As you dive into your classes, make new friends, and explore everything the University has to offer, there’s one more thing to add to your college to-do list: protecting your digital life. 🧠💻
Whether you're living on campus or commuting, your devices are a vital part of your academic journey — and a top target for cybercriminals. But don’t panic! We’ve got your back with simple tips to keep your information (and peace of mind) secure.
🔐 1. Create strong, unique passwords (seriously).
Coming up with new passwords can feel like a chore but using “Panthers123” for everything is a big no-no.
🔎 Why it matters:
Data breaches are unfortunately too common these days, and chances are at least one of your old passwords has already been leaked. If you reuse passwords, a single breach could give cybercriminals access to your entire digital portfolio — from your Pitt email to your online banking.
✅ How to do it right:
- Make passwords at least 16 characters long.
- Use a mix of uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Try a passphrase you’ll remember, like “Panth3rPride$tr0ng2025!” — just don’t use obvious movie quotes or song lyrics.
- Use a password generator and a password manager 1Password to safely store them.
🚫 Avoid:
- Using the same password everywhere
- Slight variations like “password1,” “password2”
- Sharing your passwords with anyone (even roommates!)
🚨 2. Watch out for sneaky browser notifications.
You’re clicking around the internet when suddenly — pop! A website wants to send you notifications. Think twice before clicking Allow.
🧠 Why it’s risky:
Some sites (or hackers pretending to be sites) send constant spam, fake alerts, or even malware via browser notifications. Cybercriminals can trick you into allowing malicious pop-ups disguised as video players, discounts, or login pages.
🛑 What to do:
- Only allow notifications from trusted websites.
- Check your browser’s notification settings and turn off ones you don’t recognize.
- Keep your browser updated so it has the latest security patches.
📬 3. Be on the lookout for phishing and social engineering.
It’s not just bad links you have to worry about. Cybercriminals are getting creative — and personal.
🎭 Common scams:
- Phishing: You get an email that looks like it’s from Pitt Digital, your professor, or even your bank — but it’s a fake.
- Vishing: Someone calls you pretending to be from tech support or another trusted source.
- Social engineering: Scammers pose as people you trust to get you to share info or click dangerous links.
🧩 Red flags to look out for:
- A weird sense of urgency (“Send this now!” or “We’ll lock your account!”)
- Messages with bad grammar or strange formatting
- Emails from unknown senders — or spoofed addresses that look almost right
💡 Pro tips:
- Never click unexpected links or download unknown files
- Verify suspicious emails with a quick call or message to the person
- Report phishing attempts to phish@pitt.edu
🧠 4. Stay smart around “always-listening” devices.
Whether you’ve got Alexa blasting your study playlist or you ask Siri about the nearest coffee shop, these voice assistants are — well — always listening.
🔊 How to stay private:
- Mute the mic when not in use
- Don’t link sensitive accounts like banking or healthcare portals
- Review and delete voice recordings regularly
- Turn devices off or unplugged when you’re not home
Even if you’re not saying anything private, these devices still store tons of info that could be valuable to hackers.
🚷 5. Think something’s suspicious? Trust your gut.
You’re a Pitt Panther now — and that means you’re a part of our security team, too. 🐾
If you notice:
- A suspicious email or phone call
- Pop-ups or settings that suddenly change
📣 Speak up:
Report issues to the Technology Help Desk. We’d rather investigate a false alarm than let something sketchy slide under the radar.
🧰 Bonus: Pitt IT is here for you anytime.
Need help or have a cybersecurity question? We’re just a click, call, or visit away.
📞 Call +1-412-624-HELP (4357)
📍 Visit Drop-In Support in the Hillman Library or University Store on Fifth
🏁 Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity might sound intimidating, but it’s really about forming good habits early. Stay curious, stay alert, and remember you’re not in this alone.
Welcome to Pitt. We can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish (safely and securely)! 🔒💙💛
- Pitt Digital
This article was written with the help of generative AI tools. It was fact checked by Haree Lim and edited by Pitt Digital communications. See Generative AI @ Pitt for more information on responsible GenAI use.
