While new cyber threats, like deepfake phishing and MFA bombing, are on the rise, older types of threats remain a big danger. Understanding what these threats are is vital to protecting your personal data and UF’s digital environment.
A particularly damaging threat is ransomware — a type of malware that prevents users from accessing their device and the data stored on it. This is usually done by encrypting the files on that device—it can happen on your smartphone, laptop, or PC. The malware is typically introduced through a traditional social engineering scam like phishing. Ransomware attackers claim that if the user pays some amount of money — a ransom — then the attacker will provide the decryption key needed to restore the data. In reality, the hacker may or may not provide that key…even after the victim pays.
If losing access to your data is not bad enough, ransomware attackers often steal copies of the data before they encrypt it and then threaten to release what they’ve found unless the victim pays the ransom. Think about what it would mean for someone, somewhere, to have your personal photos, emails, and documents stored on your device. Even if you paid to get them back, a year or more later the ransomware attacker could come back and threaten you again with an extortion demand or just decide to put everything they stole from you on a website.
According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, email is one of the most common methods for attackers to carry out “system intrusion” attacks, like ransomware and extortion. Recognizing the signs of phishing, such as strange email addresses, urgent and unusual requests, and suspicious links, can help protect you from a ransomware attack. Regularly backing up the files on your computer to a cloud or external drive can also be helpful if you fall victim to an attack.
UFIT offers several options for cloud file storage at no cost for faculty, students, and staff through theGatorCloud. To learn more about how to back up your entire computer, with both cloud and local options, visit https://security.ufl.edu/learn-security/protect-my/computer/#backup.
FAQs
Cons: 1. Location: UF is located in Gainesville, which is a smaller college town. Although this offers a more traditional college experience, it may have fewer internship and networking opportunities than a city like Miami.
Does the UF have information technology? ›
Department Information
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration–Information Systems (IST_BSBA) degree program is designed for students who are interested in information systems, information technology and supply chain management.
What is so special about the University of Florida? ›
Florida is more than just a laboratory or studio—it's a full-scale intellectual theme park driven by imagination, dreams and ambition. We're the state's most comprehensive university, a land grant institution with ties to every Florida county, a top academic medical center and much more.
What is the University of Florida known for academically? ›
The most popular majors at University of Florida include: Engineering; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Social Sciences; Health Professions and Related Programs; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Psychology; Agricultural/Animal/Plant/ ...
Is it really hard to get into UF? ›
For every 100 applicants, 30 are admitted. This means the school is very selective. If you meet University of Florida's requirements for GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and other components of the application, you have a great shot at getting in.
What are the disadvantages of UF? ›
The disadvantages of ultrafiltration membrane technology
When the water temperature is high, the viscosity of water is larger, if the flux remains the same, it will cause TMP and membrane resistance coefficient to rise more significantly, which will trigger frequent backwash membrane flux to drop rapidly.
What is the most accepted major at UF? ›
Most Popular Majors
- Psychology. 599 Graduates.
- Biology. 595 Graduates.
- Business. 452 Graduates.
- Political Science and Government. 439 Graduates.
- Information Science. 338 Graduates.
- Mechanical Engineering. 309 Graduates.
- Economics. 277 Graduates.
- Exercise Physiology. 251 Graduates.
With a GPA of 3.9, University of Florida requires you to be at the top of your class. You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. You should also have taken plenty of AP or IB classes to show your ability to excel in academic challenge.
Is a degree from UF good? ›
The University of Florida is a public institution and is frequently included in lists of the best public universities in the country.
What is the #1 college in Florida? ›
Students with "tons of school spirit" will fit right in at the University of Florida, as "a lot of UF culture is based around sports." There's also a healthy share of party culture, with students stating that "bars are the big scene" in town and that "there is a really intense nightlife," and noting that Greek life "is ...
What kind of students does UF look for? ›
Personal Background and Experiences: We search for students who show the potential and desire to succeed in a rigorous academic environment. They will be UF's future community of learners, leaders and thinkers. No one single factor determines an admissions decision.
What is the hardest major at UF? ›
Engineering programs at UF, including Chemical, Civil, Electrical, and Biomedical Engineering, are known to be quite challenging. These programs often require strong skills in math and science, and courses can be heavy on problem-solving and analytical thinking.
How much is UF tuition per year? ›
University of Florida's tuition is $6,381 for in-state and $28,658 for out-of-state students.
What is the prettiest university in Florida? ›
Some of the most beautiful College campuses in the country are here in Florida
- Florida State University. Where: Tallahassee, Florida.
- Palm Beach Atlantic University. Where: Palm Beach, Florida.
- St. Thomas University. ...
- University of North Florida. Where: Jacksonville, Florida.
- University of South Florida. ...
- University of Tampa.
For general purposes, passing grades are A, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D- and S. Failing grades are E and U.
What are the cons of attending a public university? ›
Bigger class sizes
Within a public university, the larger student body translates to more students in the classroom, widening the ratio between students and the professor. If you're a student who feels more comfortable among smaller groups, then a bigger class size might be a disadvantage.
What are 2 or more challenges drawbacks or risks of attending a 4 year college university? ›
Despite the popularity of four-year universities, there are some downsides that may mean attending this type of institution is not the right option for you.
- Higher Cost to Fund Your Education. ...
- Larger Class Sizes. ...
- Requirement to Live On-Campus.
UF is recognized nationally and around the world as a leader in academic excellence, both on-campus and online. Ranked 5th nationally among all public universities in the country according to U.S. News and World Report (2022). Ranked #20 Best Value College by Forbes (2022). Ranked No.
