Use VPN to create secure remote connections
When you communicate over the internet, you're establishing a path between your computer and another computer or server. All the data you need, including the webpages you load or the forms you submit, travels along this path. In some cases, this may not be a secure way to access resources.
If you want to access sensitive IT resources from off-campus, you should use a virtual private network (VPN) connection to ensure that your web traffic is protected. A VPN connection, sometimes called a "tunnel," creates a secure and encrypted path for you to communicate with a server or other device. When you use VPN connections to remotely access a University IT resource, you're helping to ensure that hackers can't intercept your communications and steal your information or identity or gain access to the University's information systems.
Full-tunnel VPN connections to IT resources require two-factor authentication (2FA). Students, faculty, and staff who remotely log in to Copland or Strauss will be required to do so using a VPN connection.
Requirements
- Download the University-licensed Cisco AnyConnect VPN tool from UDeploy.
- Use a VPN connection when accessing sensitive IT resources from off campus.
- VPN connections are required for remote access to Copland and Strauss as well as some nonpublic information systems.
- If you are traveling abroad, you can use full-tunnel VPN connections to access IT resources that may be locally blocked. (For example, if Gmail is blocked at an internet cafe, you can use a VPN connection to access your University email.)
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) when establishing a VPN connection to IT resources.
General guidelines
- Use VPN connections instead of public Wi-Fi or other unsecured networks to access sensitive systems.
- When traveling abroad, use a VPN connection to securely access University or other systems. You can also use a VPN connection to access certain blocked sites or services.
External resources
Using VPN (Virtual Private Network) software to Connect to UD (UD IT help file)
Explains the process for downloading and using VPN software on computers, mobile devices, and Chromebooks.
