Security improvement when remotely accessing office computers

Starting Feb 1 all Remote Desktop Protocol connections (typically Remote Desktop for PC and VNC for Macs) will need to use the Cisco VPN. If you are in an Administrative office you are likely already doing this. But if you connect to your office computer without running the VPN client you will need to start doing so.

If you are in an Administrative office you are likely already running the Cisco Anyconnect Secure Mobility (VPN) client before connecting to your campus computer, and if so you are all set. However, if you connect to an office or lab computer without running the Cisco client first, you will need to start doing so after Feb 1st.

The Cisco VPN client is already installed on college laptops, so it is easy to run, log in and connect securely as you did before. If you connect from a home or non-Williams computer it is easy to install the Cisco VPN client from the OIT software download site.

Note that we will be requiring VPN for any application that uses either the RDP and/or VNC protocols for remote connection which includes programs like Log Me In, TightVNC, TeamViewer, and Chicken of the VNC. You may not know this, but our network is constantly under attack. Hackers are scanning our network, looking for computers like yours to break into. Requiring VPN to connect to your computer blocks these scans. Also, running VPN will help keep you and your information safe while you are connected.

If you are unsure whether this change will affect you please contact the Faculty/Staff support desk at [email protected] or at x4090.