Virtual private networks (VPN)

Purpose

VPN services allow for secure access to resources remotely via an encrypted "tunnel". Using the University's VPN service reduces the risk of your data (including administrative data, research data, and intellectual property) or internet traffic leaking and being intercepted by an unwanted third party while travelling between your device and an external resource.

Audience

faculty researchers Admin staff IT staff students

1 Initial considerations
- 1.1 Divisional and departmental resources.
2 What can I do?
- 2.1 Install and setup a VPN client.
  - 2.1.1 Windows (managed)
  - 2.1.2 Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS (unmanaged)
- 2.2 Connect to the relevant University VPN service whenever you wish to access University resources.
  - 2.2.1 UTORvpn
  - 2.2.2 AdminVPN

Initial considerations

VPN usage is restricted or banned in certain countries. Before travelling, be aware of any risks associated with VPN usage. Travel or work remotely

Divisional and departmental resources.

Contact your local IT group for support accessing divisional or departmental communities and resources via VPN. Also, some divisions and departments may offer their own VPN services.
- Contact us | Information Technology (IT)

What can I do?

Install and setup a VPN client.

To use the University’s VPN services, you will need to install the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.

Windows (managed)

If you device is institutionally managed, please install through the “Company Portal” or contact your local IT group.
- Contact us | Information Technology (IT)

Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS (unmanaged)

Detailed description on how to install the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client can be found within the External IT Knowledge Base.
- https://uthrprod.service-now.com/sp?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB0012379&sys_kb_id=9ddd33af875ba910bcbfbaae8bbb35f9&spa=1

Connect to the relevant University VPN service whenever you wish to access University resources.

Whenever you can't verify a network as secure (i.e.: public Wi-Fi), are off-campus, or are travelling abroad, it is best to access University and private resource through a VPN.

UTORvpn

UTORvpn is the University’s general-purpose VPN service.
- Detailed description on how to connect to UTORvpn can be found within the External IT Knowledge Base.
  - https://uthrprod.service-now.com/kb_view.do?sysparm_article=KB0011159

AdminVPN

AdminVPN is a University VPN service for active staff and faculty members to Active to securely access select Enterprise Applications (i.e. AMS/SAP, ROSI) and Unit Services (i.e. Unit Intranet Sites and Unit File Services).
- Detailed description on how to connect to AdminVPN can be found within the External IT Knowledge Base.
  - https://uthrprod.service-now.com/kb_view.do?sysparm_article=KB0011161

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Additional help

General

Contact us | Information Security (IS)

Contact us | Information Technology (IT)

Researchers

Research Information Security - Information Security at University of Toronto

Information Security Handbook