McMaster community takes on cyber security

October has ended, and while National Cyber Security Awareness Month is also over, our IT security focus continues. When October began, the Information Security Services team engaged the McMaster community to promote cyber security awareness — and offer a chance to win some cool prizes!

And the winners are…

A big congratulations to contestants on winning Apple AirPods, a Bose wireless speaker and gift card! Winners have been selected and contacted. And most importantly, thank you to every member of the McMaster community who engaged with IT security, learned a few tips to stay safe online and signed up for multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Throughout October, MFA sign ups increased by 31% for employees and 15% for students.

Gayleen Gray, McMaster’s assistant vice-president and chief technology officer, shares excitement in seeing the community engage and adopt these cyber security measures. “IT security is a responsibility that stretches across our campus and beyond with every student, staff and faculty member playing an important part to help defend our collective online experience,” says Gray.

Importantly, McMaster has announced that MFA will be required on Microsoft 365 services for all students, faculty members and staff, with a rolling implementation to begin in January 2022. MFA is an IT security best practice and has full support from McMaster’s senior leaders, including the Provost, VP Operations and Finance and Provost Council.

However, there’s no need to wait! You can start today. McMaster students, faculty members and staff can sign up for and use MFA right now.

“MFA is a great step forward for McMaster’s online security,” says Tracy Dallaire, director of Information Security. “This is just one tool in our cyber kit, along with recommendations and policies, that will be the focus of the soon-to-be-launched information security roadmap.”

Hungry for more cyber security resources? Check out IT security hygiene resources to boost your cyber security game while working, learning and teaching online through best practices, such as creating a strong password, being aware of phishing attempts and securing online environments.

Get the latest cyber security tips and updates by following the Information Security team on Twitter and Instagram.