October 1, 2021

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which continues to emphasize the importance of cybersecurity across our nation while ensuring that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online.

The impact cybercrime has on companies and individuals is substantial. An estimated $6 trillion will be spent globally on cybersecurity by 2021. For many companies, it takes nearly six months to detect a data breach, and 77% of organizations do not have a cybersecurity response plan.

CSU President Chris Markwood and Student Government Association President Curtis Walker issued an official proclamation in support of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month on Friday, Oct. 1. As a 2021 Champion University for cybersecurity, CSU remains dedicated to the ongoing education and innovation efforts to create a more cyber aware world. As part of those efforts, all CSU faculty and staff will complete cybersecurity awareness training throughout the month as part of an ongoing program administered by the University System of Georgia.

In celebration of the month, CSU will also host events open to the public.

Free Community Shredding Event

Saturday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

CSU Main Campus in Lot 4 (behind the Synovus Center of Commerce & Technology)

Sponsored by River Mill Data Management

No binders, plastics, CD's or large metal clips are permitted.

Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) Cyber Career Panel

Monday, Oct. 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Virtual session with invite on Discord

A full schedule for the month can be found at https://legalaffairs.columbusstate.edu/infosec/cybersecurity-awareness-month.php.

Columbus State has emerged in recent years as a leader in cybersecurity education through a full complement of nexus, bachelor’s, master’s and graduate certificate programs in cybersecurity. 

In addition to its various academic offerings, CSU’s new TSYS Center for Cybersecurity boasts a state-of-the-art cyber range designed to enrich students’ academic experiences, broaden industry partnerships, and meet workforce demands for high-tech cyber warriors. The range is the first-of-its kind in Georgia — designed for and available to train both industry professionals and college students. The range is capable of simulating cyber incursions ranging from a simple web defacement to a full-blown ransomware attack.