Pitt Digital has your back all year long with cybersecurity tips that actually stick. Every student at Pitt completes a required annual cybersecurity training, and this year's edition zeros in on generative AI.
📋 Check This Off Before Classes Start
This year’s required cybersecurity training is Artificial Intelligence for Students. It takes just 10 minutes to complete and covers what AI actually is, its legal and ethical challenges, the rise of deepfakes, and how to use AI tools correctly and safely. As AI tools become part of everyday coursework and campus life, following your instructor’s guidelines and the University’s AI Acceptable Use Operating Standard for assignments means knowing how to use AI safely, too.
Starting Monday, Aug. 17, you’ll be able to access the training in KnowBe4, Pitt's security awareness platform. You’ll get an email to your Pitt account when training opens. It's good to knock out early, before syllabus week fills up your to-do list.
🔁 Build Your Cybersecurity Toolkit
Consider this your starter kit. A few habits and tools worth setting up now, with the full how-to just a click away:
- 🔑 Passwords: A long password is a strong password. Learn how to keep your password safe in Your Password Is So Last Year. Here’s What to Do About It.
- 🎣 Phishing: A few good instincts go a long way. Don't Take the Bait: How to Spot a Phishing Scam shows you what to watch for, including today's more convincing, often AI-written messages.
- 🔓 Multifactor authentication: That Duo push notification does a lot of heavy lifting. Behind Every Login: What Duo Mobile Is Doing for You walks through a few features worth knowing about.
- 🕵️ Your digital fingerprint: A few small habits go a long way toward keeping your information safe from cybercriminals. How to Protect Your Digital Fingerprint has the details.
📡 Know Your Networks
Choosing the right Wi-Fi network is one of the easiest security wins you've got, because Pitt already built the protection in.
- In academic and administrative buildings (and even outdoors in spots like Cathedral Lawn or the William Pitt Union grounds): Connect to PittNet. If it’s your first time accessing this network on your device (or it’s been awhile), you’ll be prompted to log in with your Pitt credentials.
- In residence halls: MyResNet is purpose-built for dorm life and carries that same Pitt-backed reliability.
- Traveling or visiting another campus: Eduroam is used at universities around the world, so the same secure Pitt login that works in Hillman Library can get you safely connected elsewhere, too.
The takeaway: Whenever you see a Pitt-affiliated network, be sure to choose it rather than an unfamiliar one.
✅ You've Got This
None of this requires becoming a cybersecurity expert. Complete your training, build out your toolkit, and connect to the right network. That's it — you're covered.
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar: Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month nationwide, and Pitt Digital will have more tips and resources heading your way throughout the month. Keep an eye on PantherBytes and follow @UPittDigital on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for the latest cybersecurity tips.
This is just one stop on the map. Our Digital Survival Guide series has everything else you need to navigate your first year at Pitt.
— Pitt Digital
