Explore
Write
Chat
Call
Information Security
Article Archive #2
Service navigation
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.
-
Can You Identify a Phishing Website?
A phishing website is a malicious site designed to steal sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and other personal data. These websites often mimic legitimate sites to trick users into interacting with the website. Recognizing the signs of a phishing website and knowing how to protect yourself can help prevent identity theft…
-
Can You Identify a Phishing Email?
Phishing emails are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to steal personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data. Understanding and identifying these malicious emails can help protect you from falling prey to scams and potential security breaches. What is a Phishing Email? A phishing email is a fraudulent message that…
-
Passwords, Passwords Everywhere!
Did you know that the average person uses the same three to seven passwords to log in to over 170 online accounts? In addition to being reused, these passwords are often weak and easily guessed by cybercriminals. If cybercriminals successfully guess these weak passwords, they can access most of their victims’ online accounts. Even worse,…
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.
-
A Guide to Recognizing and Avoiding Scammers
In a world where information is as valuable as currency, scammers have found fertile ground. With our reliance on technology, understanding and recognizing the tactics of these digital tricksters is crucial. This article aims to empower you with knowledge to identify and protect against such threats. Recognizing Scammers: The Red Flags Scammers often use similar…
-
Protecting Against Malware Concealed in PNG Images
In our ongoing commitment to keeping our environment safe and secure, we bring to your attention a notable cybersecurity concern. The infiltration of malware via PNG (Portable Network Graphics) images has seen a rise and warrants collective vigilance. The Threat: Malware Embedded within PNG Images Cyber adversaries have found a method to embed malicious code…
-
Beware of Fake Update Pop-Ups: A Guide to Secure Your Online Experience
We’ve all seen them — those pesky pop-up windows that appear when we visit a website, urging us to update our software or install a new app. At first glance, they might seem harmless or even helpful. After all, keeping software up to date is a critical component of good cybersecurity hygiene. But here’s the…
-
Safeguarding Against QR Code Fishing
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, one emerging tactic is the use of QR codes in phishing emails. This deceptive technique poses a significant risk to both end users and IT professionals. Understanding QR Code Fishing: QR code phishing involves embedding malicious URLs or content within a seemingly innocuous QR code within emails, on…
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.
-
Tips for Securing macOS
It’s no surprise that macOS is the second-biggest operating system worldwide. Apple has a well-regulated array of computers available for consumers that merge many strengths of the whole Apple ecosystem. However, this doesn’t mean that you should not take any steps to help secure your macOS computer. Securing your Apple computer involves several steps to…
-
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…
-
Find Out If Your Data Was Exposed in a Breach
Data breaches continue to affect major organizations, and recent reporting has linked the ShinyHunters extortion group to incidents involving Charter Communications, a company with services branded as Spectrum. A simple way to check whether your email address appears in a known breach data is to use Have I Been Pwned at haveibeenpwned.com. This site lets you search your…
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.
-
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…
-
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…
-
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”…