Identity theft, fraud, phishing and cyber bullying are the unfortunate aspects of today’s technological landscape.
East Central University’s student organization, 21ST3 (21st Century Students Transforming Teaching with Technology), is hosting a three-day cyber-focused event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Oct. 28-30 in the Bill S. Cole University Center.
The event, free and open to the public, is being held in conjunction with National Cyber Security Awareness Month (October) and the Department of Homeland Security’s national campaign called Stop.Think.Connect.
The Stop.Think.Connect Campaign is a public awareness effort to guide the nation to a higher level of Internet safety by challenging the American public to be more vigilant about practicing safer online habits.
Tips on how people can protect themselves, their families and the nation from growing cyber threats will be shared at the event. The goal of the event is to help people understand not only the risks that come with using the Internet, but also the importance of practicing safe online behavior.
Food, prizes and drawings will also be featured at the three-day event with different food themes scheduled each day. Tuesday is “Nacho Password Day” as Polo’s is providing the chips and cheese. On Wednesday is “Be Sweet When Online Day,” with an emphasis on the importance of practicing good digital citizenship and being mindful of one’s digital identity, avoiding cyber bullying, etc. Cupcakes, baked by the ECU Family and Consumer Science Department with ingredients provided by Wal-Mart, will be provided that day as well as sweet tea from Chicken Express. Thursday is “Be Aware Barbecue Day” as barbecue sliders will be provided by Pigskins.