IT Services - Virtual Private Networks (VPN) at UCSD

Overview

The UCSD VPN creates a virtual private connection over public networks using encryption and other security checks to help protect against computer data transmission interception. It also helps ensure only authorized users can access campus networks. With VPN, network computing traffic between your remote machine (off-campus or wireless) and campus passes over a single, encrypted connection, and your remote machine has a UCSD IP address.

The UCSD VPN requires you to sign in with your Active Directory username and password. If you need to reset your Active Directory (AD) username or password, go to password.ucsd.edu or contact your department's system administrator.

Two-step login is required for VPN connections. Learn more about VPN and two-step login.

VPN Services

AnyConnect - Cisco software VPN client which offers the maximum capabilities and performance
The web-based EasyConnect has been deprecated and can no longer be used to connect to the VPN.

Benefits

Your remote machine appears as though it's physically at UCSD (with a UCSD IP address)
You don't need to use Web proxy to access campus-restricted materials
Your communications with UCSD are encrypted/secured
This helps protect passwords and reduces the risk of exposing sensitive data
You can access on-campus services that are not allowed outside or through the campus border

Connect to the VPN

VPN AnyConnect Client

Download the client for secure access to UCSD services, including Library resources and the campus CMS using conventional installation. Set up and connect with the VPN AnyConnect Client on your Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Linux, or mobile device by following the instructions on Configure VPN Client on your Computer, Tablet, or Phone.

VPN Pools

The VPN service offers the ability to create department-specific pools, which can be used to control access to departmental resources. Please contact your IT support staff for additional information on accessing or using pools for your department. If you do not have IT support staff, then contact the ITS Service Desk.
To access a VPN pool, when logging in to the VPN, enter your username followed by "@" the pool name. For example, to access the ITS pool, enter "username@ITS".

For additional technical info on the VPN service, please see the VPN article on the TechWiki.

If you still have questions or need additional assistance, please contact the ITS Service Desk. You can call us at (858) 246-4357, email us at support@ucsd.edu, or submit a ticket at support.ucsd.edu.