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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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Understanding Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Data loss prevention is all about protecting sensitive information from loss, corruption, misuse, or unauthorized access. Imagine it as a digital guardian that ensures our data stays safe and sound. Here’s why DLP matters: What Can You Do to Enhance Data Security? Follow these practical steps: To encrypt an email in Outlook for Windows To encrypt…
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The Importance of Password Managers: Safeguarding Your Digital Life
In today’s interconnected world, we rely on countless online services, from banking, email, social media, to shopping. Each of these platforms demands a unique login, and the security of our digital lives’ hinges on the strength of our passwords. But let’s face it, remembering complex, distinct passwords for every site is nearly impossible. That’s where…
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MFA Fatigue: A Silent Threat to Your Security
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) has become a crucial defense against cyber threats. By requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification, such as a password and a one-time code, MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. However, there’s a growing menace that undermines the effectiveness of MFA: MFA fatigue. What Is MFA Fatigue? Also known as MFA…
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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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…
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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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Obscured, Obfuscated Links
Recently, researchers have discovered another technique cybercriminals use to steal your information. In this technique, cybercriminals use obfuscated links to show IP addresses like XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX, instead of websites. Obfuscated links are URLs that have been modified to hide the real location of a website. In this attack method, cybercriminals send an urgent email that appears to come from a legitimate source and…
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Phishing and Phishing and Phishing
Cybercriminals know the best strategies for gaining access to the university’s sensitive data – Social Engineering. They simply manipulate your trust by posing as something or someone you trust. According to experts at IBM, human error accounts for 95% of security incidents. Protect your data by familiarizing yourself with the various techniques and telltale signs of…
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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Stay Safe Online When Using AI
Continuing with National Cyber Security Awareness Month, a frankly unavoidable tool is AI. AI is becoming more integrated with computing systems and applications. Some of them are relatively recently released to the public while others have been around for a while. If you have a Windows 11 computer, you can probably see Copilot in the lower…
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Reporting Cybercrime
We all know that we should report any cyber incidents to the OIT HelpDesk and eventually OIT Security. This is the most important thing you can do following a cyber incident with university devices and data. What if, however, it’s your data and your devices? Thankfully it is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and the…
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Tips for Securing Windows
Many people use Microsoft Windows as their primary operating system for work, school, personal computing, and even gaming. The most recent Windows Operating System is Windows 11, but there are still many people on Windows 10. Fortunately making your operating system more secure is very similar in both versions. Tips to help secure your 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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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”…