The basics of VPN at IU

A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to temporarily create or join a private network across an existing public network by creating an encrypted tunnel between two hosts. This tunnel allows you to transfer information securely and to access remote resources.

• Reasons for using a VPN
• Connecting

Why use a VPN?

IU's VPN allows you to:

• Protect the information you're transmitting over the Internet. Many public networks (e.g., wireless connections at hotels or restaurants) are often unprotected and can leave you exposed to electronic surveillance; even safe networks at other institutions can require data to travel over the Internet to reach IU. A VPN encrypts all traffic between you and IU to prevent information from being intercepted (especially needed when dealing with sensitive information such as personal banking data, student FERPA information, or employee HIPAA data).
• Act as part of IU's network when you're off campus. You can access IP-restricted resources such as shared folders, hard drives, printers, and restricted library databases, and also create Remote Desktop connections to other computers on campus.

Connecting

To connect to the SSL VPN, see:

• Connecting to IU's SSL VPN for individuals and groups from a Windows or OS X workstation
• Connecting to the IU SSL VPN with Pulse Secure on an iOS device
• Connecting to IU's SSL VPN from an Android device