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Two-Factor Authentication

Home > Service Catalog > Accounts & Access > Account & Access Management > Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Service Summary | Key Features | Getting This Service | Policy |

Service Summary

Mason uses Duo Security to deliver Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) when using your NetID and Patriot Pass Password to log in to Mason applications. This second layer of protection makes your personal information and Mason’s information less vulnerable.

2FA is required for all Mason users, including students, faculty, staff, and contractors/affiliates.

Key Features

2FA uses two factors to verify you are who you say you are. 2FA makes your personal information less vulnerable and helps prevent anyone but you from accessing your accounts, even if they know your Patriot Pass Password.

  • The first factor (something you know) is the verification of the Mason NetID and Patriot Pass Password, and
  • The second factor* (something you have) is generally a smartphone, but other options are available

* Like accounts and passwords, the second factor must be unique to you and not shared with other users

Getting This Service

> Getting Started Checklist

A phone is needed for enrollment. Follow the instructions below based on the type of device you will be using:

  • How to Enroll in 2FA with a Smartphone
  • How to Enroll in 2FA with a Landline or Text-only Mobile Phone

Once enrolled, you will log in to applications by entering your NetID and Patriot Pass Password (first factor) and then confirm your identity using a physical device (second factor). The physical device may be a smartphone, tablet, bypass code, or Yubikey (See the List of Authentication Options).

Note: You are not permitted to share 2FA devices, such as smartphones, Yubikeys, or bypass codes, to authenticate your identity. You may not use your university phone number as the device to verify your identity. Duo accounts inactive for 365 days will be removed from enrollment but can be reactivated by re-enrolling in Duo.

  • Use 2FA with Web Applications
  • Use 2FA with Cisco AnyConnect VPN

Policy

All users of the George Mason University network must adhere to University Policy Number 1301: Responsible Use of Computing.

Faculty and staff must also adhere to:

  • University Policy Number 2202: Flexible Work
2FA Account LoginEnroll in 2FA

Available to:

  • Students
  • Faculty & Staff

Availability:

Unless stated otherwise, this service is available 24/7, excluding planned outages, normal maintenance windows, and unavoidable events. Maintenance windows are Sundays from 7 to 11 a.m. but may be extended to 2 p.m., if needed. If maintenance is required outside of these hours, it will be announced on the Alerts & Bulletins page.

Fee:

There is no charge for this service.

Getting Help:

Assistance for all IT Services is available through the ITS Support Center:

Phone:
703-993-8870
Email:
support@gmu.edu
Hours of Operation:

Monday –Thursday,
8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, Closed
Sunday, 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.

(closed Thursday 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. for a team meeting)

Modified Winter Hours
Monday –Thursday,
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday,
Closed

Normal business hours will resume on Sunday, January 22 at 1:00 p.m.

Walk-in Support

Innovation Hall, Room 226

Monday – Thursday,
8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday,
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Knowledge Articles

  • ? How to Use the VPN
  • ? Get Started With 2FA Checklist
  • ? How to Use 2FA With Web Apps
  • ? How to Enroll in 2FA with a Smartphone
  • ? How to Enroll in 2FA with a Landline, Office Phone, or Tablet
  • ? 2FA Roadmap
  • ? 2FA for Office 365 Tips

Get Started at Mason

Whether you are a student, faculty, staff member, or a guest visiting the Mason campus, we have resources to help get you started.

Read More

Quick Links

Patriot Pass Password Reset
Submit a Ticket
Track a Ticket
PuTTY
Cisco AnyConnect VPN

Read More

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Fairfax, Virginia 22030

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ITS Support Center
703-993-8870
support@gmu.edu
live chat
Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, Closed
Sunday, 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.
(closed Thursday 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. for a team meeting) Modified Winter Hours Monday –Thursday,
8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday,
Closed Normal business hours will resume on Sunday, January 22 at 1:00 p.m.
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