IT Services is upgrading the University’s VPN service on 26 April, to deliver improved security and user features.
Please note: Some colleges and academic departments provide a local VPN which may be used as an alternative to the centrally provided VPN service. Local VPN services will not be affected by this upgrade.
What will change?
The way you connect to the VPN will change but the level of impact will depend on how you currently access the service. If you have a centrally managed machine (CONNECT or Orchard) you will be contacted directly by email. The key change for everyone using the service is:
- you will log in using your SSO username and password, instead of your Remote Access login. (You will still need to use your Remote Access login for eduroam Wi-Fi access.)
Other changes that might affect you are:
- if you are not currently using the Cisco AnyConnect Client to connect to the VPN, you will need to download it before the VPN is upgraded to continue to have access (this will mainly affect Mac and Linux users)
- if you use an older version of the Cisco AnyConnect Client on your desktop or laptop, this will be automatically updated or you will be prompted to update when you next connect. Please log in to the VPN before 26 April and accept prompts to update your client so you have continued access after the upgrade.
Why is the change being introduced?
The upgraded service will deliver:
- supported hardware
- improved security to ensure the University network is better protected
- introduction of a feature called split-tunnelling, which will enable you to configure the VPN to allow local network access during VPN sessions, giving you an improved service and the option to do things like print directly to your home printer without disconnecting from the VPN. (Instructions will be published when available.)
What do I need to do?
Please check out the VPN project webpage to see what impact this change will have on you and to see what, if anything, you need to do.
Help
For more information, please see the VPN project webpage or contact your local IT support (if in a college or academic department) or the IT Service Desk.
