Archives: Bulletins

Windows 10 Systems Removal – January 30, 2026 

Microsoft retired Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and no longer provides security updates or support. To maintain network security, all George Mason-managed Windows 10 systems must be upgraded to Windows 11, replaced, or request extended security protection by Friday, January 30, 2026.

Systems not in compliance will be removed from the university network. 

Individuals using Windows 10 systems should contact their department’s IT director for further guidance. Options include:

• Upgrade Your Computer: The Windows 11 upgrade is available in Software Center (Start Menu).
• Replace Hardware if Needed: Some systems may be unable to upgrade to Windows 11, and new hardware may be required. Departments are responsible for replacements. Learn more about purchasing options at George Mason Endpoint Information and Resources.
• Consider an Extended Warranty: Microsoft offers the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued security updates. IT directors must process these requests. ITS does not centrally coordinate or fund this.  

For more details, visit the Windows 11 Roadmap.

If you have questions or need assistance, ITS Support is available 24/7 via 703-993-8870 or its.gmu.edu/chat. 

Keeping track on the information you share—and with whom—can go a long way toward protecting your data privacy. 

Data Privacy Week, observed from Monday, January 26 to Friday, January 30, encourages everyone to take a closer look at personal information they share and understand why they share it. The international initiative, led by the National Cybersecurity Alliance, aims to empower individuals, businesses, and organizations to respect privacy, safeguard data, and build trust. This year’s theme is “Take Control of Your Data.” 

According to the Alliance, the goal of Data Privacy Week is twofold:  

1. Help citizens understand that they have the power to manage their data.  
2. Help organizations understand why it is important that they respect their users’ data. 

Many people are unaware of the volume of information collected and shared about them online. Data comes not only from computers and smartphones but also from other internet-connected devices like watches and cars. From this data, businesses and organizations can learn about users’ interests, purchases, online behaviors— and even their health. The information collected may be stored indefinitely and used to infer demographics and socioeconomic status. Some businesses and organizations also sell this information for profit. 

That’s why it’s important to regularly review what information you share and what you allow websites, apps, devices, services, and businesses to collect. During the week, you are encouraged to: 

• Protect Your Personal Data  
  Share only what is necessary. Before sharing personal information—such as your name, address, Social Security Number, and location—determine whether it’s truly necessary. Avoid oversharing for minor perks or conveniences. 
• Practice Strong Security Habits 
  Use long, unique passwords and a password manager. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) whenever possible and take time to review privacy settings on your devices, browsers, and apps.  
• Stay Alert for Scams Including: 
  • Requests for your password to verify your identity or confirm your account—legitimate organizations will never ask for your password. Also, never share 2FA codes. 
  • Requests from “supervisors” asking you to purchase gift cards by email or text. 
  • Job offers that require you to deposit checks and return some of the money. 
  • Student loan forgiveness offers that require upfront fees. 
  • Phishing emails requesting your login credentials via a Google document, asking you to download files, or prompting you to click on suspicious links. 
  • Pop-up “tech support” warnings—real IT support won’t contact you this way. 

George Mason University employees and students are gearing up for the holiday break. But before they leave for the holidays, Information Technology Services (ITS) reminds all to take the following precautions:

• Update Operating Systems
• Check OS versions (SCCM, JAMF)
• Update Applications
• Check the version of installed apps
• Log off your systems, and turn off all non-essential devices, including computers, servers (if you can), printers, and monitors in your office and on-campus residences.
• Those who telework should log out of systems they are not using.

During the break:

• When checking email, be wary of phishing attempts, help desk support scams, malicious browser extensions, and look-alike website addresses.
• Report phishing emails. If you receive a phishing email, report it to ITS Support at 703-993-8870 or via Live Chat at https://its.gmu.edu/chat/. During the holiday break, any emergencies will be escalated to the ITS staff.

When returning from the break, it is recommended that you:

• Remove old devices and enroll new devices in Duo Security, George Mason’s provider for Two Factor Authentication (2FA).
• Check for system patches and updates on all systems, including any new devices.
• When catching up with emails, be wary of phishing attempts, help desk scams, malicious browser extensions, and look-alike domains.

The holiday shopping season is underway, with consumers expected to spend $253.4 billion online before the end of 2025.

Before you begin loading your cart with holiday gifts and goodies, remember to protect yourself and follow basic cybersecurity strategies that make it difficult for criminals to steal the joy out of your season.

Here are some tips:

• Update the operating systems and software on all devices. This fixes known vulnerabilities that would otherwise give hackers access to your information.
• Check that the sites you use are secure. Look for a lock symbol or HTTPS in the URL.
• Verify that websites are legitimate before entering personal information. Watch for unusually low prices or poor site design, as these may indicate scams.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for shopping activities. It may be convenient, but public Wi-Fi is not always secure and may expose your personal information to criminals.
• Use strong, unique passwords and turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for every account. Never reuse passwords. Two-Factor Authentication is an extra layer of protection.
• Use Passkeys on supported sites. A verified device keeps your account safer. Many major retailers now offer this option.
• Never share usernames, passwords, or 2FA codes. Legitimate organizations will never ask but criminals will! They use the information to steal from you.

Following these tips can help you alleviate some of the stress that tends to come with holidays and will frustrate cybercriminals who are looking to make their holidays merry and bright at your expense.

Information Technology Services (ITS) is simplifying George Mason University’s Wi-Fi network this fall to help the community stay better connected across campus.

Since 2022, eduroam has been George Mason’s primary Wi-Fi network, offering secure and seamless access across all campuses and at hundreds of participating institutions worldwide. While many users have already transitioned to eduroam, please be aware that MASON-SECURE will be permanently shut down on Friday, December 19, at the end of this semester. For details, see MASON-SECURE Retirement FAQs.

To ensure uninterrupted connectivity, ITS encourages all campus Wi-Fi users to switch to eduroam as soon as possible. To get started, select eduroam from the available Wi-Fi networks and log in with your full George Mason email address ([email protected]) and Patriot Pass Password. For more information, visit its.gmu.edu/eduroam.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact ITS Support at 703-993-8870 or its.gmu.edu/chat.