2FA

Dear GW REDCap Users,

We hope this message finds you well. We have an important announcement regarding the upcoming enhancement of our research application, REDCap. In our continuous efforts to bolster security, we will be implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) starting March 2nd, 2024 alongside a necessary application update.

Application Update - Downtime: 7 AM to 9 AM On March 2nd, 2024, REDCap will undergo a scheduled update. This update is imperative to ensure the continued protection of your data. To facilitate this, there will be a temporary downtime from 7 AM to 9 AM. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this brief period.

What is Changing? After the application update on March 2nd, every login attempt will require users to retrieve a verification code sent to their associated email. Additionally, we are excited to introduce an alternative method for 2FA – the Microsoft Authenticator App. Once you successfully log in with the email code, you can choose to set up the Microsoft Authenticator App for future logins.

Why 2-Factor Authentication? Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, safeguarding your REDCap account against unauthorized access. It ensures that only you, the account owner, can access your data, even if your password is compromised.

Action Required: Ensure Access to Your REDCap Email To make this transition smooth, it's crucial that you have access to the email associated with your GW REDCap account. Please verify and update your email information if needed. You can do this by clicking "Profile" in the top right toolbar of the REDCap application.

Future Communications: Guides and Video We understand that adapting to new security measures can be a process. To assist you, we will be sending additional emails closer to the implementation date (March 2nd, 2024) containing comprehensive guide tutorial. These resources will walk you through the process, making the transition seamless.

A link to the tutorial/How To Guide can be found here. And on the GW REDCap How To Guides Page: https://redcap.smhs.gwu.edu/how-guides

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the security of our research environment. We appreciate your dedication to maintaining the integrity of our data.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team at REDCap@gwu.edu.