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Information Security

Article Archive #2


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Importance of Security

Information security is about addressing and reducing IT RISK. It’s easy to overlook risk as a topic when all you hear is talk about passwords, firewalls, encryption, policies, or two-factor authentication. In this section, you’ll read about how the university is at risk and what you can do to reduce the risk in your group, department, and college.

  • Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things

    Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT) The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term used to describe the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items that are embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity. These devices can communicate with each other and with other systems over the internet, creating a vast…

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  • Understanding Cybersecurity: A Glossary for Everyone

    In today’s digital age, understanding cybersecurity is not just for IT professionals but for everyone who uses the internet. Here are some common cybersecurity terms that everyone should be familiar with: Remember, knowledge is the first line of defense against cyber threats. Stay safe online!

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  • Safeguarding Your Data in the Cloud: A Guide to Cloud Security

    In today’s digital age, cloud computing has become an integral part of how we store, access, and share data. Whether you’re an end user or an IT professional, understanding cloud security is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information. Let’s explore some essential tips to help you navigate the world of cloud security. Remember, cloud security is…

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Scam Types

Scams used to be easier to detect without worry. A Nigerian prince asks for a few hundred dollars to give you access to his fortune. But those days are gone, and scammers are in a constant arms race with cybersecurity for your sensitive information. Learn about the different types of scams and how to deal with them.

  • Typosquatting: When a Tiny Typo Leads to Big Trouble

    Have you ever mistyped a website address? Maybe you accidentally hit “goggle.com” instead of “google.com”? Well, that seemingly innocent slip-up can lead you down a treacherous path—one paved with cyber traps. What Is Typosquatting? Typosquatting is like a cunning chameleon. It preys on our human tendency to fumble our keystrokes. Here’s how it works: Why…

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  • Spotting and Avoiding Phishing Attacks

    Phishing is essentially someone trying to get you to do something via email, usually by asking you to volunteer personal information or click a link, which enables them to compromise you, your accounts, or your computer. Other kinds of phishing may require you to open an attachment or a link, which can infect your computer…

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  • Obscured, Obfuscated Links

    Recently, researchers have discovered another technique cybercriminals use to steal your information. In this technique, cybercriminals use obfuscated links to show IP addresses like XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX, instead of websites. Obfuscated links are URLs that have been modified to hide the real location of a website.   In this attack method, cybercriminals send an urgent email that appears to come from a legitimate source and…

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  • Phishing and Phishing and Phishing

    Cybercriminals know the best strategies for gaining access to the university’s sensitive data – Social Engineering. They simply manipulate your trust by posing as something or someone you trust. According to experts at IBM, human error accounts for 95% of security incidents. Protect your data by familiarizing yourself with the various techniques and telltale signs of…

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Benefits & Tips for You

In this section, you can learn about all the different tools available to you at UT, such as secure file sharing and monitoring your systems. We will also share best practices for staying secure at school and at home.

  • Tips for Securing macOS

    It’s no surprise that macOS is the second-biggest operating system worldwide. Apple has a well-regulated array of computers available for consumers that merge many strengths of the whole Apple ecosystem. However, this doesn’t mean that you should not take any steps to help secure your macOS computer. Securing your Apple computer involves several steps to…

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  • MFA + Strong Passwords: Your Best Defense Against Account Attacks

    Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts by requiring more than just a password to sign in. Even if a password is stolen through phishing, malware, or a data breach, MFA can still prevent an attacker from accessing your account. This additional safeguard is especially important because passwords can be…

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  • Find Out If Your Data Was Exposed in a Breach

    Data breaches continue to affect major organizations, and recent reporting has linked the ShinyHunters extortion group to incidents involving Charter Communications, a company with services branded as Spectrum. A simple way to check whether your email address appears in a known breach data is to use Have I Been Pwned at haveibeenpwned.com. This site lets you search your…

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Protecting University Data

Discover essential articles on cybersecurity practices specifically tailored for the University of Tennessee. Learn effective strategies to safeguard sensitive information, defend against threats, and maintain data integrity. Equip yourself with knowledge to protect your university’s digital ecosystem.

  • Tips for Securing Windows

    Many people use Microsoft Windows as their primary operating system for work, school, personal computing, and even gaming. The most recent Windows Operating System is Windows 11, but there are still many people on Windows 10. Fortunately making your operating system more secure is very similar in both versions. Tips to help secure your Windows…

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  • Secure File Transfer

    Vault (UT Secure Courier) is a secure file transfer application that allows users to easily share large files, including executables, quickly and securely. Files are uploaded and downloaded via SSL-encrypted HTTP and stored in an encrypted data store. Using Vault is as easy as sending an email with an attachment, and it can be used…

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  • Protecting University-Owned Devices from Infostealers

    In recent months, a surge in infostealer malware has been making headlines, posing a significant threat to individuals and organizations alike. Infostealers are a type of malware designed to infiltrate systems and steal sensitive information such as passwords, cookies, and search histories. This stolen data can then be sold on the dark web or used…

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