I.T. Services has deployed and maintains a number of firewalls, which are network systems that are designed to block unauthorized access while permitting legitimate network traffic. In some rare cases, these firewalls may be blocking legitimate network traffic and firewall routing rules may need to be adjusted.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology provides secure remote access and secure data transmission between devices that are not connected to the University wired or wireless campus networks and University systems. The Palo Alto GlobalProtect software that you can install on your computer makes it seem as if it is on the campus network by setting up a tunnel which encrypts all traffic between your computer and the University firewall.
The following University systems and services are not accessible from the Internet and can only be accessed while connected to the University wired or wireless campus networks or using VPN:
- DFS file shares
- Remote Desktop to office workstations
- VIP (Human Resources)
- FTP
- UWin Admin
- Novell (being phased out)
- Forte applications (being phased out)
Anyone with an active UWin Account can download, install and use the Palo Alto GlobalProtect software that can be used to connect to a VPN from off-campus locations, such as at home, a coffee shop or at a hotel, in order to securely access the campus data network and services.
The GlobalProtect client is available for desktops and laptops running Microsoft Windows 10/11, Apple macOS, and Linux. VPN is also available for mobile devices, such as phones and tablets running Android or iOS. Microsoft Surface Pro tablets running Microsoft Windows are supported.
See the Related Articles section on the right for instructions on how to download and install VPN software on your device.
Requesting Assistance
Have a question about this service? Ask it here.
To request assistance with network security (firewall) or VPN GlobalProtect related issues, please click on Open Ticket button on the right. This will bring up a form that you will need to fill-out and submit to open a support ticket with the I.T. Service Desk. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with the ticket reference number and additional instructions.