Cybersecurity isn鈥檛 just an IT issue 鈥 it鈥檚 an everybody issue. A Stanford University study found that 88% of data breaches result from human error. With cyber threats becoming smarter, more complex, and increasingly AI-driven, the greatest vulnerability is not our systems, it's human behavior.
Responding to modern threats
We鈥檙e launching an updated version of mandatory digital self-defence training. This evolved cybersecurity awareness training for the University of Ottawa is designed to encourage real behavior change and foster a proactive security culture through:
- Interconnected phishing simulations
- Visible personal risk score to track awareness growth
- Personalized, role-based content and adaptive learning paths
- Concise year-after-year training modules that easily fit into your busy workday
- Optional trainings for the most eager
IT employees across the University are already leading the way. These early adopters are helping to fine-tune the platform and preparing to better support you. By this fall, updated Digital self-defence will launch University-wide, and we鈥檙e asking you to help set the tone.
Protect our community
This isn鈥檛 just about checking a box, it鈥檚 about protecting our community. Several students and employees have already been impacted by fraud. The next attempt could reach anyone.
Awareness is our best defense.
We urge you to complete the training early, share its importance, and encourage your teams to do the same. Keep an eye out for information sessions with your faculty or service and for platform notifications coming from Information Technology and complete the training as soon as possible. If you don鈥檛 yet have access to the training platform, you can request the roadshow presentation or schedule an info session from the Information Security Office鈥攄on鈥檛 wait to get started.
Together, we can build a more secure, more resilient University of Ottawa. Cybersecurity is everyone鈥檚 responsibility. Be the reason we stay secure.