4:00–5:00 PM
How Malware Works
Presented by Hack@UCF
WELCOME TO CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH: OCTOBER 2026
9
Events In The Month
10
Hours of Learning
1
Community Competition
What is Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a globally recognized initiative that promotes digital safety and encourages people to protect themselves and their data online. This year, as UCF celebrates 20 years of Information Security, the UCF Information Security Office will share cybersecurity tips, educational resources, and opportunities to connect with our team. With threats such as phishing, identity theft, payment fraud, and AI-assisted scams on the rise, every Knight plays an important role in protecting our community by practicing safe online habits.
QUICK links
Cybersecurity Enhancements and Resources
As part of UCF's ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity, several enhancements are underway:
Password Security
Passwordless Passkeys
UCF will transition in the coming months from SMS and phone-based multi-factor authentication (MFA) to passkeys, providing a passwordless, more secure, and phishing-resistant sign-in experience.
Security Awareness
Simulated Phishing Campaigns
Simulated phishing campaigns will resume to help employees and students identify, avoid, and report suspicious messages.
Email Security
External Email Warning Banner
A caution banner will display on emails originating from senders outside of UCF to help the UCF community identify phishing attempts and other external email threats.
CYBERWEEN
Help UCF compete against 11 other state universities by participating in Cyberween! Simply log in with your UCF NID to enter a virtual haunted house and complete five cybersecurity-themed challenges! The university with the highest participation from current students and employees will be titled Cybersecurity Champion!
The challenge is nearly open!
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Cybersecurity Awareness Events
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Cybersecurity Threats to U.S. Critical Infrastructure
Presented by CISA
1:00–2:00 PM
Cybersecurity Trivia: Level Up Your Cyber Game
Presented by EDUCAUSE and the National Cybersecurity Alliance
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
ISO Joins Market Day
Find us at Market Day near the Student Union and at Tech Lending in the Library to recieve a Cyber Duck sticker!
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Coffee with the CISO
Presented by the Chief Information Security Officer, Holly Drake
1:00–2:00 PM
The Best Intentions: Why Cybersecurity Doesn't Stick
Presented by EDUCAUSE and the National Cybersecurity Alliance
12:00–1:30 PM
Student Intern Lunch & Learn
FSC-106A & B
Presented by the Chief Information Security Officer, Holly Drake
3:00–4:00 PM
How to Safely Use Artificial Intelligence
Presented by the AI and Automation Manager, Keith Honaker