October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an international initiative to educate people about online safety. The theme of this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month is Empowering You to Secure 2025 and Beyond. We are planning to host speakers showcasing a variety of security topics.

All sessions will be held in Aliso Hall 150 on Friday, October 3rd, 2025.

Event Schedule (15-minute break between events)

9:30–10:30 AM —  Exploring Cybersecurity Careers with Lessons from the Front Lines | James Villa — Senior Security Consultant, Mandiant 

10:45 AM–11:15 AM — Physical Security of Locks: Cybersecurity Starts at the Door | Loren Fleming and Carlos Miranda

11:30 AM–12:00 PM — InfoSecMap: The Global Nexus for Events & Communities | Martin Villalba — Founder, C13 Security

12:00–1:30 PM — Lunch Break

1:45 PM–2:15 PM — E-Sports Club Presentation | Christopher Hernandez (President) & Nicholas Hernandez (Event Coordinator)

Our Cybersecurity Awareness Month webpage will be regularly updated with more information.

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Smarter Communication is Coming

The campus phone system is undergoing a major upgrade to support more modern and flexible communication while saving the campus money. The current system will reach its end of life in August 2025, making this transition both necessary and timely. The new platform offers improved features and better integration with existing campus tools.

Why Is This Upgrade Happening?

• Unified Experience: The new system integrates with commonly used productivity tools such as email, calendar, and messaging platforms.
• Adaptable Use: Designed to support on-campus, hybrid, and remote users.
• Efficiency: Reduces the need for complex phone infrastructure and lowers maintenance costs.
• Safety Improvements: Fully supports enhanced emergency calling features to help protect the campus community.

Project Timeline

• Project Completion: May 5, 2026

What’s Included

• Transition of all employee and departmental phone lines
• Number porting to the new platform
• Replacement of phones in classrooms, public areas, and elevators
• Training and support for users
• Integration with emergency calling services

What’s Not Included

• Personal mobile phone applications
• Non-campus-managed third-party systems

What to Expect

• Timely updates on migration schedules
• Access to training sessions and resources
• Full support from the campus IT team throughout the transition

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

There has been a recent rise in the number of phishing attacks that incorporate a direct phone call with the target. This technique, known as Telephone-Oriented Attack Delivery (TOAD) often starts by sending the user a phishing email urging them to call a phone number. During the call, attackers pretend to be a legitimate customer service representative and attempt to trick their target into downloading malware or disclosing sensitive information. 

Follow these tips to not fall victim to a TOAD attack:

• Always verify contact information by cross-referencing the phone number or email address in the message with the official contact details listed on the organization’s website.
• Never share sensitive information over the phone, including passwords, PINs, or multi-factor authentication (MFA) codes.
• Be wary of urgent language; TOAD scammers use urgency or threats to push you into acting fast.

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Playing video games is a fun way to connect and interact with others online. However, the hobby does come with some security risks. Keep these tips in mind to keep your information safe.

1. Make sure the software you download comes from a reputable source. For example, a trusted storefront.

2. Use strong, unique passwords on all your accounts: If a threat actor gets control over one of your accounts, having unique passwords prevents them from getting into all your other accounts. Using a password manager makes the task of remembering all those unique passwords much simpler.

3. Enable Multi-factor Authentication if possible: This provides an additional layer of account security to ensure your information does not fall into the wrong hands.

4. Be wary of suspicious messages delivered to you over chat services. Never provide your account details to anyone.

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

In collaboration with the Oxnard Union High School District, CSUCI's Info Sec Team, helped on the development of pathways for the AP Computer Science classes. 

As a local college colleague with involvement in the Ventura County schools' development of educational pathways, CSUCI’s Info Sec Team was invited to a meeting at the Oxnard Union High School District offices to provide input, along with local industry, collegiate, and other stakeholders, for Oxnard Unified School teachers to begin their curriculum development. 

The district offers a Software Development Pathway, consisting of AP Computer Science Principles, followed by AP Computer Science A (Java Coding).  The purpose of the meeting was to discuss new courses that incorporate more real-world learning, including possible units on app development, machine learning and AI, data, cybersecurity, and multimedia computer skills.

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

We would like to extend this invitation for you to join us for AI: A Day of Discovery on Wednesday, April 23^rd from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM in Broome Library 2330. Explore practical applications of AI and learn how it can improve your workflow and boost efficiency! Join us to uncover the potential of AI in optimizing your work processes!

Click the image above to RSVP!

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest