The EDUCAUSE/Internet2 Computer and Network Security Task Force and the National Cyber Security Alliance have announced six winners for a computer security awareness video contest, as part of a national campaign to raise awareness of and increase computer security at colleges and universities. The contest searched for two categories of short computer awareness videos that addressed a broad range of security topics or focused on a single security issue. Submissions were developed by college students for college students. The winners’ videos are featured on the EDUCAUSE Web site and will be utilized in campus security awareness campaigns and efforts.

“The prevention of computer-related security problems is a critical issue for institutions of higher education. Students are particularly prone to cybersecurity risks. We believe that the videos that were produced as part of this contest will go a long way towards educating students about how to improve the security of their computers, use the Internet safely, and will enhance their overall academic experience,” said Rodney Petersen, Security Task Force coordinator with EDUCAUSE.

According to Shirley Payne, director of Security Coordination and Policy at the University of Virginia , “The contest results show that the student community is a talented resource that colleges and universities should tap to enhance their security awareness programs. Given the number of issues that compete for students’ attention, videos that are brief, entertaining, and instructive are an effective way to bring security into focus. Who better to develop those videos than the students themselves?”

Winners were selected for creativity, content and quality of information, overall effectiveness of the delivery, and technical quality. Cash prizes were awarded to winners in each category. The two “gold” winners received $1,000, two “silver” winners received $800, and two “bronze” winners received $500 in cash prizes. The winning videos were:

Broad Topic Category:

• Gold – “Superhighway Safety,” Savannah College of Art and Design
• Silver – "Wasteland,” College of William and Mary and University of Virginia
• Bronze – “The McCumber Cube,” Idaho State University

Single Topic Category:

• Gold – “Bob, You’ve Been Phished,” Cal Poly Pomona
• Silver – “Computing in a Community Environment, Part IV: Back Yo Data Up!” Wake Forest University
• Bronze – “Act Now, Stay Current,” James Madison University

“The National Cyber Security Alliance is excited to see that students are actively participating in opportunities to better educate themselves and their peers about cybersecurity issues,” said Ron Teixeira, executive director of National Cyber Security Alliance. “This contest is just one of the many ways students can build awareness of the ever evolving online security environment and to take the steps necessary to protect themselves against the changing threats.”

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