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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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Why Avoid Shared Accounts?
In our interconnected digital world, security is paramount. In keeping with our goal to provide the most secure environment possible we want to discuss why shared accounts pose significant risks within our university systems. Let’s explore the dangers and better alternatives. A shared account is a single set of login credentials (username and password) used by multiple individuals to…
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Incident Reporting and Response
As part of our university’s commitment to fostering a safe and secure learning environment, we want to emphasize the importance of staying vigilant about potential security incidents on campus. Whether you are faculty, staff, or a student, understanding how to report and respond to security incidents is crucial in maintaining the integrity of our university.…
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Understanding Zero-Day Vulnerabilities
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, staying informed about emerging threats is crucial. One such threat that deserves your attention is the zero-day vulnerability. Let’s break it down in simple terms and explore how it impacts you. What Is a Zero-Day Vulnerability? A zero-day vulnerability is like a hidden trapdoor in your favorite app or operating…
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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Pretexting
Now more than ever, cybercriminals are using a tactic known as pretexting to catch you off guard. Pretexting is when a cybercriminal impersonates a real person and asks you for help with a fake scenario. They often carry on a conversation with you and use public information to convince you that they are who they…
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Permission to Hack
Malware researchers recently discovered a trojan app on the Google Play Store. Trojans are malicious applications or software that appear legitimate. Thousands of users downloaded this app before knowing it was malicious. So, it’s important to learn how to spot malicious apps. In this scam, cybercriminals uploaded a malicious screen recording app on the Google…
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PayPal Payment Ploy
Recently, cybercriminals have taken advantage of the popular (and international) online payment platform, PayPal. Cybercriminals are spoofing PayPal to try and steal your personal or financial information. Cybercriminals in this PayPal ploy send you a phishing email saying that one of your payments didn’t process and that you must act fast. The email contains a…
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Smishing for Bank Information
A smishing attack(a phishing attack through SMS, or “text” messaging) was recently used by a ring of cybercriminals to steal credit card information. The cybercriminals used this stolen bank information to purchase cryptocurrency (BITCOIN) that they then exchanged for cash. Cybercriminals sent SMS messages pretending to be a bank. The message says that a security…
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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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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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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Getting Into the Mindset of a Hacker
Have you ever wondered how a hacker looks at systems and finds unexpected ways around controls meant to keep them out? Is this a special mindset or a thought process that is learned? The mindset of a hacker can vary widely, but generally, it involves a few key traits and perspectives: While the term “hacker”…