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Overview
MassArt's virtual private network (“VPN”) provides a method for authorized users to gain access to the private on-campus network when they are off-campus or connected to an insecure public network (e.g., your home network). The VPN allows an authorized user to securely access network resources and applications that are otherwise unavailable except when a user is on campus and connected to the campus MassArt network. The College distributes software called FortiClient, to authorized users upon request and approval.
Why would you need to connect to the VPN?
For security reasons, some technology resources (e.g., servers, applications and services) are only available on the local MassArt network, to limit exposure of data or transactions hosted on or provided by these resources from the internet. Limiting access in this way improves information security for sensitive, confidential, and protected data or transactions. Off-campus users who connect to the VPN can access the protected resources which they are authorized to use, primarily to perform work on restricted resources outside of business hours, from a remote location.
What on-campus resources require VPN for remote access?
Many of the College’s websites and applications are public-facing and are available to any user in any location with a web browser and internet connection. Restricted resources, such as the file server (mcafs01), are only accessible to those physically or virtually connected to the MassArt network. Therefore they require a VPN connection to be remotely accessed or administered.
Who has access to VPN?
Access to VPN is granted to all staff and faculty who require it. By default, students and alumni do not have VPN access.
If you require access please fill out a VPN access request and allow for up to 48 hours for your request to be fulfilled.