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Only use the VPN when necessary

Monday, March 23, K-State will start a new chapter with classes taught remotely for the remainder of the semester. Information Technology Services (ITS) has been working behind the scenes to make sure our systems and services are ready.

We are reminding K-Staters about when to use the Virtual Private Networking (VPN) to access protected, proprietary, and confidential data and campus resources in a secure manner.

Because the VPN connection is shared with all K-Staters, the VPN should only be used when necessary. Disconnect from the VPN when access to protected resources is no longer needed. Remember closing your browser is not enough; you need to actively disconnect from the VPN.

When a large group of people uses the VPN at the same time, the VPN runs slower. So, if you are not using the VPN, make sure you disconnect so other K-Staters have a faster VPN experience.

Systems/tools that require the VPN include:

  • Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) to campus computers
  • Accessing files on Catfiles or other campus file servers (i.e., W: or Y: drives)
  • The Financial Information System (FIS)
  • ImageNow
  • Campus websites and services that are restricted to on-campus use only

VPN should not be used for the following:

  • Zoom videoconferences
  • Watching a streaming video (Mediasite, YouTube, Netflix, etc.)
  • Accessing webmail, Canvas, the CMS, KSIS, Office 365, or HRIS

To learn more about the VPN, view K-State’s VPN webpage. Need help? For self-help, view the IT Knowledge Base articles. Need more help, contact the IT Help Desk 785-532-7722 or your local IT support staff.

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