Online game tests cybersecurity skills at FSU

You’re at your desk, busy saving the universe from cybercrime, and need to step away. What do you do with your computer?

Respond correctly, and you’ll be on your way to the Cyberhero Hall of Fame. Choose poorly, and you’ll find out that a cybercrook snooped around your email and important files.

This is just one of nine thought-provoking cybersecurity scenarios students and employees at Florida State University are challenged with when they play the online Cyberhero game. The game, which grills players on a number of personal habits related to cybersecurity, is part of Florida State University’s efforts to promote cybersecurity and privacy as part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

The award-winning “Be a Cyberhero” campaign, sponsored by Information Technology Services (ITS), reminds students, faculty and staff of their personal responsibility to make smart decisions online. The purpose of the campaign and Cyberhero game is to educate the university on how to behave safely and responsibly online, and to understand the consequences of online decisions and actions.

“Everyone needs to appreciate the resounding impact of their online actions,” urges FSU Director of Information Security and Privacy Mike Russo. “We each have a role in securing our little corner of cyberspace. And the things we do or don’t do have the potential to impact everyone, for good or for bad.”

During the month of October, ITS is promoting cybersecurity awareness around campus and encouraging the FSU community to test their cybersecurity skills by playing the Cyberhero game.

The Cyberhero game is open to the public, and anyone is welcome to play. All Florida State University students, faculty and staff who play the game between Oct. 10 and Oct. 21 will be entered into a random drawing to win one of three HP laptops.

Do you have what it takes to outwit the cybercrooks and achieve cyberhero status? Play the game to find out: cyberhero.its.fsu.edu

About National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM)
Now in its 13th year, NCSAM is designed raise awareness about cybersecurity in order to increase the resiliency of the nation in the event of a cyberincident. NCSAM has been formally recognized by Congress, federal, state and local governments and leaders from industry and academia. This united effort is necessary to maintain a cyberspace that is safer and more resilient and remains a source of tremendous opportunity and growth for years to come. For more information, visit staysafeonline.org/ncsam or dhs.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month.