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

Scam Types


Service navigation


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 Cyber Security Guide for Higher Ed

    What Students, Faculty, and Staff Need to Know October is a special month for online safety, especially for those of us in higher education. It’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), a time when we focus on learning how to keep ourselves and our digital lives secure. In this article, we’ll explore why NCSAM matters to…

    Read full article…

  • 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. These codes can…

    Read full article…

  • Safeguarding Your Data in the Cloud: A Guide to Cloud Security

    In today’s digital age, cloud computing has become an integral part of how we store, access, and share data. Whether you’re an end user or an IT professional, understanding cloud security is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information. Let’s explore some essential tips to help you navigate the world of cloud security. Remember, cloud security is…

    Read full article…

  • Safeguarding Your Online Presence: A Guide to Secure Social Media Use

    In today’s interconnected world, social media has become integral to our daily lives. It’s a great way to stay in touch with friends, share experiences, and network professionally. However, it’s crucial to remember that the information we share online can have significant implications for our privacy and security.  Here are some tips on how to…

    Read full article…

  • The Importance of Information Security

    Each week, we have a section in OIT Weekly about information security.  We give tips and tricks to help you protect yourself from bad actors.  Given how much information security is in the news, this information can feel boring or redundant.  Recently though, the University of Michigan experienced a significant information security event that had…

    Read full article…

  • Avoid Social Media Mistakes

    We want to raise awareness about the potential dangers associated with social media usage. Cybercriminals often exploit personal information shared on social platforms to launch targeted attacks or engage in identity theft. Here are some essential tips to stay safe: Stay vigilant and follow these guidelines to protect your online presence and maintain a secure…

    Read full article…

  • Cybercriminals and Barbie

    The Barbie movie grossed over $350 million at the box office this past weekend. With so many people invested in seeing this summer blockbuster, theaters quickly sell out of tickets. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are taking advantage of this scarcity by posting scam links to see the Barbie movie. In these Barbie-themed scams, cybercriminals send a phishing email with a link claiming that you won tickets to see Barbie in theaters or that you…

    Read full article…

  • .zip Domains 

    Recently, .zip top-level domains have become available for public purchase. A top-level domain is the final section of a domain name. So, in utk[dot]edu, “.edu” is the top-level domain. Unsurprisingly, cybercriminals have begun purchasing and using .zip domains for their own malicious purposes.  In the coming months, we expect to see an influx of cybercriminals…

    Read full article…

  • Call 800-Cybercriminal

    Recently, cybercriminals have taken advantage of Soda PDF, a PDF viewing service. Using Soda PDF, cybercriminals are sending malicious PDF files in an attempt to trick you into sharing your phone number and payment information. This scam can be difficult to recognize because Soda PDF is a legitimate service. So, it’s important to learn how to…

    Read full article…

  • Phishing with Images

    Cybercriminals use images in phishing emails to impersonate real organizations. By using images like official logos (i.e., UT, UPS, FedEx, etc.) and promotional materials, cybercriminals hope to trick you into thinking the email is legitimate.  In one recent incident, cybercriminals spoofed Delta Airlines to try to steal sensitive information. The body of the email consists…

    Read full article…