A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is technology that is used to secure transmissions that travel across the open Internet.
The Internet is an insecure environment that can allow sensitive information to be intercepted. Data, passwords, and confidential information that is transmitted via the commodity Internet can be secured — via encryption technology — with a VPN “tunnel.” The encrypted tunnel protects the data transmitted within from being intercepted and decoded by another party.
For these reasons, an RIT VPN connection is required when accessing certain RIT Services and Applications from outside the campus network. Examples of this include, but are not limited to Remote Desktop Access, and access to networked file shares.
While connected through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) — with a cable or DSL modem, or wirelessly at a “hotspot” — an encrypted VPN tunnel will allow you to securely communicate with the RIT network. With our VPN service, your traffic is encrypted between RIT and your computer at home or another remote location.
RIT’s VPN service is not intended for on-campus use — especially on our wireless network, which now supports its own strong encryption. Our VPN service also cannot protect traffic once it reaches the RIT network or leaves it for another destination.
For instructions on using the AnyConnect VPN's "Start Before Login" module (available on RIT-owned computers only), which is necessary for accessing certain RIT resources, please click here.
Contact us for help
For assistance, please contact the ITS Service Desk via:
Gannett Building, Room 7B-1113
NOTE: For assistance with connecting student-owned computers to the RIT network, please go to the Resnet Guide.