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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.
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The Importance of Software Updates
There is always a bit of annoyance when we see that our computer needs an update. It always seems to happen when we are right in the middle of important work. We begrudgingly either install the updates or pick a time for the inevitable reboot. But did you know that generally, those updates only cover…
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Reporting Cybercrime
We all know that we should report any cyber incidents to the OIT HelpDesk and eventually OIT Security. This is the most important thing you can do following a cyber incident with university devices and data. What if, however, it’s your data and your devices? Thankfully it is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and the…
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What is Encryption?
You’ve probably heard of encryption at some point. Encryption is a key technology in both business and consumer applications. Perhaps you’ve used encryption in messaging applications or your emails without even knowing. So, what is encryption and how does it work? Encryption is a process used to protect data by converting it into a coded…
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.
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Strengthening Security: Lessons from Recent University Breaches
As part of our ongoing commitment to cybersecurity, we want to share insights from recent security incidents affecting universities. The following examples underscore the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard our work environments. Let’s delve into the breaches and explore steps we can take to protect our data: University of California, San Francisco…
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Important Reminder: Beware of SMS Scams
This week, we are writing to remind you of an ongoing issue that has been affecting some of our university community members. There have been reports of students receiving SMS messages from individuals pretending to be professors at our university. These messages typically offer paid positions and request personal information such as resumes, age, and…
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The Importance of Using Approved Anti-Malware Software on University Machines
In the digital age, universities heavily rely on various software for administrative tasks, research, teaching, and learning. This reliance also opens potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious entities. Therefore, it is crucial to use only approved anti-malware software. The Risks of Unapproved Anti-Malware Software Unapproved anti-malware software can pose several risks: The Benefits…
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Protecting and Securing Your Personal and University Data on Your Phone
Our smartphones have become a treasure trove of personal and professional data in the digital age. As members of a university community, we often access sensitive information through our personal devices. This action makes it crucial to understand how to protect and secure our data. Why is Mobile Security Important? Our phones are not just communication…
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.
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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…
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.
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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…