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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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Cybersecurity…why?
Passwords, two-factor, encryption, firewalls, phishing campaigns, and awareness training? How do these efforts “make us more secure?” Some may even ask, “Why bother? Won’t the hackers just get the information anyway?” Or even, “Do we REALLY need this level of information security?” Pick one: If you picked “4,” you may quit reading this. If you…
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Events in Eastern Europe
With recent events in the news, we know you have questions and concerns. One of those may be about cybersecurity. Am I or is our company more likely to come under attack? Am I at greater risk? We don’t have all the answers, nor do we know what will happen next. But we know from a cybersecurity…
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Cyber Security 101 – Insider Threat
OIT receives a lot of questions about cyber security, especially about what users can do to protect themselves. That is why we have an active security awareness program; we want to help users become secure and make the most of technology. Good Cybersecurity practices are actually not that hard; you only have to know and…
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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Security Topic of the Week
Is your workstation or laptop running slow? Does it take forever for an application to start? Do you return to your desk following short breaks and often find that your computer has restarted and is displaying some sort of cryptic message about a problem? These are all signs that your machine may be compromised or infected. Security incidents…
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What IS Social Engineering?
Social engineering is the art of manipulating people, so they give up confidential information or take an action that could result in giving up confidential or sensitive information. The types of information these criminals are seeking can vary, but when individuals are targeted, the criminals are usually trying to trick you into giving them your…
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Refuse the Bait!!
Cybercriminals know the best strategies for gaining access to the University’s sensitive data. In most cases, it doesn’t involve them rappelling from the top of Andy Holt Tower and deftly avoiding a laser detection system to hack into your servers; instead, they simply manipulate a community member’s trust by posing as something they trust. According to experts…
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Ways to Spot a Scam
Have you seen email or text messages that offer you lots of money for little to no work on your part? Messages like these are scams. The old saying “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” is a good rule of thumb. If an offer is sent to you that sounds…
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”…