IT Security Topic — VPN

Are your off-campus attempts to access CU resources like the library or your department's file server giving you headaches? Are you feeling anxious about what you're transmitting wirelessly? If you answered yes, a VPN is just what the doctor ordered. A VPN (virtual private network) provides a secure and encrypted connection while giving the appearance that your computer traffic is originating from the CU network.

Who needs VPN?

• Users who have a non-CU ISP, who need access to CU resources, like the library. VPN is not needed for secure services such as a CU e-mail account.
• Users wanting secure access via the campus wireless network.

Who does not need VPN?

• Users who do not need to connect to CU resources.
• Users accessing e-mail through SSH or Authenticated SMTP.
• Users browsing the internet or making file transfers from off campus sites.

What does the VPN do for me?

• It makes sure that the traffic from your computer to the VPN server can not be eavesdropped.  This is often more important when you are connecting from home or a wireless hot-spot.
• The VPN makes it appear that your computer is on the campus network.  So, if you can only get to a resource from on campus the VPN is the answer.

Learn More

Just what is a VPN Technical details for the technically minded

Contact Information
Campus IT Security Office
(303) 735-HELP
security@colorado.edu

Did You Know?

VPN software protects your wireless connection. It's important that you take additional steps to encrypt and protect sensitive information that you send over a wireless network. And that means anywhere you connect wirelessly; like in the UMC, at Starbucks, or at DIA. The best way to protect yourself is to use the campus's VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN provides a secure encrypted tunnel from your computer to CU's network whether you are on or off campus.

Useful URLs

Visit the Virtual Private Network (VPN) web pages for instructions and information about the CU-Boulder VPN software.