Skip to content Skip to main navigation Report an accessibility issue
Information Security

Article Archive #2


Service navigation


Security Learning Icon One

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.

  • What is a Blue Teamer?

    What is a Blue Teamer? A blue teamer is a cybersecurity professional focused on defending an organization’s systems, networks, and applications from potential threats. Their main goal is to protect the organization’s assets by ensuring robust security measures are in place. Key measures implemented by a blue teamer: By focusing on these security measures, blue…

    Read article…

  • Be Careful in the DeepSeek

    DeepSeek AI is a Chinese artificial intelligence company that has recently gained significant attention. Founded in July 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek is backed by High-Flyer Capital Management, a Chinese hedge fund that uses AI for trading decisions. The company focuses on developing open-source large language models (LLMs) and has quickly risen to prominence with…

    Read article…

  • What is Open-Source Intelligence?

    Open-source intelligence (OSINT) involves gathering information from publicly available sources. There is information available on businesses, organizations, people, and website domains. Here are some techniques that can be used: OSINT techniques can help you gather a wide range of information from publicly available sources. Always remember to use this information ethically and respect privacy laws.…

    Read article…


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.

  • Malvertising

    What is “Malvertising”? Malvertising is the use of online advertising to spread malware. Malvertising involves injecting malicious or malware-laden advertisements into legitimate online advertising networks and web pages. With the increase in online shopping and news browsing, Malvertising is a way of spreading malware that can easily go undetected until it is too late. How…

    Read article…

  • News Related Scams

    Last week, news stories announced that Queen Elizabeth II, known for having the longest reign of any British monarch, passed away at 96. When an influential figure such as the queen passes away, people worldwide will be interested in reading more about their life and death. Cybercriminals take advantage of high-profile news stories to catch…

    Read article…

  • Zelle Fraud Alert

    Zelle is a popular mobile payment application that allows users to send payments to one another. Like most financial institutions, Zelle alerts users of possible fraud to stop suspicious account activity from happening. However, not all fraud alerts are legitimate, and cybercriminals can impersonate Zelle and send fake fraud alerts to scam you. In a…

    Read article…

  • How Do Cybercriminals Make an Email Sound so Authentic?

    Email or phone call scams are not new; cybercriminals have been attempting to fool people for years. Older scams like “You Won the Lottery” or the infamous “Nigerian Prince” are created as generic messages sent out to millions of people. The non-specific nature of these messages makes them easier to spot. More recently, personalized scams…

    Read article…


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.

  • Agentic AI Browsers and Associated Risks

    Unlike traditional browsers, which rely on user clicks and keystrokes, Agentic AI browsers integrate autonomous agents into the browsing experience. These tools interpret natural language commands and are capable of executing multi-step tasks across websites. Popular AI Browser examples include: These browsers aim to boost productivity by automating tasks like booking appointments, comparing products, or…

    Read article…

  • Compelling Reason to Lock Your Screen

    It only takes a few seconds for someone to access your computer, and that’s all it takes to compromise sensitive data, send unauthorized emails, or install malicious software. Whether you’re in a shared office, classroom, or public space, locking your screen when stepping away is one of the simplest ways to protect your device and…

    Read article…

  • 5 Cybersecurity Habits for a Safer Campus

    Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re a student, faculty, or staff member, your daily digital habits play a critical role in protecting the University of Tennessee’s systems and data. Here are five simple habits that can make a big difference: 1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords or a Password Manager Reusing passwords across accounts is…

    Read article…


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…

    Read article…

  • 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…

    Read article…

  • 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”…

    Read article…