Cybersecurity Awareness

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Since 2004, October has been declared Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a dedicated month for the public and private sectors, and tribal communities to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.

CSM partnered with the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) to be a Champion of Cybersecurity Awareness Month to share resources with our college community on how to stay safe online and secure our world.

Secure Our World

Man works on a computerWhether you know it or not, YOU play a major role in our CSM’s cybersecurity program and in securing our world. Cyber threats can be scary, and for good reason. Malware or phishing attempts could be lurking in any suspicious email that finds its way into your inbox, and we're increasingly connected through digital tools, which allows more of our sensitive information to be online. With technological convenience comes risks. Fortunately, CSM’s Cybersecurity Team has implemented many tools and protocols to keep cyberattacks at bay, but we can’t do it without your help!

That may sound intimidating, but that’s why CSM is committed to cybersecurity awareness by sharing tips to promote a strong and resilient security culture at CSM. Chances are you’re already doing your part. Reporting a phishing email to IMT, discussing a news-making cyberattack with a coworker, and using multi-factor authentication—that’s security culture at work!

CSM’s employees and students are a vital part of the cybersecurity program. It takes a team to protect our data, programs, and systems.

2025 Cybersecurity Month Focus

This year’s theme, Stay Safe Online, is all about the simple ways to protect yourself, your family and your business from online threats.

Small actions can make a big difference. That’s why we’re focusing on the Core 4. Four easy steps anyone can take to boost their online safety:

  • Use strong passwords and a password manager 

  • Turn on multi-factor authentication 

  • Recognize and report scams

  • Update your software 

CSM is excited to be a Champion of Cybersecurity Awareness Month to promote education and awareness for online safety. The Division of Information Management and Technology has partnered with the Division of Learning's Technology Department faculty to promote cybersecurity awareness to our students, faculty, and staff through the month of October.

Student Cybersecurity Awareness Poster Contest

Submission Dates: Submissions will be accepted starting October 1, 2025, and close October 18, 2025, at 12 p.m. Click the link above to submit your poster.

Voting: Online voting will open on Oct. 22, 2025, and close on Oct. 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The link to view submissions and vote on your favorite top 3 will be shared on this page. 

For questions, please email Kevin Cumberland at kgcumberland@csmd.edu

Congratulations to the Poster Contest Winners!

First Place: DaShawn Rustin (Poster F)
Prize: $500 scholarship from the CSM Foundation

Poster about cybersecurity with android hand outreached and code text reading Don't let hackers win

Second Place: Rehoboth Mumuney (Poster E)
Prize: $300 scholarship from the CSM Foundation

Illustration promoting awareness about phishing scams with tips on how to avoid being a victim.

Third Place: Gurneet Gill (Poster A)
Prize: $200 scholarship from the CSM Foundation

Infographic illustrating how to recognize and report phishing attempts, featuring a central graphic of a concerned character and tips on handling suspicious messages or calls.

Thank you to those who participated and to our sponsor, CSM Foundation!

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