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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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When Bad News Travels, Attackers Are Listening
Malicious actors monitor news outlets and social media for signs of confirmed or suspected security events that they can exploit to their advantage. A campus outage that generates public discussion is, to them, an opportunity with a shelf life. The psychology is simple: during a disruption, people expect to hear from IT, so a call…
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ClickFix: Don’t Be Tricked by a Fake “Fix”
Cybercriminals are using a tactic called ClickFix to trick people into compromising their own devices. These scams use fake error messages, security warnings, or fake CAPTCHA verification prompts that tell users to take steps to “fix” a problem. One common trick is instructing users to press Windows + R to open the Run box, then press Ctrl + V to paste…
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Triggers Hackers Use to Trick You: Urgency, Authority, and Curiosity
Hackers don’t rely on technology alone—they rely on human psychology. Most attacks rely on three simple triggers to get people to act quickly without thinking. The first trigger is a sense of urgency, with messages like “act now or lose access” or “your account will be locked,” creating pressure that pushes users to respond immediately…
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Understanding QR Code Phishing
In the dynamic world of cybersecurity, threat actors continue to innovate using methods like QR code phishing. This technique, which seemed emergent just a few years ago, has now become more refined and widespread. QR code phishing, also known as “Quishing,” remains a threat as these codes are now ubiquitously used for convenience in many…
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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Tax Time!
Do you know a cybercriminal’s favorite time of the year? It’s Tax season! Taxes are a sensitive topic that can easily catch your attention and manipulate your emotions. Cybercriminals exploit this time of year by including mentions of taxes in phishing attacks and disinformation campaigns. Tax season is also a vulnerable time for your sensitive information. Tax…
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Student Loan Relief Programs
Our students need to be made aware of this scam, whether it’s through faculty or student services offered through our departments. The U.S. Government recently announced its plan to give citizens up to $20,000 of student loan relief. This plan requires that citizens apply to determine if they qualify for the loan. Cybercriminals are taking…
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4 Easy Steps to Stay Secure Online
This October’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month theme is “See Yourself in Cyber.” It highlights how individuals, from everyday technology users to cybersecurity professionals, are the first line of defense to thwarting cybercrime. The steps to improving your online cybersecurity are no secret, and you’ve heard them many times. It never gets old, sharing these reminders: 1. Watch…
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…