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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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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…
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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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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Managing Permissions on Mobile Phones
Application permissions are settings that control what an app can access and do on your device. Here are some common types of permissions: These permissions can be needed for the application to function, but sometimes, the application takes more permissions than necessary. In the cybersecurity world, we would call that a violation of “Least Privilege” or…
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Tips for Securing Linux
The third most popular operating system, Linux, is mostly unknown to the average person. However, Linux has been gaining popularity with the more technically inclined users, with several desktop distributions, including Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Raspberry Pi OS, and Zorin OS. While Linux for desktop doesn’t have the sheer number of reported security issues like Windows…
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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Look, No Hands—Let OIT Continuously Monitor Your Systems
One of the responsibilities of every user of UT’s IT resources is to continuously monitor their UT Owned workstations, laptops, and servers. What does that even mean? HOW? WHO? Who does ANYTHING continuously? These two words, continuous monitoring,” would imply that you (or somebody) should be looking at a computer(s) 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Thankfully, this…
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Plans and Programs and Controls, Oh My!
Information security conversations often include words like “IT security plans,” “systems,” and “program plans.” What do these terms mean in the context of cyber security, and why should we care? Three reasons WHY we are talking about cyber security: Human Resource (HR) or Fiscal (FI) policies provide a governance structure for conducting university business, the…
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File Sharing Options for Sensitive Information
We regularly receive questions about sharing or storing sensitive information. While we have several recommendations, first, let’s talk about why you should be concerned about how you share or store sensitive information. ALL users are responsible for ensuring that their use of sensitive information services complies with laws, regulations, and policies where applicable; it is EVERYONE’s responsibility.…