Get Cyber Safe – A University of Manitoba Initiative
October marks Cyber Security Awareness Month, and the University of Manitoba is proudly joining the national campaign to promote vigilant cyber habits. The theme this year, “Get cyber safe – for future you,” emphasizes not just today’s threat landscape but the steps we take now to ensure a safer, smoother digital future for every member of the campus community—students, faculty, and staff alike. At UM, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that empowers everyone to protect personal information, university data, and the integrity of our digital infrastructure.
Why Cybersecurity Matters for Everyone at UM
Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and higher education institutions like UM face increasingly sophisticated risks. A strong cyber posture requires awareness, good habits, and technical safeguards working in harmony. By adopting best practices today, campus members reduce the risk of data breaches, phishing attempts, and downtime that can disrupt teaching, research, and administration. Cyber safety is about prevention, but it also means less time spent resolving incidents and more time focusing on learning, discovery, and service to our communities.
A Culture of Shared Responsibility
UM’s approach treats cybersecurity as a daily practice rather than a one-off task. From personal device care to responsible handling of sensitive information, everyone on campus plays a role. This culture supports not only individual protection but also the resilience of university operations and scholarly work. When students and staff adopt simple habits—strong passwords, regular software updates, cautious email habits, and careful handling of data—we create a safer environment that benefits future you and future generations of UM learners and researchers.
UM’s Commitment: Training, Awareness, and Support
To bolster cyber resilience, UM is rolling out comprehensive programs designed to equip the community with practical knowledge and tools. A key element is cybersecurity and privacy awareness training available to all faculty, staff, and researchers. The online program, delivered via the Microsoft 365 platform (Microsoft Defender), consists of six modules and takes approximately 45–60 minutes to complete. This flexible format allows busy campus members to learn at their own pace while gaining essential skills to protect both personal and university information.
What You’ll Learn
- Recognizing common threats and social engineering techniques.
- Best practices for password hygiene and account security.
- Safe handling of sensitive information and privacy considerations.
- How to respond to potential security incidents and report concerns.
- Fundamentals of safe device use and secure remote access.
How to Enroll
If your unit or department is interested in enrolling in this essential training or you would like more details, contact the IST Service Desk at
Email: srvdesk@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-8600
Enrollment information and resources are available online, with one-click access through UM’s intranet portal. By participating, you contribute to a safer campus where research and teaching can thrive without unnecessary cyber risk.
A Collective Action for a Safer Future
Cybersecurity is not a one-and-done effort. It grows when individuals commit to ongoing learning and responsible practices. UM’s Cyber Security Awareness Month initiative invites every member of the campus community to engage, learn, and share best practices. Small daily choices—such as updating software, using multi-factor authentication, and verifying suspicious messages—compound into a formidable defense that protects tomorrow as effectively as today.
Join Us in Building a Safe, Cyber Secure University
Together, we can create a cyber safe environment that supports innovation, collaboration, and peace of mind across the University of Manitoba. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and take advantage of the training resources available to strengthen your digital habits for the benefit of future you and the entire UM community.
