October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the U of A is marking the month with a full slate of outreach events, educational opportunities and interactive activities — all designed to boost cybersecurity awareness across campus.

This year's activities at the U of A start Oct. 1 with Cyber Day, held in the International Connections Lounge (Flag Room) at the Arkansas Union from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cyber Day will feature an information table covering key cybersecurity topics, including common concerns like small business risks, identity theft and financial scams. There will also be interactive games like puzzles and crosswords, refreshments and a mascot appearance.

Throughout the month, the U of A campus community is invited to take part in a series of virtual events and webinars focused on staying safe and informed in the digital world.

Register online and put your cyber knowledge to the test in a turbocharged, virtual game-show experience with "Level Up Your Cyber Game," beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9

Registration is also open for a webinar with Lisa Plaggemier, executive director of the National Cybersecurity Alliance, at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14. Her talk, "A Whole Lotta BS (Behavioral Science) About Cybersecurity," will explore how to outsmart scammers, protect passwords and secure sensitive data.

On Oct. 21 at 10 a.m., a webinar is available called, "AI Agents in Action: Protecting Against Synthetic Media and Human Risk Exploits." This webinar will feature James McQuiggan, a security awareness advocate for KnowBe4 with over 20 years of cybersecurity experience.

Gayle Combs, cybersecurity adviser for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Region 6, State of Arkansas, will speak at the university's Administrative Services Building (ADSB) at 11 a.m., Oct 24. Her presentation, "National Cyber Threats," will take place in Room 240. No registration is required.

As October continues, the U of A will share information and tips with the campus community to protect against cyber threats like phishing, social engineering and AI-driven scams. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to take advantage of the October events and webinar opportunities to sharpen their cybersecurity skills and help keep their data secure.

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month started in 2004, with 2025 being its 22nd year. Cybersecurity is a fundamental part of the U of A's commitment to protecting the academic and personal integrity of its students, faculty and staff.