February 5 — One Click Away: Why Cybersecurity Matters to You

Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical topic—it affects how we bank, communicate, work, and access essential services. From smartphones and social media to healthcare systems and public infrastructure, our daily lives are deeply connected to cyberspace.

This talk provides an accessible, non-technical introduction to cybersecurity for a general audience.

It explains what cyberspace is, why cybersecurity matters to individuals and communities, and how common cyber attacks—such as phishing, data breaches, and online scams—actually occur. The presentation also highlights practical steps individuals can take to better protect their digital lives and reduce risk.

The talk concludes with an overview of ongoing efforts and programs in our state aimed at strengthening cybersecurity education, workforce development, and awareness.

Reza Rejaie is a Professor and Head of the Computer Science Department at the University of Oregon and a founding Associate Director of the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (OCCoE). With over three decades of experience in networking and cybersecurity, Professor Rejaie has contributed to both academic research and real-world practice and has worked closely with public and private partners. He led the creation and implementation of a vision to turn the University of Oregon into a regional hub for cybersecurity research and education.

In his current roles, he leads statewide initiatives focused on strengthening cybersecurity education, workforce development, and awareness, including programs for high school teachers and students across Oregon. Professor Rejaie is a Fellow of the IEEE and a Distinguished Member of the ACM, honors recognizing sustained and significant contributions to computing research.