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Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026

This October, CIBC Caribbean is committed to helping you protect what matters most - your personal and financial information.

Essay Competition: Shape tomorrow with AI

CIBC Caribbean invites Primary and Secondary School students to enter our AI Essay Competition and share their thoughts on the theme:

"Shaping Tomorrow: The Benefits and Challenges of Aritifical Intelligence"


Essay Prompt:

Aritificial Intelligence is becoming part of our everyday lives. Think about the ways in which AI can help either people at home, at school, or in the community. While AI offers significant opportunities, it also raises concerns about privacy, security, misinformation, and ethical use. What does AI mean to you and what are some benefits and challenges of using AI?

 

Tell us how AI can make everyday life better, the opportunities it creates, and the importance of using it safely and responsibly. We are challenging our young thinkers to win exciting prizes*!

Submit your entry


Prizes include:


1st Place

Sansung Tablet A11

SureStart Account (US $250)

Chief Security Officer Meet & Greet

2nd Place

STEM Robot Building Kit

SureStart Account (US $175)

 

3rd Place

SureStart Account (US $100)


Entry Requirements:

  • Entrants must be enrolled in an eligible primary or secondary school
  • Entries should include the student's name, age, school, country and division
  • A parent or guardian must sign/appove the subnmission for entrants under 18
  • Entries must respond directly to the assigned topic
  • Essays must be the student's original work
  • Sources should be acknowledged where applicable
  • Each student may submit only one entry
  • Entries must be received by the stated deadline

 

AI-use Rule:

AI tools may be used for basic brainstorming or proof reading, but they must not be used to write or substantially rewrite the essay. Students must declare whether an AI tool was used to explain how it was used. AI opinions, arguments and final work must reflect the student's own work.


Judging Criteria:

 

  Understanding of the Topic (25%)

Demonstrates a clear understanding of artificial intelligence
Effectively discusses both the benefits and challenges of AI

 

  Originality and Creativity (20%)

Presents fresh ideas and unique supporting examples
Explores the impact of AI on everyday life and the future

 

  Content and Critical Thinking (25%)

Provides well-reasoned arguments and supporting examples.
Explores the impact of AI on everyday life and the future.

  Organization and Structure (15%)

Has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. 
Ideas flow logically and are easy to follow. 
Maintains focus on the theme throughout.

 

  Language and presentation (15%)

Uses appropriate grammar, spelling, and punctuation. 
Demonstrates effective vocabulary and expression. 
Adheres to the competition guidelines and word limit.


Submission Deadline: October 30, 2026

Submit your entry to: cybersecurity@cibccaribbean.com

For full competition details and submission guidelnes, pleasure ensure your entry meets all requirements listed above for submitting.

 

*CIBC Caribbean terms and conditions apply.


Your Cybersecurity Guide for October

Knowledge is your strongest defense against fraud. Here are four key threats to be aware of this Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and what you can do to protect yourself.


Phishing in Messaging Apps

Phishing scams don't just arrive by email anymore. Bad actors now use WhatsApp, Signal, SMS, and social media direct messages to reach unsuspecting victims.

Watch out for messages that:

  • Create a sudden sense of urgency
  • Claim your account will be suspended
  • Promise a prize or unexpected refund
  • Ask you to move the conversation to another platform

What to do: Pause. Do not respond immediately or click any link. Verify the request through our CIBC Caribbean website or Resolution Centre. Report any suspicious messages claiming to be from CIBC Caribbeam by contacting us at fraud@cibccaribbean.com or 1-866-743-2257.

AI Chatbot Safety

AI chatbots can be powerful and efficient tools, but they must be used responsibly. Senstive information entered into public AI platforms could be exposed or mishandled

Never enter the following into an AI tool:

  • Passwords or PINs
  • Full account or card numbers
  • Identification documents
  • Personal customer information
  • Confidential or legal documents
  • Security questions and answers


What to do: Always verify important information from a reliable source before making any financial, medical, legal, or security-related decision. AI should support your judgment, not replace it.

Deepfake Scams

Deepfakes are AI-generated videos, images, or voice recordings designed to make it appear as though someone said ot did something they never actually did. Bad actors use them to spread misinformation, promote fake investments, and trick people into sending money.

Warning sign to look for:

  • Unusual urgency
  • Requests for money or security modes
  • Unnatural voice or facial movement
  • Inconsistent lighting or background
  • A request that seems out of character


What to do: Never rely on contact details provided in suspicious message. Contact the person using a phone number or channel you already trust. Consider using a safe word that only you and your family member know.

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