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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Stay Safe and Connected: The Importance of Reporting Incidents to OIT
In today’s ultra-connected world, where technology is interwoven into every aspect of our lives, it’s essential to stay vigilant about our digital security. As part of the University of Tennessee community, we all share the responsibility to safeguard not just our own information but also the integrity of our university’s systems and data. That’s where…
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Boosting Security with Microsoft Defender
In today’s digital landscape, security is paramount. We often rely on technology to protect us from cyber threats. One powerful tool in our defense arsenal is Microsoft Defender. Let’s explore how it benefits us: Remember, Microsoft Defender isn’t just for tech experts—it’s a powerful ally for everyone. By ensuring your devices are managed by Defender,…
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Strengthening Information Security: Why It Matters
In our interconnected world, safeguarding digital assets has become paramount. Let’s delve into the fundamental principles of cybersecurity and data privacy, exploring how individuals and organizations can fortify their defenses. The Importance of Security Measures Addressing the Skepticism “Why Bother? Won’t Hackers Get the Information Anyway?” While it’s true that determined hackers can be relentless,…

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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Privacy Concerns with Onboard AI: Apple Intelligence
There has been a deluge of advertising for the Apple iPhone 16 and Apple Intelligence from cell phone carriers and providers. Some advertisers even say that they will give the new devices away for free with their new contract for a service and push Apple Intelligence. Is this truly a good deal? Privacy and Security…
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Understanding the National Public Data Breach: What It Means for You and How to Protect Yourself
What Happened? Recently, National Public Data (NPD), a company that compiles public information for background checks, experienced a significant data breach. This breach exposed the personal information of nearly three billion (yes, that’s with a “b”) individuals. The compromised data includes names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and Social Security numbers. Why Is This Important?…
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Understanding the Latest Cyber Threats
As our digital landscape evolves, so do the tactics of cyber adversaries. It is crucial to stay informed on the latest threat intelligence to protect our personal and professional information. In this week’s security roundup, we discuss recent trends that affect users at all levels. The Rise of Ransomware 2.0 Ransomware attacks continue to plague…
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Navigating the CrowdStrike Incident: What You Need to Know
Recently, there was a hiccup in the digital security world. CrowdStrike, the company that keeps virtual doors locked at many organizations around the world, had a bug in one of their updates. Their security tools went on vacation, and chaos followed. But wait, there’s more! Opportunistic cybercriminals exploited the situation by disseminating deceptive emails, masquerading…

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…

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