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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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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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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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Steps for Staying Secure in These Scary Times
As technology gains a more important role in our lives, it also grows in complexity. Given how quickly technology changes, keeping up with security advice can be confusing. It seems like there is always new guidance on what you should or should not be doing. However, while the details of how to stay secure may…
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I’ve been hacked!
Determining whether or not your computer or mobile device has been hacked can be difficult. Nonetheless, there are a few common issues that will indicate your computer has been hacked. If your browser’s homepage has unexpectedly changed or is taking you to websites you have never visited, this could be an indication. Also, if 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.
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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”…