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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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It’s the Simple Things
The vast majority of cyberattacks, 98%, start with phishing attacks that contain NO zero-days and NO malware. They simply trick us into clicking on a link or opening an attachment, thereby turning over our passwords to the bad guys. Zero-days are bugs in software that the software company does not know exist. That’s why they’re…
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Don’t Become a victim!
Here are a few facts that illustrate the dramatic increase in cybercrime; 2,244 cyberattacks happen daily, according to the University of Maryland! Cyberattacks have increased 37% month-to-month due to the COVID-19 pandemic! An estimated $108M in losses are due to scams in a recent 6-month period. Cybercrime is big business—and happens more often than you…
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No! Really! You are a target!
Cybercriminals are very effective at getting what they want. They have learned that the easiest way around the university’s defenses isn’t hacking and cracking; it’s tricking you into letting them in. They will use everything in their toolbox to implement their attacks. Social engineering is the art of manipulating, influencing, or deceiving you into taking some…
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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Safeguarding Your Data in the Cloud: A Guide to Cloud Security
In today’s digital age, cloud computing has become an integral part of how we store, access, and share data. Whether you’re an end user or an IT professional, understanding cloud security is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information. Let’s explore some essential tips to help you navigate the world of cloud security. Remember, cloud security is…
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Safeguarding Your Online Presence: A Guide to Secure Social Media Use
In today’s interconnected world, social media has become integral to our daily lives. It’s a great way to stay in touch with friends, share experiences, and network professionally. However, it’s crucial to remember that the information we share online can have significant implications for our privacy and security. Here are some tips on how to…
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Compromised Workstations & Laptops
An early nineteenth-century Prussian General stated, “No plan survives contact with the enemy.” President Eisenhower said, “…plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” Ransomware, the type of attack where the bad guys take your data and render it useless, is recent. The methods to prevent it or lessen its impact are not. It’s your IT Professionals’ age-old, sage advice: “Patch it, back it up, and above all, don’t click…
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 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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Protecting Your Digital World: Defeating MFA Fatigue
Safeguarding your online accounts and sensitive information is more critical than ever. One powerful tool in your security arsenal is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), which adds an extra layer of defense beyond just a password. However, there’s a challenge many users face: MFA fatigue. What is MFA? Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security method that requires…
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A Cyber Security Guide for Higher Ed
What Students, Faculty, and Staff Need to Know October is a special month for online safety, especially for those of us in higher education. It’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), a time when we focus on learning how to keep ourselves and our digital lives secure. In this article, we’ll explore why NCSAM matters to…