Office of Information Technology Observes National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

In recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Office of Information Technology Cybersecurity department highlights educational resources and tips aimed at strengthening cybersecurity awareness and resilience across the campus community.
Cybersecurity awareness
Oct 01, 2025

In recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCAM), the Office of Information Technology (OIT) Cybersecurity department highlights educational resources and tips aimed at strengthening cybersecurity awareness and resilience across the Georgia Tech community. 

Launched in 2004 by the National Cybersecurity Alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the annual observance of NCAM each October raises awareness about online safety and teaches individuals and organizations how to protect themselves from cyberthreats, such as phishing attacks, credential theft, and social engineering tactics. It also notes the importance of safeguarding digital information. 

“Cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge — it’s a shared responsibility across our entire campus community,” said Joe Lewis, associate vice president of Information Technology and chief information security officer. “OIT Cybersecurity is committed to empowering and enabling a culture of cyber awareness that prepares students, faculty, and staff to make smart, secure decisions to protect themselves and the Institute’s digital assets. As increasingly complex cyberthreats evolve, so must our vigilance.”  

OIT Cybersecurity has developed the Cybersecurity Awareness webpage and reminds the Georgia Tech community of the following tips this Cybersecurity Awareness Month:  

  • If you receive a suspicious email, even if it appears to come from Institute personnel, immediately report it to phishing@gatech.edu. 
  • Do not trust unexpected text messages, even if they appear to come from Institute personnel. Contact OIT or your office’s IT Help Desk immediately if uncertain.  
  • Never approve Duo two-factor (2FA) authentication requests you did not initiate. If you receive an unexpected prompt, deny it immediately.  
  • Do not share 2FA authentication codes under any circumstances. Georgia Tech support professionals will never ask you to share Duo codes or personal information via phone.  
  • Always verify requests related to account access or payroll changes by contacting your office’s IT support team or human resources professional directly.   
  • Never change your Institute password by clicking on a link in an email you receive. Directly type the Passport URL into your browser. Only change your password on the Passport site at passport.gatech.edu.  

Explore more cybersecurity guidance to enhance your cybersafety knowledge by visiting the Cybersecurity Awareness at Georgia Tech webpage at oit.gatech.edu/cybersecurityawareness.