October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Welcome to Northeastern’s celebration of Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025! Each October is dedicated to educating and informing Northeastern about the various threats that exist in the digital world, such as cyberattacks, phishing, malware, and more. You’re invited to participate with the Office of Information Security at various events and increase your cybersecurity knowledge to help keep Northeastern secure.
Join the Cyber Husky Challenge: Northeastern ITS will be sharing quiz questions weekly for a grand prize, going to the participant with the most points.
Be on the lookout for cybersecurity tips, blogs, and other content throughout the month of October, all of which will be linked on this page.
Week 1: Cybersecurity Awareness Month Kickoff
October 1-3, 2025
Working in a secure manner doesn’t only apply to campus. Northeastern is a global university with individuals working from all different kinds of devices and locations. The resources below help keep your Northeastern account and systems secure, so you can work in a safe environment no matter where you are.
Take the Week 1 Cybersecurity quiz here.
Resources
- Visit the OIS Resources page for tips on practicing good cyber hygiene.
Week 2: Join the Husky Cyber Patrol
October 6-10, 2025
Cyber threats can come from unexpected sources—malicious links, suspicious emails, or fraudulent requests for information. Recognizing these threats is the first line of defense in keeping the Northeastern community safe. Use the resources below to learn how to identify potential security risks and report them to ITS, becoming an active member of the Husky Cyber Patrol.
Take the Week 2 Cybersecurity quiz here.
Resources
- Review Northeastern’s Phish Bowl for recent phishing attempts.
- Read the knowledge base article How do I report phishing email?
- FAQ: Reporting Scams and Identity Theft
Week 3: Cybersecurity for AI & Research
October 13-17, 2025
Artificial intelligence tools are transforming how research and learning happen at Northeastern, but they also introduce new cybersecurity considerations. From protecting sensitive data when using AI platforms to recognizing AI-generated phishing attempts and deepfakes, understanding these risks is essential. Explore how Northeastern leverages AI-powered security defenses while helping the community use these tools safely and responsibly.
Take the Week 3 Cybersecurity quiz here.
Important Dates
- October 15: Research Cybersecurity Webinar
- October 16: NUPD Preparedness Day
Resources
- Review Northeastern’s Data Classification and Document Management Guidelines.
- Review the FAQ about Northeastern’s implementation of Data Loss Prevention.
- Read Understanding Generative AI Chatbot Threats
Week 4: Start local, secure GLOBAL
October 20-24, 2025
With campuses spanning the globe, Northeastern’s commitment to cybersecurity extends across every location where Huskies learn and work. Whether connecting to Wi-Fi networks, working remotely via VPN, or ensuring vendor security in the supply chain, maintaining security requires awareness at every level. Discover the practices that keep devices, networks, and data protected across Northeastern’s worldwide community.
Take the Week 4 Cybersecurity quiz here.
Resources
- Visit the OIS Data Privacy page.
- Read Three Clean Desk Habits to Implement Today.
Week 5: Experience Secure Computing
October 27-31, 2025
Everyday computing should be both seamless and secure. Northeastern employs multiple layers of protection—from email filtering that blocks phishing attempts to multi-factor authentication that safeguards accounts—to ensure a safe digital experience for all users. Learn about the security measures working behind the scenes and the simple practices that strengthen personal device and data protection.
Check back for the Week 5 Cybersecurity quiz here.
Important Dates
- October 28: Data Destruction Day (Boston)