These FAQs will be updated regularly with additional information.
What is IT Security Awareness Training (ITSAT)?
IT Security Awareness Training is a video-based training about online safety and security that takes about 30 minutes to complete. All George Mason University employees are required to complete annual training as part of Mason's IT Security Standards. It is assigned to employees through
MasonLEAPS. The training is designed to equip and empower employees with information to help protect Mason's IT systems, data, and employee information.
Why do I have to take the IT Security Awareness Training (ITSAT)?
You must complete IT Security Awareness Training because all employees are required to take it. You must complete the training to help Mason meet important industry standards and regulatory compliance requirements. The requirements are part of Information Technology Services Standard Section 3.2.1. The IT Security Awareness Training is designed to improve employees' knowledge about computer security issues.
Where can I find the IT Security Awareness Training (ITSAT)?
The training is available through MasonLEAPS. Log in via
masonleaps.gmu.edu.
How long will it take to complete the IT Security Awareness Training (ITSAT)?
The IT Security Awareness video-based training will take about 30 minutes. Personnel in specific roles and functions in technology or those who handle Highly Sensitive Data may be required to take additional role-based training. You can
ITSAT Curriculum.
How long do I have to complete IT Security Awareness Training (ITSAT)?
All employees active as of July 2023 will be assigned training on Tuesday, July 25. Assigned training must be completed by Tuesday, October 31, 2023. Failure to complete the training will result in your NetID being disabled, and you will not have access to IT services, including Office 365, myMason, and Patriot Web.
How do I access the IT Security Awareness Training (ITSAT)?
The IT Security Awareness Training is assigned to employees through MasonLEAPS. Login via
masonleaps.gmu.edu using your NetID and Patriot Pass Password. Select
IT Security Awareness Training in the
Your Action Items box to the right.
What happens after I complete IT Security Awareness Training (ITSAT)?
After an employee completes IT Security Awareness Training, it is recorded on their MasonLEAPS transcript. It provides the employee and their supervisor or manager with a record that the compliance-based training has been completed.
What happens if I don't complete IT Security Awareness Training (ITSAT)?
Employees who fail to complete the training by the Tuesday, October 31, deadline will have their NetID access disabled, and their supervisors or manager will be notified. If your account is disabled, you must contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or
support@gmu.edu to re-enable your account to complete the training.
If you have trouble, contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or
support@gmu.edu. A support specialist will assist you.
I was assigned Role-Based Technical (IT) training. Can I repeat a module I already completed?
If you are assigned Role-Based Technical training in LinkedIn Learning, you must select a new module to complete this year. LinkedIn Learning will not give credit for retaking a module already completed. You must choose a new module to meet the requirement and receive credit.
If you were assigned IT Security Awareness Training but are no longer employed at Mason or have a new role, you should notify Information Technology Services of the change.
Contact the ITS Support Center via Request Help, support@gmu.edu, or 703-993-8870 to report the change. Please include details, such as your departure date, employment change, or role change.
I joined Mason recently. Will I be assigned Mandatory IT Security Awareness Training or Role-Based training?
As a new hire, you will be assigned New Employee Security Awareness Training to complete within 14 days. The training covers general IT Security awareness. If you or your supervisor want to request additional training, such as Highly Sensitive Data Custodian training, contact the ITS Support Center via
Request Help,
support@gmu.edu, or 703-993-8870.
To complete your IT Security Awareness Training:
- Log in via masonleaps.gmu.edu using your NetID and Patriot Pass Password.
- Select IT Security Awareness Training from the Your Action Items box.
- Select the ITS Security Awareness Training to launch it.
The training you are required to complete depends on your role and function at Mason.
All employees, including contractors, affiliates, and student wage workers, must complete the General IT Security Awareness Training. A list of optional training modules tied to specific regulatory or industry requirements (HIPAA, FERPA, ITAR, CUI, etc.) is also available. Please review this list of optional training videos and complete the training applicable to your role and job at Mason.
Mason employees who handle technical responsibilities at the university, such as system administrators, database administrators, Active Directory administrators, HRIS, Finance, Business Intelligence, etc., will have role-based training to complete. Your account will have options from LinkedIn Learning for training related to your job. You are required to select one of the options. LinkedIn Learning does not give credit for retaking a module already completed. The length of your training will depend on your selection.
Mason employees who handle Highly Sensitive Data in Banner or associated applications, will be assigned Role-Based Highly Sensitive Data Custodian Training.
The deadline is Tuesday, October 31, 2023, to complete all assigned training.
My NetID access was disabled because I did not complete the IT Security Awareness Training in 2022. What should I do?
If your account is temporarily deactivated for not completing a prior mandatory training, contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or
support@gmu.edu. A support specialist will be able to assist you in reactivating your account so you can regain access and complete the mandatory training assigned for the 2023-24 cycle.
I am unable to access MasonLEAPS to take the IT Security Awareness Training. How do I access it?
Contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or
support@gmu.edu. A support specialist will assist you in determining why you are unable to access the training.