Yahoo Encourages Users to Change Passwords
Yahoo released a statement warning users that over 500 million account credentials – including passwords, telephone numbers, and security questions and answers – were compromised during a data breach dating back to 2014. Yahoo is notifying potentially affected users and is … Continue reading
Posted in Password Security, Security Breach | Tagged security advisory, yahoo
Recent Security Updates (September 2016)
Microsoft Microsoft released seven critical security updates for Windows, Internet Explorer, Edge, Office, Office Services and Web Apps, and Exchange. These updates address vulnerabilities that could lead to remote code execution. Microsoft released seven additional updates, which it classified as important, for Windows. … Continue reading
Posted in Patch Tuesday, Security Updates | Tagged adobe, flash player, microsoft, patch tuesday
What Is Encryption?
What is encryption? Encryption is a security measure that scrambles information so that it becomes unrecognizable. Decoding the gibberish requires a specific key. Encryption is used to protect data sent across networks, ensuring that the data can’t be tampered with in … Continue reading
Posted in Education | Tagged encryption, security terms
Dropbox Encourages Users to Change Passwords
Dropbox released a statement warning users that 68 million account credentials were compromised during a data breach dating back to 2012. Dropbox has emailed all users believed to be affected by the breach and initiated a password reset for those … Continue reading
Posted in Password Security, Security Breach | Tagged dropbox, security advisory
Notice: Suspicious IT Support Calls
Some USC employees have reported receiving suspicious phone calls claiming to be from an IT support department. These callers ask for various pieces of technical information, such as printer models and IP addresses, in order to fix alleged hardware problems. … Continue reading
Posted in Phishing |
Apple Includes “Important Security Update” in iOS 9.3.5
Apple released an important security update with iOS 9.3.5, which fixes three zero-day vulnerabilities in the iOS system. (Zero-day vulnerabilities are those that exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities and for which there is no available patch.) A hacker could use these vulnerabilities, … Continue reading
Posted in Security Updates | Tagged apple, software patches and updates
Clearing Up Misconceptions About What Makes a Strong Password
Many people think they are creating strong passwords, when in reality they are making it relatively easy for hackers to infiltrate their accounts. Ensure that your password is as secure as possible by avoiding these common misconceptions: “Replacing letters or … Continue reading
Posted in Education, Password Security | Tagged password security
Recent Security Updates
Microsoft Microsoft released five critical security updates for Windows, Internet Explorer, Edge, Office, and Communications Platforms and Software. These updates address vulnerabilities that could lead to remote code execution. Microsoft released four additional updates, which it classified as important, for Windows. … Continue reading
Posted in Patch Tuesday, Security Updates | Tagged adobe, microsoft, patch tuesday, software patches and updates
What Is Spyware?
What is spyware? Spyware is loosely defined as a type of malicious software, also known as malware, that runs in the background of a computer, collecting private information and transmitting it to a third party without the user’s knowledge. How does spyware … Continue reading
Posted in Education, Malware | Tagged adware, malware, security terms, spyware
Security Recommendation: Lock Your Computer Screen
Installing antivirus software and creating strong passwords are vital practices that will help keep your information secure. But even if you take these steps, you may be putting your information at risk without even realizing it. The easiest way to access … Continue reading
Posted in Education | Tagged security recommendation