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Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025

Each October, Duke IT Security offices create fun and engaging opportunities for the Duke community to take part in National Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities, sponsored by the National Cybersecurity Alliance. This year, we’re bringing back some favorites and introducing fresh ways to participate:

🏈 Cyber Bowl Returns!

All month long (Oct 1st–31st), play the Cyber Bowl quiz competition at duke.is/CyberBowl2025. Each completed quiz scores a point for Duke against our rivals across the state. Win prizes and help us prove Duke is the most cyber smart school!

Digital Security Series (DSS)

Join the Digital Security Series, interactive Zoom sessions led by ISO and ITSO experts offering a practical, security-focused view of current tech issues. Sessions run on the third Thursday (Aug–Mar, except December) from 3:00–4:30 pm.

Learn more: https://security.duke.edu/secure/get-involved/

Daily Phishing Challenge

Duke runs a simulated phishing program to help our community practice recognizing and reporting suspicious emails. During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, you can opt into the Daily Phishing Challenge (October 1st–17th) to receive one simulated phishing email each workday. Report it using the "Report Message" button to earn chances at weekly prizes and the grand prize.

Participants may opt out at any time.

Duke Annual Phishing Challenge flyer showing the dates of October 1st to the 17th of 2025.

🎮 Gamifying Cybersecurity

All month long, try out Screensaver, Duke’s new interactive cybersecurity game. It’s a fun and engaging way to learn how to stay safe online. The game challenges players to complete real-world cybersecurity tasks like spotting phishing emails, creating strong passwords, using two-factor authentication, solving CAPTCHA puzzles, and avoiding online scams.

Play: https://duke.is/screensavergame
Feedback: https://duke.is/screensaverfeedback

Flyer detailing the concept an tech stack of the Screensaver Game.

Duke tech week

Presented by Duke OIT and partners, Duke Tech Week (Sept. 29th – Oct. 2nd) brings students interactive demos, giveaways, and conversations on AI, cybersecurity, and other tech-related topics.

Don’t miss ITSO’s Lock‑Picking Station and a new interactive cybersecurity game on Oct 2nd. Come test your skills!

Learn more by joining us on Teams!

Cybersecurity Ambassadors are individuals interested in cybersecurity who want to join the Duke Security Offices in being ambassadors for security initiatives at Duke. Learn more by visiting the team: https://duke.is/SecurityAmbassadors.