Calhoun Offers Free Training Resources And Events To The Community In Recognition Of Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Calhoun Community College’s Business and Computer Information Systems (CIS) division is excited to announce a series of free events and training resources to help the community stay protected in the face of cyber threats.
Calhoun’s efforts are part of a nationwide initiative, led by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA), to educate individuals about the importance of cybersecurity. According to Jeremy Blevins, Calhoun CIS Instructor and Department Chair, Calhoun holds the prestigious designation as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense for two-year colleges, recognized by DHS and NSA.
“This is a fact many people don’t know, and we are incredibly proud of it,” Blevins said. “That’s why we continuously offer cybersecurity training sessions, seminars, and camps throughout the year to help our community stay educated on how to recognize the many different forms of attacks in our increasingly complex digital world,” Blevins added.
Cybersecurity is a critical issue that affects every aspect of modern life, from personal identity to financial security. “Our world is becoming extremely fast-paced and more technical every day, making cybersecurity not just a concern for businesses. Everyday people are at risk when they choose passwords that aren’t as strong for online shopping accounts or email logins, aren’t educated on the importance of enabling multi-factor authentication, or even when they use public Wi-Fi,” says Blevins. “Any of these actions could make an individual vulnerable to a cyberattack, which could take years to resolve,” he adds.
To equip the community with the knowledge they need, Calhoun is offering a series of free events and self-paced courses from October 1 through May 2025.
Free Online Course: Digital Awareness
Presenter: Cisco Networking Academy
Dates: October 1 – November 9, 2024
Time Commitment: Approximately 6 hours (self-paced)
Location: Online
This beginner-friendly course covers the basics of digital tools and technologies, their societal benefits, and how to manage your digital identity. Perfect for those looking to enhance their digital literacy.
Cybersecurity Panel Discussion Seminar
Topic: The Cyber Threat Landscape in North Alabama
Date: Friday, October 25, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Huntsville Campus, Math, Science, & CIS Building, Multifunction Room
Join cybersecurity experts in a thought-provoking panel on the evolving cyber threats in North Alabama. Presenters will be announced soon.
Cyber Challenge: Your Pathway to a Cybersecurity Career!
Presenter: Cisco Networking Academy
Availability: October 1, 2024 – May 23, 2025
This 8-month, self-paced challenge consists of six courses and one exam, offering participants the opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certification as a Junior Cybersecurity Analyst. Course topics include cybersecurity fundamentals, network defense, and cyber threat management. Participants will also have access to Cisco’s Virtual Job Fair and Credentialing.
For individuals who don’t have access to a computer to take the self-paced courses, Blevins encourages attending the Cybersecurity Seminar panel discussion, which will feature various speakers discussing the different cyber threats people are encountering in North Alabama.
The panel discussion is free and open to the general public and does not require registration. To learn more about the self-paced training sessions or to register, visit www.calhoun.edu/cybersecurityawareness.
For more information about Calhoun’s Business & Computer Information Systems programs and certifications, visit www.calhoun.edu/BusinessandCIS.