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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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Digital Privacy—What is a Data Broker?
In today’s digital age, personal information has become a valuable commodity. Data brokers have emerged as key players in this data-driven economy. Data brokers operate behind the scenes, gathering vast amounts of personal information from various sources. They compile detailed profiles on individuals and sell this data to businesses, marketers, and even government agencies. Understanding…
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What is a Pentester?
In the realm of cybersecurity, penetration testers, commonly known as pentesters, play a vital role in safeguarding digital assets. These professionals are tasked with identifying and ethically exploiting vulnerabilities in an organization’s IT infrastructure to help strengthen its security posture. By simulating real-world attacks, pentesters help organizations understand their vulnerabilities and take corrective actions before…
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Spring Cleaning Your Digital Life
Spring is often a time when people begin thinking about cleaning up their personal living space and getting rid of old belongings. It is also a good time to tighten your data security. Here are some places you might find some cyber dust bunnies! These are only a few examples of where you may practice…
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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Cyber Security Tips for Traveling
Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its own set of cybersecurity risks. Whether you’re on a business trip or summer vacation, it’s essential to protect your digital life from potential threats. Here are some practical tips to help you stay secure while traveling. Traveling doesn’t have to compromise your cybersecurity…
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Spotting and Avoiding Phishing Attacks
Phishing is essentially someone trying to get you to do something via email, usually by asking you to volunteer personal information or click a link, which enables them to compromise you, your accounts, or your computer. Other kinds of phishing may require you to open an attachment or a link, which can infect your computer…
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The Importance of Password Rotation
Password rotation is the periodic changing or resetting of passwords. The goal is to limit a password’s lifespan to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. By doing so, we condense the window of time during which a stolen password remains valid. Why password rotation matters: How Often Should You Rotate Passwords? The frequency of password…
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…