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
- EasyConnect - web-based VPN portal at vpn.ucsd.edu, which allows secure access to many campus services and remote desktop computing without requiring the installation of a software client
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, or Linux device by following the instructions on Configure VPN Client on your Computer, Tablet, or Phone.
iPhone/iTouch/iPad 6.0.x and above
EasyConnect Web Interface to access Remote Desktop
Easily and securely access remote desktop computing without installing the client. Mac OS X users: EasyConnect Web interface should only be used with computers running Mac OS X 10.8 and above. Older versions of Mac OS X are no longer supported.
- Go to vpn.ucsd.edu
- Enter your Active Directory (AD) username and password.
- Select EasyConnect from the Group drop-down menu, and click Sign On.
- For Windows remote desktop computing, click Terminal Servers.
- For virtual network computing (VNC), click VNC Connections.
- For Telnet/SSH, click Telnet/SSH Servers.
Note: If you don't know the name of the campus desktop you're trying to reach, contact your department's system administrator.
EasyConnect Web Interface to access UCSD Services (except Libraries and the CMS)
Easily and securely access UCSD services without installing the client:
- Go to vpn.ucsd.edu
- Enter your Active Directory (AD) username and password.
- Select EasyConnect from the Group drop-down menu, and click Sign On.
- You can now access campus services by clicking a link from the list, such as:
- Campus Exchange (Outlook Web Access)
- Campus Network Status
- Link Family (FinancialLink, TravelLink, etc.)
- SysWiki (for campus system administrators)You now can access campus services by clicking a link from the list, such as:
You can also access services by typing a URL in the Address field.
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.