To: All Students

From: Melissa Van Der Wall, Dean of Students

Date: February 24, 2023

Dear Students,

I write to remind you of timely information stemming from Information Technology Services (ITS).  ITS has installed a new feature designed for web security called Two-Factor Authentication, otherwise known as 2FA.  Please be sure to follow the instructions so that you can maintain access to your email as of February 28, 2023.

What is 2FA?  According to Microsoft, two-factor authentication is a security system that requires two separate, distinct forms of identification in order to access something (in this case, your Ramapo Gmail).  You may be familiar with 2FA with your banking accounts as you provide your user name, passcode, and then are texted with a security code to enter.

What do I need to do?  As of February 28, 2023, 2FA will be required in order to access Ramapo Gmail. If you have not already set up your account in preparation for 2FA, then please follow the instructions provided by ITS at this link as soon as possible. If you do not complete the set-up prior to February 28th, you could lose access to email temporarily until it is restored.

What if I do not set up 2FA? You will not have access to your Ramapo email account and this will impact your learning experience at Ramapo.

I set up 2FA, so what happens on February 28th?  On February 28th, when you log in to your email, you will be prompted to open the Gmail app on your phone and approve the login.  You will be able to trust the device so you do not have to do this every time.  Only trust your personal device.  Never trust a public computer.

Do you need technical help?  Please reach out to the ITS Help Desk at 201-684-7777 or email helpdesk@ramapo.edu.  The email account is monitored and responded to Monday-Thursday  from 8:00am to 8:00pm and Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.

The 2FA extra layer is an important element toward giving you more protected online account security.  Criminal activity and malicious attacks are a reality that we are all living with, so we must take important and proactive steps toward protecting ourselves.

I appreciate you cooperating with this important initiative from ITS.