Don’t get hooked: stay safe online during Cybersecurity Month

Students working with the network Published September 16, 2024

The way people use the internet is constantly changing, and so are the dangers associated with being online. Learn how to keep clear of phishing scams and stay safe online with the help of the experts during Cybersecurity Month this October.

"In today's cybersecurity world, threats seem to be lurking around every corner,” said College of Lake County Director of Cybersecurity Byron Sosa. “However, by developing good cybersecurity habits, you can take that first step toward reducing the risk of your identity, information and/or money being stolen."

CLC’s cybersecurity team is hosting four virtual workshops during October, each covering different topics to help keep you safe when online. Each is led by a CLC expert or another professional in the local workforce.

  • Cyber Shields Up: Tips for Strengthening Your Account Defenses, at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2.

    Cybersecurity tips for account protection in daily life and best practices for creating strong, secure passwords. This includes advice on length, complexity and techniques like using passphrases. We will introduce password managers used to store and manage passwords securely. We will talk about the importance of multi-factor authentication in adding an extra layer of security and how it works.

  • CLC and Career in Cybersecurity: Real Life Story, at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9.

    Former CLC student and cybersecurity department intern Juliana Zarinana shares her experiences and insights, providing a realistic view of the cybersecurity jobs landscape, including challenges and opportunities she encountered during her college years and in her career. She will offer practical insights into the cybersecurity industry, sharing their experiences and the skills that are most in demand.

  • Dark Web Intelligence, at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16.

    Learn what the dark web is and why it is important for cybersecurity operation with Sentinel, an Illinois based company with a global presence. There will be an examination of real-world cases where dark web intelligence has played a crucial role in solving crimes or preventing cyber-attacks. Participants will understand the fundamentals of the dark web, including its infrastructure and the technologies that underpin it. The session will also provide a clear understanding of the ethical and legal considerations when operating on the dark web.

  • Cybersecurity Threat Landscape Overview, at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23.

    Supervisory Special Agent Ray Miller, a member of the FBI's Chicago office, will provide an overview of the different cyber security threats that they are seeing on the “front lines” and will share some tips on how you can protect yourselves from these threats. The presentation will provide an understanding of the latest cyber security threats identified by the FBI, which could range from phishing scams to sophisticated nation-state attacks. Participants will get knowledge of practical tips and best practices for protecting oneself from these threats, such as using strong passwords, enabling MFA and recognizing phishing attempts.

To sign up for the sessions, visit https://learn.clcillinois.edu/public/category/programStream.do?method=load&selectedProgramAreaId=1022364&selectedProgramStreamId=1695965