ST. LEO – October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a national initiative dedicated to promoting digital safety and strengthening the cybersecurity workforce.
Saint Leo University is preparing students for employment in the cyber sector. It was one of the Tampa Bay area’s first institutions to offer cybersecurity degrees.
Edward Santiago, assistant professor of computer science in the university’s College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Data Science, explains why cybersecurity awareness is essential in today’s digital world and shares tips to keep you protected.
“In today’s digital age, we can only approach innovation with caution and adjust to its pace,” Santiago said. “Be aware that every digital device collects, tracks and monitors your activity, especially those connected to a Wi-Fi service. Knowing what you can share, especially with AI systems that learn from your input, is a step toward information security. AI is smart because everything you type becomes part of its knowledge base. In the end, nothing is truly free. Someone always pays. And in the digital economy, the product is often you.”
Here are his cybersecurity tips for daily life:
- Use strong, unique passwords for every account and consider a password manager to keep them safe.
- Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of protection.
- Update devices and software regularly to limit security vulnerabilities.
- Limit what you share online, especially on social media and AI platforms.
- Be cautious with public Wi-Fi and use a VPN when accessing sensitive accounts.
- Check app permissions. Don’t allow unnecessary access to your location, microphone or contacts.
- Back up your data regularly to protect against loss or ransomware attacks.
Santiago teaches cybersecurity and AI at both the graduate and undergraduate levels at Saint Leo’s College of CARDS. With more than 25 years in IT, cybersecurity and academic leadership, he mentors students and creates hands-on learning experiences. He will accompany the Saint Leo PenTest Club to the CyberBay Summit 2025 Capture the Flag competition on Oct. 15 and the Raymond James Capture the Flag competition on Oct. 18.
