Pitt Information Technology is aware of a data breach that occurred at Mathway, developers of a popular application for solving math problems. Mathway passwords obtained from the breach are now circulating on the dark web.

If you have an account at Mathway, Pitt IT recommends you change that password as soon as possible.

While the data exposed in the breach did not come from University systems, sometimes individuals reuse the same passwords on multiple websites. If you use the same or a similar password at Pitt or other websites, you should also change those passwords.

In addition, utilize the following good password practices to minimize your susceptibility to data breaches:

• Use a password manager to simplify the management of your various passwords. Pitt Password Manager (LastPass) is available at no cost to all students, faculty, and staff. You can use it to create strong, unique passwords for all your online services.
• Do not reuse passwords across different websites. Scammers try variations of known passwords, so it is important to make sure your passwords are not similar to each other.  
• Use strong, complex passwords that include symbols, numbers, and uppercase and lowercase letters.
• Change your passwords frequently.
• Use multifactor authentication on websites that allow it.

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