VPNs

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, establishes an encrypted Internet connection, securing data transmission between devices. This article will cover the following:

Why use a VPN?
When do I need to use a VPN at Dartmouth?
Should I use a VPN when traveling for work?
Which VPN should I use?
Sources

Why use a VPN?

• Hides key device information (e.g. IP address) so the actual location of a device cannot be tracked
• Protects privacy by enabling users to browse anonymously
• Safeguards sensitive information from potential threats and unauthorized access
• Extends an organization’s network by enabling remote employees to securely access company data and resources, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality

When do I need to use a VPN at Dartmouth?

• When working off-campus, certain on-campus applications require your computer to look like it is on-campus, including the following (referred to in this article):
  • DartFS-Networked Attached Storage used in labs, HPC and web applications
  • Certain other highly sensitive services
  • RDP/SSH to on-campus machines
  • OnBase
  • MyFiles/OurFiles (File sharing)
  • ​​​​​​​Discovery (HPC)
• Connecting to the Dartmouth network via a VPN connection will make your computer look like it is connected to the Internet from the Dartmouth network.
• If you are physically on campus, you will NOT need a VPN to access the applications listed above.

Should I use a VPN when traveling for work?

• When traveling for work within the United States, you can follow the same guidelines as you would when working remotely at home.
  • However, if you are on a PUBLIC network (e.g. at a coffee shop or a hotel that does NOT require a password to access the Internet), you may want to use a VPN on your Dartmouth device, especially when working with sensitive information
  • ​​​​​​​Note that activity on public networks can easily be tracked by cybercriminals. 
• Use a VPN on your Dartmouth device at all times when traveling internationally for work
  • Note that in some countries like China, Iran, and Russia, the use of VPNs is heavily regulated. Only government-approved VPNs are legal, and using unauthorized VPN services can lead to penalties. 
  • Before traveling to any country, you should confirm whether VPNs are restricted and which VPNs you can legally use BEFORE traveling to that country.

Which VPN should I use?

• GlobalProtect by Palo Alto Networks is Dartmouth’s supported VPN client.​​​​​​​
• This tool is available across different devices and operating systems
• If you do not have GlobalProtect installed on your Dartmouth device, follow these steps to download and install it.
• If you already have GlobalProtect installed on your Dartmouth device, follow these steps to run it. 
• ​​​​​​​GlobalProtect may not be permitted in certain countries. As mentioned above, when traveling to any country, make sure you check to confirm which VPNs are legal beforehand to determine which VPN you should use while working there.

Sources

• All information for this article comes from the linked Dartmouth Knowledge Base articles and this article from Palo Alto Networks.