Secure Remote Access via VPN to University Resources

Introduction

Introduction

To securely access University of Wisconsin–Madison resources remotely, you must use the university's Virtual Private Network (VPN). This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help students, faculty, and staff connect safely to campus services from anywhere.

What is VPN and Why is it Important?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure and encrypted connection to the university's campus network. This allows you to access restricted resources, such as internal websites, library databases, and network drives, as if you were physically on campus. Using VPN helps protect your data and ensures compliance with university security policies.

Prerequisites

Before you begin the VPN setup, ensure you have the following:

• A University of Wisconsin–Madison NetID and password.
• A computer or device with internet access.
• Administrative rights to install software on your device.

Step-by-Step VPN Setup Instructions

Follow these steps to install and connect to the university VPN:

1. Visit the official University of Wisconsin–Madison IT help website at

   https://it.wisc.edu/help

   to download the recommended VPN client for your operating system.
2. Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Launch the VPN client application after installation.
4. When prompted, enter your University NetID and password to authenticate.
5. Once connected, you will have secure access to restricted university resources as if you were on campus.

Troubleshooting and Support

If you experience issues connecting to or using the VPN, visit the VPN support page on the University IT help site for detailed troubleshooting tips. Common fixes include checking your internet connection, verifying credentials, and ensuring the VPN client is up to date.

For further assistance, contact the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) Help Desk:

• Email: [e-mail]
• Phone: [phone]

Additional Resources

For more information about remote access and IT services at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, visit the official IT website: https://it.wisc.edu

Thank you for following this guide. Secure remote access helps protect you and the university community. If you have questions or need support, please do not hesitate to reach out.