The Office of Information Technology has released a new VPN service to prioritize the security of students and faculty off campus following the cyberattacks this semester.
The new Azure VPN was designed for off-campus browsing security and will replace UCCSVPN. It adds features that UCCSVPN doesn’t have, including wider accessibility and Multi-Factor Authentication. It also eliminates the bandwidth issues that would occur when many people were using the UCCSVPN simultaneously, according to the help desk knowledge base.
Azure VPN will provide better protection against cyberattacks, according to Deputy Chief Information Officer Greg Williams. The decision to switch follows a move by OIT to increase account security after over 300 UCCS accounts were breached from cyberattacks over the summer. If used with Multi-Factor Authentication, Williams said the VPN will also protect against phishing emails, which is what were used to try and steal personal information from people.
Beyond these additional features, the Azure VPN is also more compatible with MacBook and other iOS systems than the previous VPN, according to Williams.
Using the Azure VPN off campus will give UCCS affiliates the same protection they have when connected to campus servers.
“If you are at a coffee shop and using their Wi-Fi, all your information goes through the server. If you use the new VPN, all your web-traffic is connected back to us. We are protecting all of your data,” Williams said.
With this upgrade, Williams encourages all students to use the VPN to their advantage, not only for schoolwork.
“Using this VPN is the most secure way to browse the internet. We have plenty of bandwidth. Use it to browse your bank. Use it to watch Netflix. Use it for everything. We are trying to protect you, as students, no matter what,” Williams said.
The Azure VPN will automatically be installed on UCCS owned or managed devices. Students can learn how to download the Azure VPN on a personal device by visiting the help desk knowledge base website.
UCCSVPN will remain active until the spring 2025 semester.
In the event of a technology-related issue, students, staff and faculty can contact OIT by emailing [email protected], calling them at 719-255-4357 or by using the live chat on their website.
Photo courtesy of ADNET Technology.