PantherBytes: News for Students (October 2025)
No images? Click here
Airpods Giveaway, Escape Rooms, and Candy at the Cyber Spooktacular
Cybersecurity awareness month happens every October, and Pitt Digital is here to help protect you from digital tricks. The main event? Our Cyber Spooktacular.
This year, we invite you — if you dare! — to partake in our cyber-scary escape rooms. Choose from 2 themed rooms: The could-be-haunted Abandoned Mansion or the out of this world Area 51. Sign up requires 4 to 8 ghoulish participants, so gather your friends for a frightfully good time.
- 🕰️ Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- 🏫 William Pitt Union, Lower Lounge
We're giving away 🍬 candy, 👕 free t-shirts for escape room participants, and yes — 2 lucky winners will be drawn after the event to receive a set of🎶 Airpods Pro 3 (remember to bring your valid Pitt ID). As always, you can visit our cybersecurity booths to learn more about how to stay safe online all year round. We'll see you there!
How to Avoid Being a GenAI Monster
You've probably used GenAI, but are you sure you're using it correctly? With all the talk about accountability, citing sources, and cybersecurity, it's easy to feel spooked. Don't let GenAI act like a ghostwriter for your classwork, and never input private info into public tools. Avoid a scare this semester by checking out this PantherBytes blog that will help you chat responsibly.
R.I.P. Windows 10; Upgrade to Windows 11
Don't let your device turn into a digital zombie! Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Keeping your device secure is critical for accessing University resources. If you haven't already, make the move to Windows 11. Staying up-to-date is the only way to ensure your device remains protected and you don't face any scary security issues.
Did You Ghost Your Cybersecurity Training?
This October, make it your mission to defend yourself from rising cyberthreats that could target your personal or University data. Find out how to protect yourself online before it's too late. Complete the training Cybersecurity Essentials training as soon as you can by clicking the link or searching "security training" on myPitt (my.pitt.edu).
Printing Doesn't Have to Be Scary
Need to print for a midterm or just feeling tired of screens? Pitt Print is here to help you out! All registered students have access to the printers located all over campus. With options to print from your laptop, mobile device, or anywhere in between, Pitt Print makes getting your document super easy. Here are our best tips to make the most of your student printing account.
Get Caught Up with the Tech Ambassadors
Our Tech Ambassadors are your fellow students who are ready and able to answer your burning tech question and help you to make the most of your student tech tools. They can give live demos of tricky tools, connect you to expert know-how, and now, they're sharing all their best tips on the Pitt Digital Instagram. Give us a follow so you can learn about how to best utilize the tech resources here at Pitt!
Panther Bytes to Nibble On
Check out these bite-sized blogs about tech topics you should know.
- Use Your Brain: How You Can Make GenAI More Effective
- What Does It Mean to be Pitt Digital? Our Transformation, Explained
- Generative AI Isn’t Going Anywhere — Here’s What You Need to Know
LinkedIn Learning: Bite-Sized Courses with a Big Impact
All Pitt students have access to thousands of LinkedIn Learning courses at no cost. Here are some courses to help you stay afloat this midterm season.
