October is Cyber Security Awareness Month
Cyber Security Awareness Month (Cyber Month) is an internationally recognized campaign held
every October to promote the importance of cyber security. To help Ontario school boards promote safer and more secure practices across their school communities, the Educational Computing Network of Ontario (ECNO) has created the K-12 Cyber Awareness Month Campaign.
With the 2023 theme, “Together we rise: Cyberheroes unite for online safety!,” ECNO is encouraging educators, students and families to unite to increase awareness about potential threats to our cyber security, cyber safety and online privacy, and promoting best practices.
Each week in October, the campaign will focus on a different theme related to cyber awareness. Find the full list of themes below, and be sure to check back each week for new tips and resources related to the topic of the week.
Weekly Themes
WEEK 1: Cyber Essentials
What’s on your cyberhero toolbelt? Get to know the basics of setting a secure starting point for your digital identity and online participation.
Things like managing your accounts and passwords, securing your personal information, and adopting multi-factor authentication are great ways to set a first line of defence against potential online trouble.
By being thoughtful about what information is shared online and with whom, Cyberheroes can successfully use the internet and digital technology for good, spreading positivity and respect – a true kryptonite to the virtual bad guys!
WEEK 2: The Future is Here/Near
We are all hearing of the rapid technological advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Are you using generative AI tools or considering them?
Get to know the risks and considerations for using AI safely and responsibly. Foster discussions amongst your peers and in your community for what are acceptable, responsible and safe practices as AI tools continue to evolve.
Potential concerns with using Generative AI tools include misinformation, bias, overreliance, skewed understanding, lack of transparency, privacy concerns and more. There are recommended best practices to mitigate and counter some of those risks. Learn more about them this week.
WEEK 3: Navigating Connected Worlds
Social media and online gaming provide fun ways to stay connected and interact with friends and family. As a major part of our cyberheroes’ lives, knowing how to navigate the metaverse safely, respectfully and responsibly is essential.
Even the strongest heroes don’t always know who’s on the other side of the screen, so navigating the connected world is a battle. Defend yourself! Cyberheroes are aware of threats around them, knowing not to stand for villainous behaviour, abusive or threatening language, or letting strangers into their networks.
WEEK 4: My Digital Life and Wellbeing
The strongest power of any cyberhero is knowing their limits. Taking care of personal wellbeing by knowing to rest, pause, and when to set boundaries in their use of digital technology and the internet is an essential part everyday life.
By educating and encouraging ourselves to moderate our own use of digital technology, we reinforce our power as cyberheroes over potential threats. This includes implementing screen time limits, and muting notifications on mobile devices to prevent constant interruptions and knowing when to log off to maintain healthy habits with physical activity, nutrition, and sleep.
Cyber awareness does not have to end in October thanks to ECNO’s K-12 Cyber Awareness Calendar! It helps educate students, teachers, families, and communities about the risks of using technology and the internet by promoting best practices in cyber safety, cyber security, and online privacy.
Additional Resources
- October is Cyber Security Awareness Month in Canada – Get Cyber Safe
- Government of Canada – Get Cyber Safe
Updated on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.