October is Cyber Awareness Month, and at the University of Oxford, we’re joining the GÉANT Cyber Mindful campaign to strengthen our collective commitment to protecting the people, data, and research that define our community.
AI-powered scams are on the rise, making it easier than ever for attackers to manipulate what we see and hear online. We can no longer automatically trust that digital content is genuine but we can train our minds to stay calm, think critically, and respond with intention. That’s what it means to be cyber mindful: applying mindfulness being fully present and aware to how we use technology, and paying attention on purpose whenever we click, share, or act online.
Stay Cyber Mindful: The Five Pillars of Protection
1. Think Before You Click
Phishing remains one of the most common entry points for cyberattacks. When a message catches your attention, take a moment to pause before reacting. Notice how it makes you feel — urgency, curiosity, or concern — and let that awareness guide your next step. Breathe, look closely, and verify the sender.
2. Protect Your Passwords
Passwords protect more than just your accounts — they safeguard your identity and your work. Be intentional in how you create and store them. Use strong, unique passwords and a trusted password manager, and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. A mindful moment spent securing your accounts protects you and the University in the long run.
3. Secure Your Devices
Staying cyber mindful means being aware of where and how you use your devices. Keep them updated, encrypted, and locked when unattended. Before connecting to Wi-Fi or sharing information, pause and consider: is this the safest option right now? A little awareness goes a long way toward keeping your data protected.
4. Safeguard and Speak up
Protecting Oxford’s data starts with a mindful pause. Notice what you’re handling and share only what’s necessary through secure systems. You don’t need to be a security expert if something feels off, it probably is. If a mistake happens, act quickly: your response can make all the difference. Being aware and taking thoughtful action keeps our community and research safe.
5. Refresh your awareness
Take time each year to complete the Information Security and Data Protection training. This course helps you build awareness and stay present in your online actions, protecting University data and responding thoughtfully to potential threats. Regular training refreshes your knowledge and encourages intentional, confident choices in the digital world.
Pause, stay aware, and act with intention online. A mindful pause before every click can make all the difference in keeping Oxford safe.
