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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.

  • The Essential Role of Security Awareness Training in Safeguarding Our Campus Community

    In the ever-evolving digital landscape of higher education, the importance of security awareness cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a student diving into research, a staff member managing sensitive data, or faculty pioneering innovative projects, understanding the basics of cybersecurity is crucial. Let’s embark on a journey to reinforce our campus-wide defense against cyber threats through…

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  • Secure Data Management: A Keystone of Cybersecurity

    In today’s interconnected world, managing data securely is not just a responsibility of the IT department; it’s a mission for every individual in an organization. Whether you’re at the helm of decision-making or ensuring day-to-day operations, your approach to handling data can make or break our collective cybersecurity efforts. Why Is Secure Data Management Important?…

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  • The Essential Guide to Incident Response Planning

    In the digital age, where cyber threats are as common as they are diverse, one of the most critical aspects of maintaining a secure environment is having a robust Incident Response Plan (IRP). Whether you’re a tech guru or someone who uses technology on a need-to basis, understanding the importance of incident response can be your…

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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.

  • IT Security: A Recent Real-World Attack

    In the ever-evolving landscape of IT security, it’s crucial to stay informed about recent attacks to understand the threats we face. Today, we’ll discuss a significant cybersecurity incident that occurred in November 2023.  The Boeing Data Breach  On November 2, 2023, aircraft manufacturer Boeing reported a “cyber incident” that impacted several elements of its business.…

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  • A Guide to Recognizing and Avoiding Scammers

    In a world where information is as valuable as currency, scammers have found fertile ground. With our reliance on technology, understanding and recognizing the tactics of these digital tricksters is crucial. This article aims to empower you with knowledge to identify and protect against such threats. Recognizing Scammers: The Red Flags Scammers often use similar…

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  • Protecting Against Malware Concealed in PNG Images

    In our ongoing commitment to keeping our environment safe and secure, we bring to your attention a notable cybersecurity concern. The infiltration of malware via PNG (Portable Network Graphics) images has seen a rise and warrants collective vigilance.   The Threat: Malware Embedded within PNG Images   Cyber adversaries have found a method to embed malicious code…

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  • Beware of Fake Update Pop-Ups: A Guide to Secure Your Online Experience

    We’ve all seen them — those pesky pop-up windows that appear when we visit a website, urging us to update our software or install a new app. At first glance, they might seem harmless or even helpful. After all, keeping software up to date is a critical component of good cybersecurity hygiene. But here’s the…

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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.

  • 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…

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