Ensuring Cyber Safety: Fun and Educational Outreach Events at OSU
In efforts to combat cyber threats such as phishing, hacking, and credit card fraud, the OSU University Information Technology team has taken a unique approach by organizing engaging and informative events for students. Instead of bland lectures, they hosted a carnival-style event featuring games, prizes, and educational tips under the theme “Spam Mail Kids.”
Attendees had fun playing classic carnival games while learning how to protect themselves from internet monsters like Peter Phishing and Hal Hacker. David McMorries, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to students, highlighted phishing attempts as a significant threat. These often involve urgent requests for sensitive information, preying on the financial vulnerabilities of students.
One standout tactic addressed was fraudulent job offers, where scammers pose as OSU employees to deceive students. Marjorie McLagan stressed that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility and encouraged vigilance in identifying phishing emails. Reports of suspicious emails are promptly addressed by OSU’s Security Operations Center to ensure the safety of all recipients.
By combining fun activities with essential cybersecurity education, OSU continues to raise awareness and empower students to protect themselves from online threats. The approach not only educates but also engages students in a memorable and impactful manner.
FAQ Section:
1. What is the unique approach taken by the OSU University Information Technology team to combat cyber threats?
– The team organizes engaging and informative events for students, featuring carnival-style activities under the theme “Spam Mail Kids.”
2. What are some examples of cyber threats mentioned in the article?
– Phishing, hacking, and credit card fraud are highlighted as significant cyber threats that students need to be aware of and protect themselves against.
3. How are phishing attempts described in the article?
– Phishing attempts are described as urgent requests for sensitive information that exploit the financial vulnerabilities of students, posing a significant threat to their security.
4. What is emphasized as a standout tactic in addressing cyber threats?
– The article emphasizes the importance of identifying fraudulent job offers, where scammers pretend to be OSU employees to deceive students, as a key tactic in addressing cyber threats.
Definitions:
1. Phishing:
– Phishing is a type of cyber attack where scammers impersonate legitimate organizations to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details.
2. Hacking:
– Hacking refers to unauthorized access to computer systems or networks to exploit vulnerabilities for malicious purposes, such as stealing data or disrupting operations.
3. Cybersecurity:
– Cybersecurity involves the protection of computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats, including attacks like hacking and phishing.
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