HSU's VPN enables staff and faculty to connect to their office computers and other network resources securely from off campus using Remote Desktop or VNC. VPNs use authentication to deny access to unauthorized users, and encryption to prevent unauthorized users from reading the data being transmitted.

The VPN connection enables users to:

• Work with applications on their office computers from off-campus
• Access data stored in their network folders and other HSU network resources

If you only need to connect to your Network Folder to access files, we recommend you use SFTP rather than the VPN.

Your HSU computer must have a fixed IP or DNS entry in order to use the VPN connection. Your ITC can help you with this and other configuration prerequisites.

• PCs must be running Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP SP 3, Vista SP 1, or Windows 7
• Macs must be running OS X 10.4 or later

The only other software that's a prerequisite for accessing the VPN from a remote computer is a Java-enabled web browser. 

If there’s a service you need access to that isn’t showing up in Resources, submit a helpdesk ticket with a request to have that service added, or ask your ITC for assistance . Please be as detailed as possible, including the name of the service and the IP address or URL of the system that needs to be accessed.

If users are storing information on their local PCs rather than using their network folder, please encourage them to move their data to their network folder. In this way, they will be able to use SFTP to access those files remotely - a far simpler process than setting up and using remote desktop capability over VPN.

You may also find useful information in this collection of security resources for ITS staff

To access your HSU office computer from home or another remote location, you must leave your office computer switched on. For security reasons, be sure to log off from your office computer or lock your screen with a password-protected screen saver.

Then, open vpn.humboldt.edu in your web browser and either

• Go to Resources > My Applications
  • Select Windows Remote Desktop - Windows if you are connecting from a Windows system.
  • Select Windows Remote Desktop - Mac if you are connecting from a Mac or Linux system.

OR

• Go to Resources > My Network Places
• Select Network Folders-sftp. This will open a window that provides access to your Network Folder.

Note that, when connecting to the VPN from Windows, a drive is mapped in My Computer (typically the U: drive) to your Network Folder.

See Step-By-Step VPN instructions.

Using your office computer through the VPN is just like sitting in front of the system itself - you shouldn't notice any difference except for a small informational bar at the top of the screen.

Just a couple of points to remember:

Printing

While you're connected remotely to your on-campus computer, you can only print from that machine, not from your local off-campus computer.

Password Changes:

Whenever you change your password, the next time you log in through the web-based VPN you will be prompted to enter your new and old passwords. The best option is to click the box labeled “Forgotten your old password? Check to reset your private key” and click Save. At the next screen, click OK to reset your private key and start your VPN session.

• What is a Virtual Private Network?
• How do I access my computer from off-campus?
• Is VPN the only way to connect to the HSU networks remotely?
• What software do I need to use the VPN?
• Why can't I print from my local computer while I'm using the VPN?

Online at vpn.humboldt.edu