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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.

  • The Essential Role of Security Awareness Training in Safeguarding Our Campus Community

    In the ever-evolving digital landscape of higher education, the importance of security awareness cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a student diving into research, a staff member managing sensitive data, or faculty pioneering innovative projects, understanding the basics of cybersecurity is crucial. Let’s embark on a journey to reinforce our campus-wide defense against cyber threats through…

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  • Secure Data Management: A Keystone of Cybersecurity

    In today’s interconnected world, managing data securely is not just a responsibility of the IT department; it’s a mission for every individual in an organization. Whether you’re at the helm of decision-making or ensuring day-to-day operations, your approach to handling data can make or break our collective cybersecurity efforts. Why Is Secure Data Management Important?…

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  • The Essential Guide to Incident Response Planning

    In the digital age, where cyber threats are as common as they are diverse, one of the most critical aspects of maintaining a secure environment is having a robust Incident Response Plan (IRP). Whether you’re a tech guru or someone who uses technology on a need-to basis, understanding the importance of incident response can be your…

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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.

  • Beware of Scams Related to Recent Earthquakes!

    Last week, two earthquakes occurred in Turkey and Syria. Unfortunately, cybercriminals often use crises to get your attention and manipulate your emotions. Cybercriminals have already begun exploiting this event to scam you and steal your sensitive information.  You should not be surprised to see an influx of phishing attacks referencing this recent event. Cybercriminals may…

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  • You broke Facebook?? 

    The latest social media scam is yet another phishing scheme designed to scare Facebook users into sharing their login credentials. Here’s how you can spot fraudulent signs and protect your account from hackers. How this scam works You receive an email that appears to come from Facebook and says something like this: “Recently, we discovered a…

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  • TikTok Filter Scams

    The social media app TikTok is famous for its creative audio and visual filters. TikTok adds and removes filters frequently, so some users may look for ways to access filters that haven’t been added. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the demand for new filters to manipulate you into downloading malware. In a recent scam, cybercriminals…

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  • Clone Phishing Scams

    The university and its departments often use email to send important information to faculty, staff, and students. If someone sends out an email that’s missing information, they may send you a follow-up email. Now, cybercriminals are using a technique called “clone phishing” to imitate these follow-up emails and manipulate you. The scam begins with cybercriminals…

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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.

  • 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…

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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…

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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”…

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