Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making this a good time to review the University of California’s cybersecurity training requirements and the role each of us plays in protecting University information and systems. UC requires faculty, staff, and students to complete annual cybersecurity awareness training that provides up-to-date security education consistent with UC standards.

The training reinforces practical habits that help reduce security risks, including recognizing suspicious emails and phishing attempts, protecting passwords, using multi-factor authentication when available, and handling University information carefully. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and completing required training helps employees stay alert to threats that can affect both University and personal information.

If you receive notice that your cybersecurity training is due, complete it by the assigned deadline. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is also a useful reminder to pause before clicking an unexpected link, opening an attachment, or providing login information. A few careful seconds can help prevent a security incident.

REMEMBER: Stop, look, and think before you click.

October 2026 Compliance Corner Trivia

How often are University of California faculty and staff required to complete cybersecurity awareness training?

• A. Only when they are first hired
• B. Every five years
• C. Annually
• D. Only after a cybersecurity incident

Send your answer to daphne.zamora@medsch.ucr.edu to be entered into a drawing for a $25 Target gift card.