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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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Agentic AI Browsers and Associated Risks
Unlike traditional browsers, which rely on user clicks and keystrokes, Agentic AI browsers integrate autonomous agents into the browsing experience. These tools interpret natural language commands and are capable of executing multi-step tasks across websites. Popular AI Browser examples include: These browsers aim to boost productivity by automating tasks like booking appointments, comparing products, or…
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Don’t Delete That Suspicious Email
Phishing emails are among the most common threats facing universities today. These messages appear legitimate, enticing you to click on malicious links, download harmful attachments, or give away sensitive information. At UT, we rely on your help to identify and stop these threats. That’s why reporting suspicious emails is essential—not just deleting them. What Happens…
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Understanding Passwordless Authentication
Passwordless authentication is a modern security practice that eliminates the need for traditional passwords to verify a user’s identity. Instead, it relies on alternative methods such as biometrics, physical security keys, or cryptographic keys stored on a device to grant access. This approach reduces security risks such as reused passwords, stolen credentials, and weak authentication…
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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Malvertising
What is “Malvertising”? Malvertising is the use of online advertising to spread malware. Malvertising involves injecting malicious or malware-laden advertisements into legitimate online advertising networks and web pages. With the increase in online shopping and news browsing, Malvertising is a way of spreading malware that can easily go undetected until it is too late. How…
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News Related Scams
Last week, news stories announced that Queen Elizabeth II, known for having the longest reign of any British monarch, passed away at 96. When an influential figure such as the queen passes away, people worldwide will be interested in reading more about their life and death. Cybercriminals take advantage of high-profile news stories to catch…
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Zelle Fraud Alert
Zelle is a popular mobile payment application that allows users to send payments to one another. Like most financial institutions, Zelle alerts users of possible fraud to stop suspicious account activity from happening. However, not all fraud alerts are legitimate, and cybercriminals can impersonate Zelle and send fake fraud alerts to scam you. In a…
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How Do Cybercriminals Make an Email Sound so Authentic?
Email or phone call scams are not new; cybercriminals have been attempting to fool people for years. Older scams like “You Won the Lottery” or the infamous “Nigerian Prince” are created as generic messages sent out to millions of people. The non-specific nature of these messages makes them easier to spot. More recently, personalized scams…
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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Protecting Your Virtual Machines
Many of us use virtual machines (VMs) on our computers these days for various reasons – to run an older operating system, test new software safely, or access work resources remotely. While VMs provide great flexibility, they also introduce potential security risks if not configured properly. Just like with regular software on your main operating…
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The Importance of Installing Approved Software
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, it’s crucial for each member of our university to play an active role in maintaining a secure computing environment. Today, we’ll shed light on the significance of only installing approved software on university-owned machines and the impact it has on our collective digital safety. 1. Protecting Sensitive…
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Enhancing Cybersecurity: A Guide to Browser Extensions
Browser extensions are a great way to enhance your browsing experience but can pose a significant security risk. Cybercriminals frequently use browser extensions to gain access to your personal information, such as login credentials, browsing history, and other sensitive data. In fact, according to a report by Kaspersky, more than 1.3 million users were affected by…