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.

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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.

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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.

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As you prepare to do your taxes this season, be on the lookout for these potential signs of tax fraud: 

• First and foremost, be wary of unsolicited messages claiming to be from the IRS or any tax authority. These entities will never contact you by email, text message, or social media to request personal or financial information. 
• Emails containing documents about tax law changes are another avenue for scammers to get malicious files into your computer.
• The promise of unusually large refunds, which scammers use to lure unsuspecting taxpayers into sharing sensitive information. 
• If using one, ensure your tax preparer is reputable and has appropriate credentials. Always review your tax return carefully before submitting and avoid signing blank forms. 

Lastly, safeguard your Social Security number and personal information, as these are key targets for identity thieves. By staying informed and vigilant, you can keep your valuables safe and out of the hands of criminals. 

Read more about this here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-security-summit-partners-warn-of-surge-in-new-client-scams-aimed-at-tax-pros-as-2024-filing-season-approaches.

For more information, contact CSUCI's Information Security Team at infosec@csuci.edu or visit the Information Security website.

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In a recent cybersecurity triumph, the U.S. government successfully thwarted a sophisticated botnet linked to the People's Republic of China. This botnet was allegedly utilized to conceal hacking activities targeted at critical infrastructure, posing a potential threat to national security.

The nation-state hackers used comprised routers from Cisco, NetGear, and other routers that were vulnerable because they had reached “end of life” status; that is, they were no longer supported through their manufacturer’s security patches or other software updates.

The Department of Justice spearheaded a coordinated effort to dismantle the botnet, severing the connection between compromised devices and the central server. This strategic move neutralized an immediate threat and signaled the United States' commitment to defend against cyber threats.

Critical infrastructure, including power grids and communication networks, is increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The disruption of this botnet is a pivotal step in protecting these essential systems and attributing cyber-attacks to their perpetrators. The incident also emphasizes the need for international cooperation in addressing evolving cyber threats.

Your home network and EOL devices can lead to a cyber-attack. Ensuring devices are updated and replaced in a timely manner is crucial to protecting yourself from an attack like this. 

Source: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-government-disrupts-botnet-peoples-republic-china-used-conceal-hacking-critical

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CSUCI Information Technology Services would like to bring attention to a great opportunity for students looking for scholarship opportunities in the field of Information Security.

Educating Future Information Security Professionals

The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) and its Center for Cyber Safety and Education are deeply committed to encouraging and supporting students pursuing a degree focusing on cybersecurity, information assurance, or similar fields. The scholarships, sponsored by ISC2, support students globally. Efforts like these can lead students to long-term career success in a rewarding and critically important field. The scholarships are part of an effort to bridge the cybersecurity workforce gap—which stands at 3.4 million needed professionals—by providing future cybersecurity professionals across the globe with scholarships to prepare them for a rewarding career in this important field.  

Find more information about all the scholarships at https://www.iamcybersafe.org/s/scholarships.

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CSUCI Information Technology Services (Jim August and Carlos Miranda) recently enjoyed conducting engaging hour-long in-person and virtual presentations at Pacifica High School and Camarillo High School titled "Info Sec Careers: Why you are needed and why you can do them!"

During the sessions, we delved into the world of information security, discussing the importance of these careers and highlighting the opportunities available to students from all backgrounds. We aimed to inspire the students by emphasizing the demand for these roles and their capability to excel in this field. Information Security needs women, minorities, and other candidates from diverse backgrounds for good-paying jobs.

Key Highlights

Understanding Information Security: We provided an overview of information security, its significance in today's digital landscape, and its crucial role in safeguarding data.

Education: Graduating High School Students can look at going to CSUCI for majors such as Information Technology and Computer Science and, coming soon, a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity. 

Career Pathways: Exploring various career paths within information security, we showcased the diversity of roles available, ranging from ethical hacking to cybersecurity analysis and beyond.

Certifications: Our goal was to empower the students by emphasizing that these careers are not only in demand but also accessible with dedication, passion, and continuous learning. The session provides an overview of the different Information Security professional certifications and the skills needed to attain them. 

Interactive Session: We engaged the students through interactive discussions, answering their questions and encouraging them to consider the diverse opportunities within information security.

We hope our session sparked interest and curiosity among the students about the exciting world of information security, inspiring them to consider a career path in this ever-evolving and crucial field.

A huge thanks to Pacifica and Camarillo High School for the opportunity to connect and share insights into the world of information security careers!

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On Friday October 20, 2023, as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM) CSUCI had 4 members of L.A.’s F.B.I. Division on campus for a session about "Internships, Careers with the FBI". This session/webinar provided valuable insights into opportunities for individuals interested in working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The session covered the following key points:

1. Introduction to the FBI

An overview of the FBI's mission, which is to protect and defend the United States against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, uphold and enforce the criminal laws of the United States, and provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal, state, municipal, and international partners.

2. Internship Programs

• The FBI offers a variety of internship programs for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Interns can gain experience in areas such as cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, criminal investigation, and more.
• These internships provide a valuable opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals and contribute to the FBI's mission.

3. Entry-Level Careers

• The FBI recruits individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills, including law enforcement, intelligence analysis, linguistics, computer science, and more.
• Special Agent positions were discussed, which require a rigorous application process, including background checks, physical fitness tests, and interviews.
• The webinar highlighted the need for candidates to meet certain requirements, such as U.S. citizenship and a minimum age of 23.

4. Career Development

• Participants were informed about the various career paths within the FBI, including leadership roles and specialized positions in fields like cybercrime, counterterrorism, and counterintelligence.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities were emphasized, showcasing the FBI's commitment to continuous growth and learning.

5. Application Process

• Detailed information on the application process for internships and careers was provided, including how to submit applications through the FBI's official website.
• The importance of thorough and accurate applications, as well as the significance of integrity in the selection process were highlighted.
  
  

6. Q&A Session

The session concluded with a question-and-answer session, where attendees could ask specific questions about the FBI's recruitment process, work culture, and opportunities.

In summary, the "Internships, Careers with the FBI" session served as a comprehensive introduction to the FBI's various programs and career paths. It aimed to educate and inform potential candidates about the opportunities available within the organization and the steps needed to pursue a career with the FBI.

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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM), and we have several webinars for this month all about cybersecurity. Join us on Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to noon via Zoom.

We are lucky to be joined by CompTIA's Chief Technology Evangelist, Dr. James Stanger, who will present on "The Cybersecurity Professional Diaries: A Day in the Life". This webinar discusses the myriad of job roles in the world of cybersecurity. We will discuss various roles from SOC analyst, to pen tester, GRC/compliance specialist, auditor, and more. Please use your .edu email address to register for the event. 

We will also have a panel of several CSU CISOs: Carlos Miranda (CSUCI), Cuc Du (CSULB), and Chris Witthans (CSU Chico). We will give a lucky participant a CompTIA Sec+ Voucher and Educational training bundle (worth $1,000), so please be sure to use your .edu email address to register for the event.

For a complete list of Cybersecurity webinars hosted by CSU campuses, please visit CSU Cybersecurity Awareness 2023 Webinars.

CompTIA: "The Cybersecurity Professional Diaries: A Day in the Life" event link: 
https://csuci.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_a4eDPiTbQvykAxtgM0FIJA#/registration

CSU Cybersecurity Awareness 2023 Webinars link:
https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/technology/pages/webinars.aspx

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October 2023 marks the 20th Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM).

The focus of this year’s CMAM is on four key behaviors:

1.    Turning on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Having a strong password is not good enough; using MFA can increase your ability to prevent scammers from getting access to your accounts. MFA is available from Apple, Google, Microsoft, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other companies. To look for what companies offer MFA try using https://2fa.directory/us/  

2.    Using strong passwords and a password manager. It is difficult to remember different passwords for various applications, websites, and services, especially when they are complex. Having a good password manager can help keep your password organized.

3.    Updating software regularly. Your software on your phone, computer, and even your car needs regular updates. Not only do you get new features, but a lot of security fixes and enhancements are incorporated into the updates.

4.    Recognizing and reporting phishing. Take a moment and read the email. Who is the email address that sent the email? Never click on a link in the email; always go to the site by typing the address manually. For more tips on avoiding scams, the FTC has several more examples: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam.

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