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Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Home > Service Catalog > Network & Internet Services > Network Access > Remote Network Access > Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Service Summary | Getting This Service | Policy |

Service Summary

A Virtual Private Network or VPN is a remote access service that creates a virtual connection between an internet user and a trusted network. A VPN is used to provide an additional layer of security for remote access or to provide a virtual presence on a network.

Mason currently operates an enterprise VPN based on Cisco’s Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA). It offers both VPN functions, providing a virtual presence to the general university community and secure access for designated staff to access select administrative systems.

VPN service for virtual presence is available to all university students, faculty, and staff.

Getting This Service

This service is limited to users who have approval to access Mason’s online systems and services remotely.

To access the VPN on university-managed computers (MESA or Jamf Pro), you will need to use the Cisco AnyConnect client. The client is available on all university-managed computers in the Software Center (MESA) or in Mason Self Service (Jamf Pro).

If you are not using a university-managed computer, you will first need to download the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client. For Windows, Mac, and Linux devices, download the client from the Related Downloads box on this page. For iOS or Android devices, install the Cisco AnyConnect client through the appropriate app store.

Follow these instructions to ensure you have the Cisco AnyConnect client:

  • Windows
  • Mac
  • Linux
  • Android
  • Apple iOS

Once installed, enter your desired URL for your VPN group in the format “vpn.gmu.edu/”

Two-Factor Authentication

Mason uses Duo Security to deliver Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) when using your NetID and Patriot Pass Password to log in to Mason applications. Please see the Two-Factor (2FA) service page for more information, including how to get started with 2FA.

Mason Employees

If you do not know your specific VPN group or do not have one, you may enter “vpn.gmu.edu” and click Connect. Select “GENERAL” from the Group list and log in with your NetID and Patriot Pass Password. You will need to use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).

Students

If you do not know your specific VPN group or do not have one, you may enter “vpn.gmu.edu” and click Connect. Select “STUDENT” from the Group list and log in with your NetID and Patriot Pass Password. You will need to use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).

Special VPN Cases

In special cases, employees may require secure remote access to select administrative systems specific to their business unit or department. In this instance, employees should check with their technical point of contact for further details on VPN Groups. Non-employees requiring remote access must be sponsored by a Mason department or business unit and qualified by Human Resources. Upon qualification, accounts will be created for these individuals. Departments should engage their HR liaison to begin this process.

Policy

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

Faculty and Staff members must also adhere to:

  • University Policy Number 2202: Flexible Work

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 do I use the VPN?
  • ? How to Use the VPN
  • ? How do I get the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client?
  • ? How do I remote into my work desktop from home?
  • ? How do I access the MESA share drive from my remote computer (VPN)?

Related Downloads

  • Cisco AnyConnect Windows
  • Cisco AnyConnect macOS
  • Cisco AnyConnect Linux 64-Bit

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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George Mason ITS @georgemasonits ·
23 Jan

After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for Windows 10 systems. As a result, all Windows 10 systems must be upgraded to Windows 11 or removed from the Mason network. Learn more ⬇️

https://its.gmu.edu/bulletins/microsoft-windows-11-announcement/

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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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