In celebration of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Metro State University hosted its annual “Think Safe! Be Safe!” community event, organized by the Cybersecurity and Forensics Student Organization (CFSO). The event was co-sponsored by the Saint Paul Public Library–Dayton’s Bluff Branch, the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC), and Metro State’s Library and Metro Cyber Clinic, reflecting the university’s commitment to community engagement and collaborative public service. The event brought together students, alumni, faculty, and community partners to promote digital safety and empower Minnesotans with practical cybersecurity knowledge. Held at the Cyber Security Center in New Main, the day-long program offered free public workshops, hands-on demonstrations, and complimentary device security checkups for attendees who brought their laptops, phones, tablets, and smart devices.
Participants joined sessions on a range of topics, including: Internet safety for children and families, cybersecurity for seniors, social media and identity protection, secure online shopping and banking, home wi-fi and smart device security, and inclusive cybersecurity strategies for individuals with disabilities. Think Safe! Be Safe! concluded with an interactive “Ask an Expert” panel, where attendees connected with Metro State faculty and cybersecurity professionals to discuss current cyber threats and protective best practices.