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. Cyberthreats 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.

2026 Cybersecurity Awareness Month

This year’s theme, Don't Make It Easy for Them, is all about the simple ways to protect yourself, your family and your business from online threats.

Small actions can make a big difference:

  • Use strong passwords and a password manager 

  • Turn on multi-factor authentication 

  • Recognize and report phishing and suspicious messages

  • Protect your devices, accounts, and personal information

CSM is excited to be a Champion of Cybersecurity Awareness Month to promote education and awareness for online safety. 

Student Cybersecurity Awareness Poster Contest

CSM is hosting a cybersecurity poster contest, giving students the chance to showcase their creative designs and compete for exciting prizes.

Deadline

Submissions start Oct. 1, 2026 through 12 p.m. (EST) on Oct. 18, 2026.

Prizes (Sponsored by the CSM Foundation):

  • 1st Place $500 CSM Scholarship
  • 2nd Place $300 CSM Scholarship
  • 3rd Place $200 CSM Scholarship

Details and Submission Form

Congratulations to the 2025 Poster Contest Winners!

First Place: Ashley Clark 
Prize: $500 scholarship from the CSM Foundation

Infographic illustrating different types of phishing scams including spear phishing, social media phishing, vishing, and smishing, along with statistics on the vulnerability of Gen Z students to these scams.

Second Place: Mercury Cole 
Prize: $300 scholarship from the CSM Foundation

Stylized illustration of a hooded figure with digital elements, emphasizing themes of cybersecurity and password protection.
 
 

Third Place: Mikayla Thorne
Prize: $200 scholarship from the CSM Foundation

Infographic illustrating how to set strong passwords


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

Congratulations to the 2024 Poster Contest Winners!

First Place:
DaShawn Rustin 
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 
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 
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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