Alerts | Page 3 | Information Technology | University of Pittsburgh
!

Search form

You are here

Home

Alerts

Simplified Pitt Guest Wi-Fi Service Available Aug. 7

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 - 15:39

 

University visitors can take advantage of simpler, faster access to Pitt Guest Wi-Fi from all Pitt campuses beginning on Monday, Aug. 7. To access guest Wi-Fi, visitors simply connect to the network named “Pitt Guest Wi-Fi,” review the Terms of Use page, and click Accept. No password, certificate installation, or Pitt-affiliated sponsor is required.

Pitt Guest Wi-Fi provides general internet access to alumni, parents, and other visitors on official University business. Pitt students, faculty, and staff should continue to use PittNet Wi-Fi, which provides authenticated access to select services as well as enhanced speed and performance. 

Visit Pitt IT’s website to view detailed Pitt Guest Wi-Fi instructions and compare available guest Wi-Fi options. Note that visitors who configured their devices for Anyroam, Pitt’s previous guest Wi-Fi service, may continue to use it after Aug. 7.

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

Changes to University Computing Account Activation Coming Aug. 1

Thursday, July 27, 2023 - 12:13

 

On Tuesday, Aug. 1, an upgrade will be released to improve the Self-Service Account Activation process used by Pitt applicants, students, and employees for setting up their University Computing Account. A University Computing Account is the key to accessing technology resources at the University — including email, PittNet Wi-Fi and wired networks, computing labs, and Pitt Worx.

Starting on Aug. 1, account activation steps for Pitt applicants, students, and employees will be:

  1. A message that contains a link to begin the activation process will be sent to the email address used on the student’s or employee’s application.
  2. The link will instruct recipients to enter their first name, last name, and date of birth to initiate account activation.
  3. Once submitted, they will receive an email or text message with a confirmation code, then enter the code to complete their account activation process.     

Information and instructions will also be available on the account activation page and Technology website.

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

Panopto Creators Using Mac PCs Should Upgrade Recorder by July 20

Wednesday, July 5, 2023 - 10:17

 

On Thursday, July 20, Panopto — the vendor behind Pitt’s Lecture Capture system — will require all Panopto for Mac recording software run version 13.0.0 or higher. Earlier desktop versions will no longer be supported by the vendor and recording content will not be uploaded. Please note that use of this version also requires at least macOS 11.

To utilize new features and improvements, as well as continue uninterrupted access to Panopto, all Panopto for Mac creators should install the most recent desktop client by July 20. You can learn more about the upgrade on Panopto’s support page.

For help updating macOS, please visit Apple support or contact the Technology Help Desk at +1-412-624-HELP (4357).

Improvements Coming to PantherExpress Software Store July 1

Thursday, June 15, 2023 - 14:32

 

On July 1, the Pitt IT Software Store in PantherExpress — used for departmental software purchases — will be upgraded with improvements to software searching and purchasing. Pitt Information Technology will contact purchasers in your department who use the Pitt IT Software Store about the following enhancements that are designed to improve and streamline their user experience. 

Immediate Downloads Through Software.Pitt.Edu 

  • Purchasers save time and effort with a new bulk-upload feature to enter up to 150 usernames per order. 
  • Users now have full self-service to download Pitt IT Software Store purchases from a single location containing all software titles: software.pitt.edu. 
  • Faster software availability for users that takes less than an hour to complete after an order is placed. 

Note: Software is only available to the usernames provided at the time of purchase. For assistance gathering username information, use find.pitt.edu or contact the Technology Help Desk. 

New License Renewal Features 

  • The new Software Store provides purchasers with order histories and a convenient “reorder” option to place renewals. 
  • Beginning January 2024, purchasers will receive automatic renewal notices from the store three months before software licenses expire. 

Note: Any users whose license is not renewed will automatically have their access removed on the software’s expiration date; no further action is needed. 

Enhanced Shopping Navigation 

  • A revised and streamlined product catalog, as well as new search and filtering options make it easier for purchasers to find what they are looking for. 
  • With the exception of VMware, it is no longer necessary to choose between licenses and renewals! 

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

Apple Security Updates Address New Vulnerabilities

Thursday, June 22, 2023 - 16:12

 

Apple has announced security updates to address new security vulnerabilities affecting the software listed below. Pitt Information Technology recommends that users immediately identify and install the security updates necessary to remediate these vulnerabilities by following the guidance on Apple’s website.

Please note that these updates include security patches for a zero-day vulnerability that is being actively exploited and could result in the execution of malicious code.

Affected Software

  • iOS prior to 16.5.1
  • iPadOS prior to 16.5.1
  • macOS Ventura prior to 13.14.1
  • mac OS Monterey prior to 12.6.7
  • macOS Big Sur prior to 11.7.8
  • watchOS prior to 9.5.2

In addition, Pitt IT recommends that all students, faculty, and staff 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 Bitcoin ATM Scam

Tuesday, June 20, 2023 - 20:00

 

Pitt Information Technology is aware of a phishing scam targeting the University of Pittsburgh community that advertises a fictitious job visiting Bitcoin ATMs for a survey. The scam, which appears to originate from a pitt.edu address, may use the subject “PART TIME JOB” or “[PART-TIME]” and asks recipients to reply with an alternative email address and their school schedule.

The following is a sample of the scam.

***************************************

Subject: PART TIME JOB

[PART-TIME]SURVEY SPECIALIST POSITION

COMPANY & JOB DESCRIPTION:  Block-stream ( A secure platform that makes it easy to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, Ethereum)  seeks INDIVIDUALS who can VISIT at least “one” BITCOIN ATM every week for a survey.

WEEKLY SALARY: ( $350 +$50 for miscellaneous including tax)

For more Information. Contact (email address redacted)

with your alternative “email address” as well as your school schedule.

 

Sincerely,

Anderson Hall

Senior investment Officer

***************************************

Additional 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.
  • 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

Monday, June 12, 2023 - 16:39

 

Pitt Information Technology is aware of a phishing scam targeting the University of Pittsburgh community that claims to offer free items to those who are willing to pay shipping costs. The scam originates from a pitt.edu email address and asks recipients to text a phone number to arrange delivery of the items.

The following is a sample of the scam.

***************************************

Subject: FREE DOWNSIZING AND GIVEAWAY ITEMS FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS

Hello,

Mrs. Travis Petty is downsizing and looking to give away Her late husband's 

Sony Airpeak S1 Professional Drone, 

Piano (2014 Yamaha Baby Grand, 

Eric Clapton's 1939 Martin OOO-42

Leica S (TyR 007) Digital SLR Camera

G-Shock MRG-G2000HA-1A Limited Edition

Hasselblad H6D-400c MS Medium Format DSLR Camera

Blüthner Lucid Hive Extravaganza Piano

Panoscan MK-3 Digital 360 Degree Panoramic Camera 

Auramania Crystal Edition Gold Bike 

Sony Aibo ERS-110 Voice Robot 

Violin to a loving home. The piano is a 2014 Yamaha baby grand, the Guitar is Eric Clapton's 1939 Martin OOO-42 while the camera is Leica S (TyR 007) Digital SLR Camera .You can contact Mrs. Travis Petty to indicate your interest. Kindly reach out to her + [phone number redacted] via your phone to get it delivered to your home.

NO CALLS PLEASE, TEXT ONLY

NOTE: THE ITEMS ARE FREE, NO PICK UP, DELIVERY ONLY

REQUIREMENTS: Shipping Fee is estimated at $100 – 250 anywhere.

 

[Signature redacted]

***************************************

Additional 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.
  • 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 Microsoft 365 Scam

Friday, June 9, 2023 - 11:07

 

Pitt Information Technology is aware of a Microsoft 365 phishing scam targeting the University of Pittsburgh community. The scam claims that all the recipient’s emails and Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files will be deleted unless they update their Microsoft 365 account. The email contains a QR code that takes recipients to a harmful website that attempts to collect their Pitt credentials. The scam originates from a pitt.edu email address and typically uses “ACT FAST NOW !!!” as its Subject. 

The following is a sample of the scam. Pitt IT is contacting individuals who received the scam and advising those who may have provided their credentials to change their University Computing Account password immediately.

***************************************

Subject: ACT FAST NOW !!!

Dear PITT User,

We accepted a request to deauthorize or delete your Microsoft 365 Login: due to having two separate (college/universities) accounts on Microsoft 365 platform or service.

Your organization's IT department has begun the deauthorize or delete process. If you did not authorize or initiate these actions and you have no knowledge of it, you are advised to re-verify your account Login.

If you have only one college account, fill in the correct user and passcode then submit. But if you are in a dual credit college, Pls fill in the correct username and password for both school and submit.

Failure to re-verify will result in the closing of your account and you will lose all your files (includes a suite of productivity applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more, along with cloud services like OneDrive and Microsoft Teams.) on these Microsoft 365 accounts. Login.

Please give us 24 hours to deauthorize or delete your Account Login if you authorize or initiate the request.

To re-verify or deauthorize or delete your Account. Login

Scan a QR code to your phone/ Be sure to turn on QR code on camera settings.

***************************************

Additional 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.
  • 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.

Storage Changes Coming July 1: Review Recordings for Zoom and Canvas

Thursday, June 1, 2023 - 16:42

 

As previously announced in March 2023, Panopto, the vendor behind Pitt’s Lecture Capture system used for Canvas instructional recordings, as well as the default solution for saving Zoom meeting and webinar recordings, recently ended unlimited storage for all customers.

Storage Changes Affect Canvas and Zoom Recordings Beginning July 1

Pitt Information Technology encourages users to mark July 1, 2023, as the date when the following changes take effect:

  • Unviewed Zoom instructional videos in Canvas will be deleted after 30 months. 
    • They will first be archived 18 months after they are last viewed.
    • Once archived, recordings will remain available for an additional 12 months.
    • Recordings that have not been viewed or restored after the combined 30-month period are permanently deleted.
  • Zoom meeting and webinar recordings made outside of Canvas will be stored in Zoom instead of Panopto.
    • After 30 days, recordings stored in Zoom will automatically be moved to the Trash.
    • Items in Trash will be held for an additional 30 days before they are permanently deleted.

Steps to Take Before and After July 1

Prior to July 1, please advise users to take the following actions for their recordings:

  1. Review the previously released information about the storage changes for Zoom and Canvas.
  2. Review and delete recordings that are no longer needed.
    • Users can find Panopto videos by logging into Panopto directly or through myPitt (my.pitt.edu) and clicking the My Folder link on the left side of the page once in Panopto.
    • Visit Zoom in the cloud: Download recordings that are older than 30 days to a device or cloud storage. Delete any recording that is no longer needed. Recordings in Zoom trash can be recovered until the end of the 30-day period.
  3. Consider changing where you store video content. The storage limit for Panopto has no impact on recordings moved to other systems.
    • Store Canvas recordings somewhere else if there may be long periods of time between viewings, such as a course taught every three years.
    • Users may download recordings to their device or cloud storage, such as OneDrive. Panopto content can also be manually archived and restored.
    • Review opt-in instructions for a change that lets users import non-class Zoom meetings into Panopto. Note that this opt-in functionality is not available until July 1, as user activation now would affect Zoom recordings that are imported into Panopto.

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

Phishing Alert: Fraudulent Office 365 Scam

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 - 14:39

 

Pitt Information Technology is aware of an Office 365 phishing scam targeting the University of Pittsburgh community. The scam claims that all the recipient’s emails will be deleted unless they update their Office 365 account. The email contains a link that takes recipients to a harmful website that attempts to collect their Pitt credentials. The scam typically uses “PITT VALIDATE NOW” as its Subject. 

The following is a sample of the scam. Pitt IT is contacting individuals who received the scam and advising those who may have provided their credentials to change their University Computing Account password immediately.

***************************************

Subject: PITT VALIDATE NOW

Our records indicate that your office 365 has two different logins with two universities' portals. Kindly indicate the two info logins as soon as possible. To avoid termination within 24hrs, we expect you to strictly adhere and address it.

We will process your request shortly; You will lose all your emails associated with this account.

If you have only one college account, fill in the correct user and passcode and submit. But if you are in a dual credit college, Please fill the correct username and password for both schools and submit.

If you have no knowledge about the request process, kindly update to cancel the request below.

Copy and paste the URL Below into the address bar of your web browser to cancel the request. (URL redacted)

Thank you!
©Microsoft2023

***************************************

Additional guidance for spotting phishing scams is available on Pitt IT’s website.

Pitt IT strongly recommends that you 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.

In addition, Pitt IT recommends that all students, faculty, and staff 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.