​​​During the past few years, we have seen the adoption of digital solutions and the internet at an unprecedented pace in every aspect of our lives – for work, education and staying connected with friends and loved ones. This quick and vast adoption of digital technology has increased cyber risks and online threats. Cybercriminals have taken advantage of this exponential increase in internet usage and continue to look for new ways to exploit users, irrespective of age.

We can all do our part to increase awareness related to cyber security, cyber safety, and online privacy. Learning to be cyber safe and secure is essential to making our online experience more secure, fun, and rewarding.

By adopting safe and secure practices you are not only protecting yourself, but also reducing the likelihood of cyber-attacks against all members of the school community. We can make our online and virtual lives safer for everyone by developing and maintaining personal safe online habits. ​
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October is K-12 ​Cyber Awareness Month

The K-12 Cyber Awareness Month (CAM) campaign has been developed to promote best practices in cyber safety, cyber security, and online privacy in the K-12 sector.

The theme of this year's campaign is “Be a Cyberhero!". 

6 Ways to Become a Cyberhero:

• Using the internet and digital technology for good, spreading positivity and respect
• Watching out for and reporting questionable activities such as phishing and scams – letting others know so they don't fall prey to the same phishing attempts and scams
• Standing up for themselves and others when hurtful or inappropriate online behaviour is noticed
• Keeping personal or sensitive information to themselves and continuously being thoughtful about which information to share online and with whom
  
• Acting as a school and board cyber ally – i.e., helping the board's IT and security team(s) by being the first line of defense in thwarting cyberattacks, being vigilant and doing their part in keeping board systems and information safe and secure
  
• Sharing and promoting what they learn about safe and secure practices with friends and loved ones
  
  

Weekly To​​pics

Each week in October promotes a specific topic. Click on the week to learn more about the topics.

• Week 1 focuses on social media, gaming, metaverse risks and best practices​
  
• Week 2 focuses on cyber scams and phishing risks, and what you can do to avoid being a victim
  
• Week 3 is about good cyber hygiene for everyone to adopt and practice​
  
• Week 4 focuses on the importance of digital wellness, as we sometimes lose sight of the fact that we may be spending too much time online
  

​​Access more communications resources from Ontario's Cyber Security Division​: