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(General) Subject: TFA Information - Token Distribution and E-mails for Schools in Group 9

Posted Date:October 12, 2012

Author: Pamela Eliadis, Service Director, System Operations & Aid Delivery Management, Federal Student Aid

Subject: TFA Information - Token Distribution and E-mails for Schools in Group 9

As explained in a January 13, 2012 Electronic Announcement on the Information for Financial Aid Professionals (IFAP) Web site, we are implementing a number of technology security initiatives in calendar year 2012. One of the initiatives is a security process called Two Factor Authentication (TFA). Through TFA, when logging in to certain Federal Student Aid systems, an authorized user will be required to use a traditional User ID and Password as well as provide a One-Time Password (OTP). The OTP will be generated by a registered token device that is in the physical possession of the user.

In the earlier announcement, we explained that we will begin a phased distribution of tokens and token information to schools. Working with Primary Destination Point Administrators (PDPAs) and Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) Security Administrators, we will distribute the tokens to one group of schools at a time. Each group will be comprised of the schools located in a particular set of states.

In October 2012, we plan to begin distributing e-mails and tokens to the final group of schools, which will include schools located in the following states:

  • Montana

  • New Mexico

  • Nevada

  • Utah

  • Washington

  • Wisconsin

  • Wyoming

As a reminder, we will communicate via e-mail directly with the PDPA and/or COD Security Administrator at each school in the states listed above. Individual users will receive tokens and additional token information via their PDPA or COD Security Administrator. Note: If a PDPA and/or COD Security Administrator at a school in the states listed above does not receive an e-mail about token distribution by October 29, 2012, please contact us at the e-mail address listed below.

Once a school has received tokens, individual users will be required to use the tokens to access our Federal Student Aid systems in approximately 45 days after receipt. We will provide notice of the date tokens will be required in the e-mail communications sent to the PDPA and/or COD Security Administrator.

Contact Information

We appreciate your cooperation in providing safe and secure access to Federal Student Aid systems and look forward to working with the school community to implement TFA.

If you have questions about TFA or the information in this communication, contact us at TFA_Communications@ed.gov (TFA_Communications@ed.gov).