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The VPN is a secure connection that allows your computer to access the University network when you are off campus.
This means you can access restricted services, get access to filestore, and send your work to print.
Eligibility
All members of the University can use the VPN.
Duo two-factor authentication is required to log in.
The VPN lets you access university and external services that are normally only available when on campus. These include:
Getting started
You can connect to the VPN using software called Pulse Secure.
If you are using a University managed laptop then Pulse Secure is already installed and configured, so you can get connected straight away:
For unmanaged and personal devices you will need to download install the Pulse Secure VPN software before connecting:
Log in with your University username (eg abc500) and password. You will then be prompted for your Duo authentication method.
When you're connected to the VPN, all traffic from your computer, tablet etc goes through the VPN, regardless of whether you are accessing York services, or other internet based resources. Allows you to take advantage of the University's high performance security systems, giving you extra layers of security during VPN sessions.
Whilst connected to the VPN you may not be able to access resources local to you, so if you are on another campus or large network you may have to disconnect from the VPN to use local resources. You cannot connect to two VPNs at the same time.
You can also use the VPN web page to access web-based resources, providing a quick way to view restricted web pages. It should only be used if the primary method (using the VPN client to connect) isn't an option, and only works for simple web pages that deliver active content via plugins.
It's not suitable for everyone, but may be useful if you can't install Pulse Secure.
Please note that:
Not all university services are available whilst connecting to the VPN. There is a firewall between connected users and campus. Members of the University can request services be available to all VPN users, a specific group of users or users that perform an additional security by contacting the IT Helpdesk.
Requests to allow a service on the VPN will receive an initial response within a working day but take up to 5 working days to become active.
Access to your service can be limited to a specific group of people if required.
There are two options you can use when connecting to the VPN:
The 'split' option improves the performance of external services (especially for conferencing with Zoom, Circuit and Google Meet) as communications use your home broadband connection, without being sent back to campus. Therefore for the fastest experience we recommend using the split option, unless you have a specific need to use the all traffic option.
For more information see:
This occurs when using the built-in Windows VPN client rather than the Pulse Secure software. To connect a Windows machine to the VPN you will need to use the Pulse Secure software. Further information about this error can be found in our KnowledgeBase:
No - to connect a Windows machine to the VPN you will need to use the Pulse Secure software. Alternatively the WebVPN Web portal can be used in your web browser to access restricted web-based resources.
If you're connected to the VPN and then find you can't access some content (eg local resources when working at another university), you'll just need to select Suspend (or Disconnect) within the Pulse Secure app.
The suspend feature allows all the credentials and settings to be retained, allowing for a quick return to the secured state.
Make sure you're using the latest version of Pulse Secure to use the suspend feature.
Library & IT Help Desk
If you're having problems using the VPN, get in touch with the Library & IT Help Desk.
Service status | Live and supported service. |
---|---|
Hours of service | 24/7 |
Service support | For help and support with this service, contact the Library & IT Help Desk. |
Hours of support | Help from the Library & IT Help Desk is available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. |
Target availability |
General IT Services targets: |
Resilience | The Virtual Private Network is a high availability cluster. |
Known risks |
The VPN is reliant on the Campus Firewall being active. |
Policies | York local acceptable use policy |
Our performance |
Our service standards have been produced in consultation with our customers, and monitor the quality, timeliness and access to facilities and services: |
Complaints procedure |
If you wish to give us general feedback on this service, please see our Feedback page for ways to get in touch. If you wish to make a complaint, please see our complaints procedure. |
Please remember, while you are connected to the VPN, you are subject to University regulations, including University Regulation 11: Use of computing facilities and acceptable use policies:
Connecting to the VPN is the same as plugging your machine into the campus network:
Where a service has been allowed on VPN:
Where specific group access has been set up: