In 2024, the importance of cybersecurity has never been more apparent, especially within the higher education sector. Recent high-profile breaches, such as the ransomware attack on the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2022, which exposed the personal data of over 300,000 individuals, and the 2023 data breach at National University, impacting over 60,000 current and former students, serve as stark reminders of the cyber susceptibilities educational institutions face. Against this backdrop, Madison College’s Technology Services hosted “Secure Our World” on Oct. 29 at the Truax campus cafeteria — a welcome return to in-person cybersecurity outreach after a five-year hiatus. The event saw students, faculty and staff engaging in interactive activities and gathering practical advice on protecting themselves in an increasingly precarious digital world.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the atrium buzzed with activity. The interactive escape room challenge proved a popular draw, with participants huddled around tables, putting their cybersecurity knowledge to the test — cracking codes and solving puzzles related to phishing scams, password security, and other online threats. The friendly competition, fueled by prizes — including a “Cybersecurity Champion” badge for the winning team — added a fun element to the serious business of online safety. Technology Services staff, including Cybersecurity Analyst Adrian, a Madison College alumnus, and a current student intern Miles Adkins were available to answer questions and offer guidance.
The event prominently featured resources from the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)’s “Secure Our World” campaign. Tables laden with tip sheets covered a spectrum of topics — from the now pervasive world of A.I. safety and the ever-present threat of phishing scams to the fundamental practices of password management and software updates. The tip sheets on A.I. safety emphasized the importance of carefully considering the information shared with A.I. tools and maintaining privacy awareness.
Phishing awareness resources provided clear examples of common tactics used by scammers, stressing the need for vigilance in verifying the legitimacy of emails and messages. Password management tips promoted the use of strong, unique passwords and password managers. Software update guidance highlighted the critical role of timely updates in patching security vulnerabilities, crucial in the wake of exploits targeting known weaknesses.
Other sheets focused on reporting cybercrime, offering clear steps for reporting incidents like identity theft, ransomware attacks — a growing concern for institutions like Madison College — and online stalking. This readily available information empowered attendees to take concrete steps towards improving their own online security.
The “Secure Our World” event was the centerpiece of a larger Cybersecurity Awareness Month campaign organized by Technology Services Chief Information Security Officer Jesse La Grew actively collaborated with The Clarion leading up to the event, sharing key cybersecurity topics and resources — including links to organizations like the National Cybersecurity Alliance and CISA, encouraging a college community-wide approach.
La Grew highlighted the breadth of cybersecurity concerns, stating, “We all are subject to a variety of risks daily, from social engineering to malware to identity theft. I feel it’s our duty to help educate our entire community on these topics and how people can protect themselves. This is something we will all be subject to in some way in our personal lives and in the workforce.” This underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity awareness, addressing both basic software hygiene and complex threats.
“Cybersecurity is no longer something we can afford to ignore,” La Grew stated during an interaction at the event. “These threats are real, and they affect everyone. We want to empower our students, faculty and staff with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves — both personally and professionally.” He emphasized that cybersecurity awareness is not just for IT professionals, but a fundamental skill for everyone in our increasingly digital world. Technology Services extended the “Secure Our World” initiative to other Madison College campuses throughout October and November, including Reedsburg, Portage, Fort Atkinson, Goodman South, Commercial Avenue, and Watertown, recognizing the need for widespread cybersecurity awareness across the college community.
Beyond these targeted events, Technology Services continues its ongoing cybersecurity awareness initiatives, including regularly scheduled simulated phishing campaigns. These campaigns offer practical experience in identifying and responding to phishing attempts, a critical skill in today’s cyber threat landscape. La Grew also mentioned the collaborative work with the Madison College Library, which offers online cybersecurity resources through its Library Guides, broadening access to critical information. He expressed a desire to expand formal security awareness training to encompass students, supplementing the current training provided to staff.
La Grew’s key takeaway for students remained concise: “Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible, use strong and unique passwords and report any suspicious emails immediately.” These simple actions can significantly bolster online security.
The active participation of Adrian and Miles at the event further highlighted that cybersecurity is a field with practical applications and tangible career opportunities. The “Secure Our World” event, along with the broader Cybersecurity Awareness Month campaign at Madison College, effectively blended practical advice, engaging activities and a community-focused approach to educate our burgeoning student community to take a proactive stance in protecting themselves online, a particularly vital skill in today’s hyper-digital age.