UA College of Medicine VPN
August 21, 2008
The University of Arizona has initiated a policy change for gaining access to UA computers from off campus. This policy change is necessary to comply with security standards set forth by the University of Arizona Information Security Office.
Currently, anyone with a username and password can access UA computers from off campus using remote access protocols such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), PCAnywhere and telnet. Although that arrangement is very convenient for legitimate users, it is unfortunately also very convenient for persons with less than legitimate aims. To eliminate this unnecessary and unacceptable risk, we will be making some changes in accordance with the
University Network Operational Security Standard, http://security.arizona.edu/files/ISS602.pdf, to better ensure that only authorized users can access UA computers and data.
Beginning September 2, you will need to use the UA College of Medicine Virtual Private Network (VPN) if you want to access UA computers using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or PCAnywhere. Instead of telnet, you will need to use SSH or, if necessary, telnet through the VPN. Persons accessing UA computers from UPH branch locations will NOT need to use the VPN to connect.
Two versions of College of Medicine VPN are available free of charge to faculty, staff and students:
1. Cisco IPSec VPN Client
Software:
Installation and Documentation: http://omc.arizona.edu/vpn.cfm
2. Web-Based SSL VPN
Information: http://omc.arizona.edu/vpn.cfm
To connect: https://vpn.arizona.edu/COMVPN/
SSH is available free of charge to faculty, staff and students at https://sitelicense.arizona.edu/ssh/
Users must have a UA NetID to access the VPN. Regular employees and students can create one by visiting https://netid.arizona.edu. Any sponsored volunteer, non-matriculated student, Foundation member, and others
not represented by an official record in SIS or PSOS will need to obtain departmental authorization for a UA NetID if they require access. See http://uits.arizona.edu/index.php?id=809.
If you still need help, please contact the College of Medicine Office of Information Technology Services at 520-626-0878 or 520-626-8721.and we'll be happy to help you with your question.
Should anyone have any specific questions regarding the UA VPN policy, please feel free to send an e-mail to wormsley@email.arizona.edu |
