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New Enterprise Data Transfer Service (Globus) Now Available

Thursday, April 11, 2024 - 14:15

 

Pitt Information Technology is pleased to announce that a new Enterprise Data Transfer Service is now available to enhance the University’s collaboration and research capabilities. This service, powered by Globus, seamlessly integrates enterprise, research, and cloud storage — without the need to manage and understand complex underlying infrastructure.

Whether it's moving files between local and cloud storage, or sharing resources with external partners, Globus provides a reliable and secure "bridge" for all your data transfer needs, along with these benefits:

  • Easier collaboration: Share data effortlessly both internally and with external institutions. All you need is an email address to share data with colleagues.
  • Data transfer scalability: From kilobytes to petabytes, Globus can efficiently, reliably, and securely move data between systems within your site or across an ocean.
  • Simplified administration: Globus is easy to use and lets you create and manage collections of data from multiple sources, granting permissions to others as needed.
  • Cost effectiveness: Access to Globus is free to all Pitt users, providing individuals and groups with a stable and secure data migration tool that is supported by Pitt IT.
  • Robust compatibility: Integrate data from workstations, enterprise research storage, and cloud services across a wide range of environments — including Amazon, Azure and GCP Cloud Storage Services, CRC HPC Research Storage, Dell Isilon, Google Workspace, Microsoft OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams. Any storage system(s) mounted to your workstation can also use the Globus Connect Personal client.

Users interested in leveraging the Enterprise Data Transfer Service to help securely move and share data should contact the Technology Help Desk at +1-412-624-HELP (4357) to initiate a consultation with a member of Pitt IT’s Data Transfer team.

 

Improved Teams Desktop App Coming; Preview Now

Thursday, April 11, 2024 - 10:18

 

Beginning in early April 2024, Microsoft will begin updating the classic Teams desktop app with an upgraded version for Windows and Mac. The new Teams experience is expected to provide enhanced performance and a streamlined user interface.

To facilitate the transition, the new Teams desktop app for Windows and Mac is currently available for preview. Pitt Information Technology strongly recommends students, faculty, and staff become familiar with the new Teams environment now.

Users can preview the new experience by:

  1. Launching their Teams desktop client.
  2. Sliding the Try the new Teams setting switch on the top left-hand side of the menu ribbon to the right.

Until about mid-May, users will be able to use this toggle switch to revert to the classic Teams client. While Microsoft has not specified an exact date for the change in May, all Teams desktop apps for Windows and Mac users will be upgraded to the new Teams experience.

After July 1, 2024, Microsoft plans to block the classic Teams desktop app and it will no longer work. Please note that this date is tentative and subject to extension based on feedback Microsoft receives about the new Teams desktop app and the transition process.

The functionality of the new Teams desktop client remains mostly the same, but it provides a faster, simpler, and more flexible performance experience. The new client:

  • Loads more quickly, allowing you to launch the app and join meetings with greater efficiency.
  • Ensures better utilization of device resources, using less battery and memory.
  • Allows multiple accounts, such as UPMC and Pitt, and switching between them from the account manager located in the upper, right-hand side of the menu taskbar.

Changing between the classic and new Teams experiences should not affect existing meetings, meeting links, the ability to join these meetings, chats, calendars, or assigned groups in Teams.

Please contact the Technology Help Desk at +1-412-624-4357 (HELP) if you experience any issues or have any questions regarding Microsoft Teams.

Replace Malwarebytes with Defender for Endpoint by April 27

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 - 16:13

 

As part of Pitt Information Technology’s ongoing efforts to enhance cybersecurity, we will fully transition to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (formerly Defender ATP) as the University's primary solution for endpoint protection, detection, and response. Because Microsoft Defender is built into Windows 10 and 11, offering robust security features that better align with our needs, the University’s licensing agreement for Malwarebytes will not be renewed when it expires on Saturday, April 27.

Unlike Malwarebytes ThreatDown, Defender for Endpoint offers full event timelines, isolation of infected machines, and advanced learning and detection that improves over time. Adopting Defender for Endpoint now lets you make full use of the University’s supported endpoint detection and response.

University-Owned Devices

If devices in your department or area are currently running Malwarebytes ThreatDown and are already onboarded to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, you’re all set! No further action is needed. However, if you haven’t transitioned your systems out of Nebula console yet, we kindly request that you do so before April 27. This ensures that all systems are appropriately protected under our updated security framework.

Administrators should:

  1. Remove Malwarebytes ThreatDown from university systems you manage for your department or area.
  2. Contact the Technology Help Desk to set up Defender for Endpoint on new departmental device(s).

Personal Devices

After the University’s license expires on April 27, Malwarebytes Premium will transition to a free version that will provide virus definitions and security updates but will no longer provide antivirus protection in real time.

Pitt Information Technology recommends students, faculty, and staff who are Windows users turn on the standard version of Microsoft Defender.  Because Microsoft Defender is fully integrated with Windows and optimized for Office 365 desktop/cloud apps, it is more efficient and uses fewer computing resources. Windows 10 with built-in Microsoft Defender antivirus is available through Microsoft Azure Dev Tools for Teaching.

You can easily enable Microsoft Defender on Windows PCs for your users by following these simple steps:

  1. Click on the Windows Security icon in the notification area on the lower-right side of the taskbar.
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
  3. Under Virus & threat protection settings, click on Manage settings.
  4. Toggle the Real-time protection switch to On.
  5. If you currently have Malwarebytes installed on your device, please uninstall it to avoid any conflicts or redundancies with Microsoft Defender.

Mac users can select a different antivirus solution available at no cost. For more information, visit here. Users may need to reboot a device after installing a different antivirus solution.

Please contact the Technology Help Desk at +1-412-624-HELP (4357) if you experience any issues or have any questions regarding this announcement.

Phishing Alerts: Two New Phishing Scams Attempt to Collect Pitt Credentials

Saturday, March 23, 2024 - 21:03

 

Pitt Information Technology is taking action to address two new phishing scams targeting the University community. Both scams attempt to convince recipients to visit a webpage and provide their University credentials.

The Subject line of the first scam email may be “ETIQUETTE” or “ENROLLMENT.” The email typically is delivered from a Gmail address. The body of the message is blank, but it includes an attachment. Opening the attachment takes recipients to a Google Docs webpage that attempts to collect their Pitt credentials.

The Subject line of the second scam email may be similar to “STUDENT SERVICES,” and the body text may be similar to the following example:

**********

We are looking for a reliable part-time Assistant. This is a very simple employment, Part-time work-from-home position with highly flexible hours. . All the tasks are work from home or any location. You can be working from home, School, or any location. Only interested candidates will be able to work independently, prioritize tasks, and communicate effectively. Kindly text me after filling out the link [phone number redacted] . fill out the link.. ... [link redacted] and i will text you after i receive your information. and kindly submit your resumes to this email

[email address redacted]

**********

Individuals who have responded to either scam and provided their credentials should immediately change their password by searching for “change my password” at My Pitt (my.pitt.edu).

Guidance for spotting phishing scams is available on Pitt IT’s website. Keep in mind these key points:          

  • Only approve multifactor authentication (Duo) requests that you have initiated. Duo is designed to prevent unauthorized access to your information and University data, but it requires constant vigilance. Never tap “Approve” if you receive a Duo authentication request that you were not expecting. Uninitiated authentication requests may be an attacker attempting to compromise your Pitt account. The only safe Duo authentication request you will receive is one you request when logging in to University services.
  • Do not reply to unsolicited emails or emails from unverifiable sources. If you were not expecting to receive such an email, confirm with the sender prior to interacting with the message. If you must interact with the message, avoid clicking on links contained in such emails. These may lead to sites that contain malicious software, or sites that attempt to steal your credentials. If a link looks suspicious, you can hover over the link with your mouse to preview the URL without clicking on it.
  • Be extra cautious if you automatically forward your University email. Automatically forwarding your University email to a non-University address (for example, gmail.com, hotmail.com, or upmc.edu) circumvents some of the security measures Pitt IT puts in place to protect you against phishing scams.
  • Report suspected phishing scams. To report a phishing scam, forward the phishing email as an attachment to phish@pitt.edu. 
  • Stay safe when scanning QR codes. Never scan a QR code from an unknown or untrustworthy source. When you do scan a QR code, be sure to use a scanner app that provides a preview of the destination so that you can review the URL and decide if it is safe. If you scan a QR code and the site is unrelated to what you scanned or requires a login, close out of your browser immediately.
  • Install an antivirus solution for personal devices. Staff and faculty should be using Microsoft Defender to protect University-owned devices. 

Please contact the Technology Help Desk at +1-412-624-HELP (4357) if you have any questions regarding this announcement.

Phishing Alert: Fraudulent Office 365 Email Termination Scam

Thursday, January 11, 2024 - 17:57

 

Pitt Information Technology is taking action to address a new variation of a phishing scam claiming that your Office 365 email account will be deleted unless you click a link and provide your Pitt credentials.

The Subject line may be similar to these examples:

  • FILL THE FORM TO VERIFY ASAP
  • RESPOND ASAP

The body of the email message may be similar to this example:

*******

Dear Valued User,

We received a request from you to terminate your Office 365 email due to a dual college/universities account. This process has begun by our administrator. If you did not authorize this action and you have no knowledge of it, you are advised to re-verify your account. Please give us 24 hours to terminate your account if you initiated the request. Failure to re-verify will result in the closure of your account and you will lose all of my files on these 365 accounts.

Browse the URL Below into the address bar of your web browser to re-verify and cancel the request

[web address redacted]

©Copyright University of Pittsburgh All rights reserved.

*******

Individuals who interacted with this scam and provided their credentials are required to change their University Computing Account password immediately by searching for “change my password” at My Pitt (my.pitt.edu).

Guidance for spotting phishing scams is available on Pitt IT’s website. Keep in mind these key points:

  • Only approve multifactor authentication (Duo) requests that you have initiated. Duo is designed to prevent unauthorized access to your information and University data, but it requires constant vigilance. Never tap “Approve” if you receive a Duo authentication request that you were not expecting. Uninitiated authentication requests may be an attacker attempting to compromise your Pitt account. The only safe Duo authentication request you will receive is one you request when logging in to University services.
  • Do not reply to unsolicited emails or emails from unverifiable sources. If you were not expecting to receive such an email, confirm with the sender prior to interacting with the message. If you must interact with the message, avoid clicking on links contained in such emails. These may lead to sites that contain malicious software, or sites that attempt to steal your credentials. If a link looks suspicious, you can hover over the link with your mouse to preview the URL without clicking on it.
  • Be extra cautious if you automatically forward your University email. Automatically forwarding your University email to a non-University address (for example, gmail.com, hotmail.com, or upmc.edu) circumvents some of the security measures Pitt IT puts in place to protect you against phishing scams.
  • Report suspected phishing scams. To report a phishing scam, forward the phishing email as an attachment to phish@pitt.edu. 
  • Stay safe when scanning QR codes. Never scan a QR code from an unknown or untrustworthy source. When you do scan a QR code, be sure to use a scanner app that provides a preview of the destination so that you can review the URL and decide if it is safe. If you scan a QR code and the site is unrelated to what you scanned or requires a login, close out of your browser immediately.
  • Install an antivirus solution for personal devices. Staff and faculty should be using Microsoft Defender to protect University-owned devices. 

Please contact the Technology Help Desk at +1-412-624-HELP (4357) if you have any questions regarding this announcement.

Phishing Alert: Fraudulent Offer of Free Estate Items

Monday, January 8, 2024 - 10:05

 

Pitt Information Technology is taking action to address a new phishing scam targeting the University community. The scam offers free items from the estate of a former graduate’s father. The scam originates from a “BHM.K12.AL.US” email address and attempts to convince recipients to reply to a private email address to coordinate delivery.

Pitt IT recommends that recipients who replied to the scam block the scammer’s email address and/or phone number and be vigilant about reviewing any messages received at the email address they provided.

The Subject line may be similar to this example:

  • NEW YEAR ANNIVERSARY

The body of the email message may be similar to this example:

*******

Compliments of the seasons to both staff and students, we are pleased to bring to your notice that one of our Old Graduates, Mrs. [name redacted] is graciously giving away her late father's favorite properties to celebrate his one-year Anniversary. Amongst the items available are a neatly used

Apple MacBook Pro

PlayStation 5

Electric Bike(GoCycleG4)

2014 Baby Grand Piano (Yamaha)

Eric Clapton's Martin Guitar

Canon Camera (EOS 800D)

It's important to let you know these gadgets are offered for free, with a dispatch agent available. Mrs. [name redacted] is offering to have them delivered directly to your home, and to facilitate this a dispatching fee is required regardless of the destination. We encourage those interested to reach out to Mrs. [name redacted] via [email address redacted] with your personal email address (NOT SCHOOL EMAIL), as these items are sure to find new homes quickly. Don't miss this opportunity to obtain these remarkable pieces.

*******

Guidance for spotting phishing scams is available on Pitt IT’s website. Keep in mind these key points:

  • Only approve multifactor authentication (Duo) requests that you have initiated. Duo is designed to prevent unauthorized access to your information and University data, but it requires constant vigilance. Never tap “Approve” if you receive a Duo authentication request that you were not expecting. Uninitiated authentication requests may be an attacker attempting to compromise your Pitt account. The only safe Duo authentication request you will receive is one you request when logging in to University services.
  • Do not reply to unsolicited emails or emails from unverifiable sources. If you were not expecting to receive such an email, confirm with the sender prior to interacting with the message. If you must interact with the message, avoid clicking on links contained in such emails. These may lead to sites that contain malicious software, or sites that attempt to steal your credentials. If a link looks suspicious, you can hover over the link with your mouse to preview the URL without clicking on it.
  • Be extra cautious if you automatically forward your University email. Automatically forwarding your University email to a non-University address (for example, gmail.com, hotmail.com, or upmc.edu) circumvents some of the security measures Pitt IT puts in place to protect you against phishing scams.
  • Report suspected phishing scams. To report a phishing scam, forward the phishing email as an attachment to phish@pitt.edu. 
  • Stay safe when scanning QR codes. Never scan a QR code from an unknown or untrustworthy source. When you do scan a QR code, be sure to use a scanner app that provides a preview of the destination so that you can review the URL and decide if it is safe. If you scan a QR code and the site is unrelated to what you scanned or requires a login, close out of your browser immediately.
  • Install an antivirus solution for personal devices. Staff and faculty should be using Microsoft Defender to protect University-owned devices. 

Please contact the Technology Help Desk at +1-412-624-HELP (4357) if you have any questions regarding this announcement.

Phishing Alert: Two New Scams Targeting the University Community

Sunday, January 7, 2024 - 13:23

 

Pitt Information Technology is taking action to address two new phishing scams targeting the University community. Both scams originate from a “pitt.edu” email address.

The first scam uses a Subject line similar to “Adm. Asst Role $21.65-$24.35/hr to start + benefits” and includes a message body similar to the following:

*******

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, Pittsburgh University!

There is a pressing need for Students, Faculty, and Staff assistants at  Pittsburgh University. This position is available to Students, Faculty, and Staff from any department of the institution, and consideration will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please see attached for an immediate job opportunity.

*******

The second scam uses a Subject line similar to “Incident INC0570580 notification” and includes a message body similar to the following:

*******

This is the last time we will notify you that we will stop processing incoming emails in your school account, and the reason is you failed to verify your Microsoft account which may lead to the permanent deletion of your account from our database in the next few hours. Kindly take a minute to complete our email verification below. If the above links do not work, please copy and paste the following URL into a Web browser:

If you only have one Microsoft Office 365 account, only fill in the only account. and fill " None; Nil; NA " in the rest space

Important Notice- Account disconnection will take place today.

Thank You Microsoft © 2024

*******

Individuals who have responded to the scam and provided their credentials should immediately change their password by searching for “change my password” at My Pitt (my.pitt.edu).

Guidance for spotting phishing scams is available on Pitt IT’s website. Keep in mind these key points:

  • Only approve multifactor authentication (Duo) requests that you have initiated. Duo is designed to prevent unauthorized access to your information and University data, but it requires constant vigilance. Never tap “Approve” if you receive a Duo authentication request that you were not expecting. Uninitiated authentication requests may be an attacker attempting to compromise your Pitt account. The only safe Duo authentication request you will receive is one you request when logging in to University services.
  • Do not reply to unsolicited emails or emails from unverifiable sources. If you were not expecting to receive such an email, confirm with the sender prior to interacting with the message. If you must interact with the message, avoid clicking on links contained in such emails. These may lead to sites that contain malicious software, or sites that attempt to steal your credentials. If a link looks suspicious, you can hover over the link with your mouse to preview the URL without clicking on it.
  • Be extra cautious if you automatically forward your University email. Automatically forwarding your University email to a non-University address (for example, gmail.com, hotmail.com, or upmc.edu) circumvents some of the security measures Pitt IT puts in place to protect you against phishing scams.
  • Report suspected phishing scams. To report a phishing scam, forward the phishing email as an attachment to phish@pitt.edu. 
  • Stay safe when scanning QR codes. Never scan a QR code from an unknown or untrustworthy source. When you do scan a QR code, be sure to use a scanner app that provides a preview of the destination so that you can review the URL and decide if it is safe. If you scan a QR code and the site is unrelated to what you scanned or requires a login, close out of your browser immediately.
  • Install an antivirus solution for personal devices. Staff and faculty should be using Microsoft Defender to protect University-owned devices. 

Please contact the Technology Help Desk at +1-412-624-HELP (4357) if you have any questions regarding this announcement.

Phishing Alert: Free Items Offered in Exchange for Shipping Costs

Friday, December 1, 2023 - 10:55

 

Pitt Information Technology is taking action to address a new variation of a phishing scam that claims to offer free items to those who are willing to pay shipping costs. The scam originates from a “students.manateeschools.net” email address and asks recipients to reply with their personal email address to arrange delivery of the items.

The Subject line may be similar to these examples:

  • Christmas Carol Gift!!!
  • Christmas Support
  • Christmas Reward!!
  • Holiday Support
  • FESTIVE REWARD
  • HOLIDAY NOTICE

The body of the email message may be similar to the following example:

**********

As the Christmas period draws closer, we are pleased to bring to your notice that one of our Old Graduate, [name redacted] is currently endowing and generously offering to give away her late father's favorite properties. Amongst the items available are a neatly used

  • Apple MacBook Pro
  • PlayStation 5
  • Canon Camera (EOS 800D)
  • Guitar (Eric Clapton's 1939 Martin OOO-42)
  • Violin
  • 2014 Baby Grand Piano (Yamaha)

It's essential to let you know these gadgets are offered for free, with a dispatch agent available. [Name redacted] is offering to have them delivered directly to your home, and to facilitate this a dispatching fee is required regardless of the destination.

We encourage those interested to reach out to [name redacted] via [email address redacted] with your personal email address (NOT SCHOOL EMAIL), as these items are sure to find new homes quickly. Don't miss this opportunity to obtain these remarkable pieces.

**********

Pitt IT is contacting individuals who received the scam and advising them to block the scammer’s email address and be vigilant about reviewing any messages received at the email address they may have provided to the scammer.

Guidance for spotting phishing scams is available on Pitt IT’s website. Keep in mind these key points:

  • Only approve multifactor authentication (Duo) requests that you have initiated. Duo is designed to prevent unauthorized access to your information and University data, but it requires constant vigilance. Never tap “Approve” if you receive a Duo authentication request that you were not expecting. Uninitiated authentication requests may be an attacker attempting to compromise your Pitt account. The only safe Duo authentication request you will receive is one you request when logging in to University services.
  • Do not reply to unsolicited emails or emails from unverifiable sources. If you were not expecting to receive such an email, confirm with the sender prior to interacting with the message. If you must interact with the message, avoid clicking on links contained in such emails. These may lead to sites that contain malicious software, or sites that attempt to steal your credentials. If a link looks suspicious, you can hover over the link with your mouse to preview the URL without clicking on it.
  • Be extra cautious if you automatically forward your University email. Automatically forwarding your University email to a non-University address (for example, gmail.com, hotmail.com, or upmc.edu) circumvents some of the security measures Pitt IT puts in place to protect you against phishing scams.
  • Report suspected phishing scams. To report a phishing scam, forward the phishing email as an attachment to phish@pitt.edu. 
  • Stay safe when scanning QR codes. Never scan a QR code from an unknown or untrustworthy source. When you do scan a QR code, be sure to use a scanner app that provides a preview of the destination so that you can review the URL and decide if it is safe. If you scan a QR code and the site is unrelated to what you scanned or requires a login, close out of your browser immediately.
  • Install an antivirus solution for personal devices. Staff and faculty should be using Microsoft Defender to protect University-owned devices.

Please contact the Technology Help Desk at +1-412-624-HELP (4357) if you have any questions regarding this announcement.

Phishing Alert: New Variation of Fraudulent Pitt Email Termination Scam

Friday, November 17, 2023 - 10:07

Pitt Information Technology is taking action to address a new variation of a recent phishing scam claiming that your Pitt Email will be terminated unless you provide your email address and password.

The Subject line may be similar to this example:

  • URGENTT PITTs ALERTT!

The body of the email message may be similar to this example:

  • PLEASE ATTEND T0 THIS N0W WHILE VALID. CHECK FILE AB0VE F0R DETAILS

Opening the attachment directs recipients to a harmful Google form that attempts to collect their Pitt credentials.

Individuals who have responded to the scam and provided their credentials should immediately change their password by searching for “change my password” at myPitt (my.pitt.edu).

Guidance for spotting phishing scams is available on Pitt IT’s website. Keep in mind these key points:

  • Only approve multifactor authentication (Duo) requests that you have initiated. Duo is designed to prevent unauthorized access to your information and University data, but it requires constant vigilance. Never tap “Approve” if you receive a Duo authentication request that you were not expecting. Uninitiated authentication requests may be an attacker attempting to compromise your Pitt account. The only safe Duo authentication request you will receive is one you request when logging in to University services.
  • Do not reply to unsolicited emails or emails from unverifiable sources. If you were not expecting to receive such an email, confirm with the sender prior to interacting with the message. If you must interact with the message, avoid clicking on links contained in such emails. These may lead to sites that contain malicious software, or sites that attempt to steal your credentials. If a link looks suspicious, you can hover over the link with your mouse to preview the URL without clicking on it.
  • Be extra cautious if you automatically forward your University email. Automatically forwarding your University email to a non-University address (for example, gmail.com, hotmail.com, or upmc.edu) circumvents some of the security measures Pitt IT puts in place to protect you against phishing scams.
  • Report suspected phishing scams. To report a phishing scam, forward the phishing email as an attachment to phish@pitt.edu. 
  • Stay safe when scanning QR codes. Never scan a QR code from an unknown or untrustworthy source. When you do scan a QR code, be sure to use a scanner app that provides a preview of the destination so that you can review the URL and decide if it is safe. If you scan a QR code and the site is unrelated to what you scanned or requires a login, close out of your browser immediately.
  • Install an antivirus solution for personal devices. Staff and faculty should be using Microsoft Defender to protect University-owned devices.

Please contact the Technology Help Desk at +1-412-624-HELP (4357) if you have any questions regarding this announcement.

Phishing Alert: New Variations of Fraudulent Pitt Email Termination Scam

Thursday, November 16, 2023 - 17:43

 

Pitt Information Technology is taking action to address new variations of a recent phishing scam claiming that your Pitt Email will be terminated unless you provide your email address and password.

Subject lines include these and similar:

  • NEWS FROM PITT!!!
  • READ IMMEDIATELY!!!! PITT

The body of the email message may be similar to this example:

  • ATTEND T0 THIS N0W! IF Y0U WISH T0 KEEP Y0UR EDU ACC0UNT THEN Y0U NEED T0 0PEN THE FILE N0W!

Individuals who have responded to the scam and provided their credentials should immediately change their password by searching for “change my password” at myPitt (my.pitt.edu).

Guidance for spotting phishing scams is available on Pitt IT’s website. Keep in mind these key points:

  • Only approve multifactor authentication (Duo) requests that you have initiated. Duo is designed to prevent unauthorized access to your information and University data, but it requires constant vigilance. Never tap “Approve” if you receive a Duo authentication request that you were not expecting. Uninitiated authentication requests may be an attacker attempting to compromise your Pitt account. The only safe Duo authentication request you will receive is one you request when logging in to University services.
  • Do not reply to unsolicited emails or emails from unverifiable sources. If you were not expecting to receive such an email, confirm with the sender prior to interacting with the message. If you must interact with the message, avoid clicking on links contained in such emails. These may lead to sites that contain malicious software, or sites that attempt to steal your credentials. If a link looks suspicious, you can hover over the link with your mouse to preview the URL without clicking on it.
  • Be extra cautious if you automatically forward your University email. Automatically forwarding your University email to a non-University address (for example, gmail.com, hotmail.com, or upmc.edu) circumvents some of the security measures Pitt IT puts in place to protect you against phishing scams.
  • Report suspected phishing scams. To report a phishing scam, forward the phishing email as an attachment to phish@pitt.edu. 
  • Stay safe when scanning QR codes. Never scan a QR code from an unknown or untrustworthy source. When you do scan a QR code, be sure to use a scanner app that provides a preview of the destination so that you can review the URL and decide if it is safe. If you scan a QR code and the site is unrelated to what you scanned or requires a login, close out of your browser immediately.
  • Install an antivirus solution for personal devices. Staff and faculty should be using Microsoft Defender to protect University-owned devices.

Please contact the Technology Help Desk at +1-412-624-HELP (4357) if you have any questions regarding this announcement.