UTSA invites public to attend free cyber security lectures

By Christi Fish
Public Affairs Specialist

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month

For the third straight year, The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) will observe Cyber Security Awareness Month (CSAM), created by the U.S. Dept of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance to raise awareness of information security issues.

During CSAM, UTSA’s Information Security Office will sponsor a variety of lectures designed to underscore the importance of being safe online.  The lectures, which are free and open to the public, will be given by speakers from UTSA, government agencies and the private sector.

UTSA’s Cyber Security Awareness Month 2009 Lecture Series

Kickoff meeting, UTSA Information Security Office

October 19, 3:00 p.m., Retama Auditorium (University Center, 2.02.02, Main Campus)

“Child Safe – Protecting Kids Online” – Lee Carsten, ISSA

October 21, 3:00 p.m., Retama Auditorium (University Center, 2.02.02, Main Campus)

“The Wall of Sheep” – Joseph Mlodzianowski, Information Security Architect

October 23, 3:00 p.m., Retama Auditorium (University Center, 2.02.02, Main Campus)

“Identity Theft and Protection” – Special Agent Chris Lamb, FBI

October 26, 3:00 p.m., Retama Auditorium (University Center, 2.02.02, Main Campus)

“Automated Vulnerability Attacks” – Billy Austin, SAINT Corp.

October 28, 2:30 p.m., Retama Auditorium (University Center, 2.02.02, Main Campus)

“Child Safe – Protecting Kids Online” – Lee Carsten, ISSA

October 29, 3:00 p.m., FS 1.402 (Downtown Campus)

“Cyber Security- What You Need to Know” – Ravi Sandhu, Ph.D., UTSA Institute for Cyber Security

October 30, 3:00 p.m., Retama Auditorium (University Center, 2.02.02, Main Campus)

In addition to UTSA’s 2009 cyber security lecture series, UTSA students may participate in a Web-based game that will reward them for attending sessions and learning more about information security.  Winners in the “Treasure Island” game may win prizes: an iPod Touch, iPod Shuffle or a Google backpack. The game begins October 16.

“Through CSAM, we hope to increase awareness of information security so that each individual at UTSA can protect themselves and the UTSA community,” said Carolyn Ellis, assistant director, OIT Customer Relations and Communications.

For more information about the lectures or the “Treasure Island” game, please visit the official UTSA cyber security Web site: http://www.utsa.edu/cybersecurity.