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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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Think Before You Share: What the Claude Search Exposure Teaches Us About AI Privacy
Recent reporting found that some Claude chats and Artifacts shared by public links appeared in Google search results. Reported examples included internal documents, health-related information, contact details, and API keys. This does not appear to mean that all private Claude chats were exposed, but it is an important reminder that a shared AI link may be far more…
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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Prompt Bombing
Two-factor authentication (also known as, “Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)”) provides an extra layer of security for your accounts, but it’s important to think before you click. Cybercriminals can use an attack method called 2FA prompt bombing to bypass 2FA protections and overwhelm you with prompts via the Push feature of Duo. For example, cybercriminals may try to log…
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When ‘Too Good to Be True’ Comes from Someone You Know
For years, cybercriminals have used social media to post fake sales listings for popular items such as furniture or electronics. As these scams have gained in popularity, most of us have learned to use caution when buying items online from strangers. Now, cybercriminals are impersonating people you trust to lure you into their fake listing…
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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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…
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Typosquatting: When a Tiny Typo Leads to Big Trouble
Have you ever mistyped a website address? Maybe you accidentally hit “goggle.com” instead of “google.com”? Well, that seemingly innocent slip-up can lead you down a treacherous path—one paved with cyber traps. What Is Typosquatting? Typosquatting is like a cunning chameleon. It preys on our human tendency to fumble our keystrokes. Here’s how it works: Why…
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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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.…