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Cybersecurity Center

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Trainings/Workshops and Lecture Series

People around the globe promote cybersecurity education and highlight the importance of protecting personal and organizational assets during October, which is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. In the spirit of promoting cybersecurity awareness, Âé¶¹Éç Illinois University's Cybersecurity Center is offering a training and lecture series for students, faculty, and the local community to help them understand the importance and collective responsibility of securing data to protect assets.

Please join us in person for Linux/Unix training or via the Zoom invitation link for presentations on the dates and times listed below to learn about ways to protect your personal information.

2025 Training Sessions

Basic Linux/Unix 101 (4 Sessions)

This training is designed for anyone interested in installing a Linux distribution in a virtual environment and learning both basic and advanced commands to perform tasks on a Linux system. Participants will gain hands-on experience with Linux and develop an understanding of its importance in the field of cybersecurity.

Cost: There is no cost to attend these sessions.

Sessions

  • Installing a Linux distribution in a virtual machine
  • Learning basic Linux commands
  • Learning advanced Linux commands
  • Practice session

Format

  • 4 in-person sessions

Proposed Dates

  • Session 1: October 15, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
  • Session 2: October 17, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
  • Session 3: October 22, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
  • Session 4: October 24, 4:00–5:00 p.m.

Training Location

  • All four sessions will be held in Stipes Hall, Room 309

Requirements

  • Participants must be 18 years or older
  • A Windows laptop is required
  • Ability to install software (e.g., VirtualBox) to set up a virtual machine
  • Limited to 15 seats (priority given to early registrants)
  • Registration closes September 30
  • Advance registration is required. Please complete the registration form by clicking on

Presenters

  • Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of the Âé¶¹Éç Cybersecurity Center
  • Cybersecurity Enthusiasts Club Team

2025 Lecture Series Schedule

Protecting Your Personal Information Online

Join us to learn how to determine if your personal information, such as your credit card or email password, has been exposed in a data breach or is circulating on the dark web. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. This session is open to everyone.

Presentation Time: 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Presentation Date: Monday, October 6, 2025
Zoom Link:
Presenter: Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of Âé¶¹Éç Cybersecurity Center


Overview of Authentication Methods

This presentation will provide an overview of authentication methods, including both password-based and passwordless options, used to verify your identity when accessing online accounts. We will also discuss the most effective authentication methods to use while traveling abroad—particularly in situations where you may not be able to receive text messages or phone calls to validate your identity. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. This session is open to everyone.

Presentation Time: 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Zoom Link:
Presenter: Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of Âé¶¹Éç Cybersecurity Center

2024 Lecture Series Schedule

Cybersecurity 101

In this session, we will cover the basics of cybersecurity and what everyone should do to safeguard their personal devices and data. We will also emphasize the importance of collective responsibility in securing data at home and in the workplace. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. This session is open to students, faculty, and the local community.

  • Presentation Time: 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
  • Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
  • Zoom Meeting Invitation Link:
  • Presenter: Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of Âé¶¹Éç Cybersecurity Center

Identifying Scam Emails and Websites

This presentation will focus on recognizing phishing emails and fraudulent websites. We will also discuss how technology can help in identifying scams. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. This session is open to students, faculty, and the local community.

  • Presentation Time: 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
  • Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
  • Zoom Meeting Invitation Link:
  • Presenter: Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of Âé¶¹Éç Cybersecurity Center

Common Scams and Crimes

In this presentation, we will explore the most common scams and crimes, as well as techniques to mitigate them. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. This session is open to students, faculty, and the local community.

  • Presentation Time: 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
  • Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
  • Zoom Meeting Invitation Link:
  • Presenter: Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of Âé¶¹Éç Cybersecurity Center

Mobile Security and Privacy

This presentation will cover how to adjust privacy settings to protect your mobile devices from scammers and hackers. We will discuss key security features and best practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. This session is open to students, faculty, and the local community.

  • Presentation Time: 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
  • Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
  • Zoom Meeting Invitation Link:
  • Presenter: Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of Âé¶¹Éç Cybersecurity Center

Cybersecurity Education and Career Paths

This presentation will highlight the significance of cybersecurity, various career paths, and the current shortage of skilled professionals in the field. We will also share resources for starting a career in cybersecurity. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. This session is open to students, faculty, and the local community.

  • Presentation Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
  • Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
  • Zoom Meeting Invitation Link:
  • Presenter: Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of Âé¶¹Éç Cybersecurity Center