#  VPN 

 



### What is VPN?

A [Virtual Private Network](https://huit.harvard.edu/vpn) (VPN) creates a private, encrypted tunnel for your online activity, making it significantly harder for others to monitor what you do online. VPNs extend private networks (e.g., HGSE's local/on-campus network) across shared (like home WiFi) or public networks (e.g., a coffee shop). This ensures secure transmission of data over potentially insecure networks, as if your device were directly connected to the more secure private network.

### When and Who Should Use VPN?

Most University applications, such as email, calendar, OneDrive, and SharePoint, are accessible securely via web browsers without a VPN. However, certain sensitive applications and resources (e.g., G: Drive or secure department fileshares) require a VPN to connect remotely.

To comply with University policies:

- Use of an HGSE-specific VPN tunnel is permitted only on University-issued/managed systems and devices, unless otherwise approved by HGSE's Director of Security Operations.
- Use of Harvard's general VPN tunnel ("GENCOM") is allowed on personally owned devices. All active Harvard affiliates (staff, faculty, and students) have automatic access to the GENCOM tunnel.

It is strongly recommended to use a VPN when performing any Harvard-related business or functions to ensure data security. For more information on how to get started with VPN, visit [HUIT's Guide to Getting Started with VPN](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=f90a73f6dba21c5c60c0d9fcd39619ea).

#### Activites Requiring VPN:

You should use VPN in the following scenarios:

- Conducting HGSE/Harvard business on your University-issued/managed or personally-owned systems and devices.
- Accessing protected HGSE/Harvard resources, such as network fileshares (e.g., your G: Drive or secure departmental files) or applications requiring VPN, including:
    - Various Library IT and IT-specific apps including CyberArk, TWS/Maestro, and Informatica
    - QlikView
    - PI Dashboard
    - MIDAS
    - HarvardPhone Portal
    - Harvard Data Warehouse (Database)
    - Citrix
    - Advance

### How Do I Connect to VPN at HGSE?

For assistance in setting up or configuring a VPN, contact the HGSE IT Service Center at [IT\_OneStop@gse.harvard.edu](mailto:IT_OneStop@gse.harvard.edu) or explore [HUIT's Guide to Getting Started with VPN](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=f90a73f6dba21c5c60c0d9fcd39619ea).

### Want to Learn More?

Visit HUIT's [Get Tools & Services for Staff](https://huit.harvard.edu/remote) for more in-depth information and how-to's, recommendations, and resources on how to easily and securely work remotely at Harvard and HGSE. For more in-depth 1x1 or group (team, department, etc.) security consultations and VPN needs, you're encouraged to schedule some time with HGSE's Director of Security Operations: [calendly.com/sarah\_pruski](https://calendly.com/sarah_pruski)



 

 

 See also:- [ Information Security ](/service-area/information-security)