Computer security threats are more complex and numerous than ever before, and in response, the Office of Technology Services (OTS) has implemented a new technology that will increase security and functionality for off-campus computer users.
The Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows faculty and staff to access TU?s network from off-campus locations. It transmits data between a remote computer and the campus network over the Internet via a ?tunnel.? The tunnel makes the personal computer appear as though it?s physically on the network, giving you access to restricted TU sites.
The VPN helps to increase security efforts by encrypting the data stream tunneled over the Internet so that only the VPN server can understand it, providing for safer communications.
The VPN also offers increased functionality. The VPN will only send Towson-related traffic to the university, while everything else is routed out over your normal Internet connection. This will provide you with faster Internet access and will reduce the load on Towson’s servers, helping to save on costs.
Establishing a VPN connection is necessary in cases in which your computer must appear to be on the campus network.
You can use the VPN in these helpful situations:
? using Microsoft Outlook to connect to an Exchange account
? directly connecting to your personal (H:) or departmental (O:) file share rather than through Citrix
? accessing network applications that are not available on Citrix, such as Crystal Reports
? accessing personal Web directories
The VPN client is not necessary for accessing Outlook Web Access or Citrix, viewing university Web pages or using Microsoft FrontPage or other programs to remotely administer TU Web sites.
OTS selected Cisco as the university?s VPN client. Cisco?s VPN client is available for Windows 98, ME, 2000 and XP, as well as Macintosh OS X. To download the software, go to {http://www.towson.edu/ots/links/vpn} and log in using your TowsonU username and password.
Once installed, use the VPN by first connecting to the Internet through your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Next, launch the VPN client to connect to the campus network. The VPN client will authenticate you before giving you access to TU network resources.
If you have questions, please contact the OTS Help Center, x4-5151 or {helpcenter@towson.edu}.
