The Virtual Private Network (VPN) service was
retired on Thursday 30 September 2021.
This is to improve the University’s cyber security position and to ensure compliance with the Cyber Essentials accreditation.
This means that colleagues will no longer be able to establish a Remote Desktop Connection to a desktop PC on campus using the legacy VPN service via Cisco AnyConnect.
We also implemented
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all off-campus connections to the VPN service on
Friday 10 September. You can find out more about MFA on the
MFA intranet page.
This
short video describes the differences between the VPN and the Virtual Desktop Service (VDS), explains the upcoming changes and provides information about alternative ways of connecting remotely:
Connecting to the University Network Remotely
We also emailed VPN users directly to inform them of these changes.
You will find a list of frequently asked questions below. If you have any concerns or questions, you can contact us at:
VPNretiral@napier.ac.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the service been retired?
One of the areas of significant risk to the University’s cyber security is the means by which colleagues can establish a Remote Desktop Connection to a desktop PC on campus using the legacy VPN service via Cisco AnyConnect.
This remote access method is suspected to have provided access for a number of recent attacks that were highly damaging to other organisations in our sector.
What other methods are there for connecting to the network remotely?
For most users, we would advise the use of a
managed laptop, which will give seamless access to services with no need to connect to an office desktop PC. If you don’t already have access to a managed laptop you can request one via the
Managed Laptop intranet page.
If you are using an unmanaged University laptop, or your own personal device you can use the
Virtual Desktop Service (VDS). You access the VDS by installing a VMware Horizon Client, further information and instructions are available on the
Virtual Desktop intranet page.
If you are unable to use either of the options above and the removal of the VPN will prevent you from carrying out your work, please contact us on:
VPNretiral@napier.ac.uk.
I use the VPN to access SITS and / or Agresso, what can I use instead?
I use the VPN to access HR Connect, what can I use instead?
Information Services are looking at providing secure access to HR Connect Self Service from the internet on any device particularly for staff who are not provided laptops.
I use the VPN to access Worktribe, what can I use instead?
Following a recent change, access to Worktribe no longer requires the use of the VPN.
I use the VPN to access Cisco Jabber, what can I use instead?
You can use a
Managed Laptop to access the Cisco Jabber softphone (your desk phone extension on a computer).
If you are unable to use the option above and the removal of the VPN will prevent you from carrying out your work, please contact us on:
VPNretiral@napier.ac.uk.
I use the VPN to access a data area (H drive, S drive), what can I use instead?
You can use a
Managed Laptop or the
Virtual Desktop Service to access the University’s networked data areas such as your personal data area (H drive) or shared, departmental data area (S drive).
I use the VPN for research, what can I use instead?
Information Services are also building a separate research capability for those who cannot undertake research on their managed devices, which will allow access without use of the VPN and a Remote Desktop Connection.
Desktop computers on campus are unaffected by the change and these can be used to access all the services noted above.
Will this affect student connection SOC services or contractors who need access to specific services?
These services will not be affected at this time.
Where can I find out more?
This page was last updated at 9:45am on 30 September 2021.