October brings Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a dedicated opportunity to elevate our community’s understanding of online safety. As digital threats evolve, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), it’s crucial to ground ourselves in the essentials and sharpen our awareness of new risks. This article highlights the trusted “core 4” of cybersecurity and introduces practical tips for staying safe in the age of AI.
The “Core 4” of Cybersecurity
Start with the four foundational habits known as the “core 4″—practices that greatly reduce your vulnerability to cyber threats:
- Use strong passwords and a password manager: Create unique, complex passwords for each account and store them with a trusted password manager for convenience and security.
- Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of protection by requiring additional verification—like a code sent to your device—when logging into important accounts.
- Update your software: Regularly install updates for your devices and applications. These updates often include critical security patches that fix known vulnerabilities.
- Recognize and report scams: Stay alert for suspicious emails, messages, or links. If something feels off, don’t click—report it promptly to campus IT so others are protected, too.
Staying Safe in the Age of AI: New Challenges & Practical Tips
As artificial intelligence becomes woven into everyday technology, cybercriminals are using it to create new, sophisticated threats. Alongside the “core 4,” here are additional tips to help you remain secure:
- Be skeptical of hyper-realistic content: AI-generated images, videos, and audio (deepfakes) can be hard to spot. Verify any unusual or extraordinary content through another trusted channel before reacting or sharing.
- Watch for AI-powered phishing scams: Attackers use AI to craft convincing, personalized phishing messages. Double-check sender information and be wary of urgent requests for personal or financial details.
- Protect your data from AI scraping: Review your privacy settings on social media and limit the personal information you post online, as AI tools can collect and misuse public data.
- Use trusted AI tools: Stick to reputable, well-reviewed AI apps and services. Check privacy policies and be selective with permissions, especially for apps requesting access to sensitive data.
- Stay informed about AI threats: Cyber risks change quickly. Follow campus alerts and subscribe to reliable cybersecurity news to keep up with new developments.
- Understand AI in everyday apps: Many popular tools employ AI for convenience—like smart assistants or automatic photo organization. Learn how these features use your data and adjust your settings to control what’s shared.
For a quick and engaging overview of how to spot AI-driven deception, check out our 4-minute video, “Seeing Through the Deception,” available on our internal website. This short video provides practical examples and tips to help you recognize deepfakes, manipulated content, and AI-powered scams—empowering you to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. We encourage everyone in our campus community to watch and share this resource as part of your ongoing cybersecurity learning.
What To Do If You Suspect a Security Incident
If you encounter an AI-driven scam, suspicious content, or a possible breach, contact the ITS Support Center right away. Fast reporting helps protect your data and our campus community.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By following the “core 4” and staying vigilant against AI-powered risks, you help build a safer digital environment for all. Let’s use Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 to reinforce smart habits and adapt to tomorrow’s challenges.
— Becky Klein, ITS
