated as Cybersecurity Awareness Month by the President of the United States and Congress. This collaborative effort involves businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities, associations, nonprofit organizations, tribal communities, and individuals, all committed to educating the public about online safety. Baylor has been an active participant in National Cybersecurity Awareness Month every year since 2006.

“As cyber threats become more sophisticated, individuals and families, small and medium businesses, and large companies all have an important role to play to in keeping our digital world safe and secure,” said Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Jen Easterly. “This Cybersecurity Awareness Month we are asking everyone to do their part to ‘Secure Our World’ by adopting key behaviors that promote online safety and security.”

This year, Baylor faculty and staff will complete mandatory cybersecurity training provided by the SANS Institute, aligning with Baylor's cybersecurity insurance requirements, and reinforcing best practices across the community, regardless of experience levels.

For additional cybersecurity resources and to access this and past year’s BearAware campaign materials, please visit its.web.baylor.edu/bearaware. To explore this year's national #SecureOurWorld theme further, visit staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month.

To report suspicious messages, please contact abuse@baylor.edu. If you believe you have been a victim of cybercrime, reach out to HelpDesk+ on the garden level of Moody Memorial Library, call (254) 710-4357, or email helpdesk@baylor.edu.