What to know about VPN usage for remote work

April 1, 2022

For those of you working remotely, using VPN can provide extra online security. 

VPN provides secure, remote, connectivity from non-University of Alaska locations to campus resources. When you are not connected directly to the campus network, VPN (Virtual Private Network) client creates a “tunnel” between your computer and the campus network that identifies you as a member of the UA community, allowing you virtual access to restricted networked resources. 

If you need to access software that requires connecting to the VPN, make sure that the VPN client is installed, configured, and tested on your computer. Below are some of the most commonly used software applications that require a VPN login prior to accessing off-campus. 

View programs that typically require VPN access

Getting Started

You can install  Global Protect VPN  on Windows and Mac computers by following the instructions below. Users enter their standard UA username/password to begin using the Global Protect VPN.

VPN Download and Login

How to install Global Protect to enable VPN

...on your desktop/laptop computer

Visit and log in to vpn.alaska.edu to download the desktop client, and follow our step-by-step VPN installation instructions.

For the gateway/vpn server name enter:

swf.vpn.alaska.edu OR vpn.alaska.edu

Please note that some versions of Mac OS X will require the user to go into System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General to ‘approve’ the application since it was not downloaded from the Mac App Store

...on your mobile device

iOS:

Visit the App Store, download and install the Global Protect VPN app.

For the gateway/vpn server name enter:

mobile.vpn.alaska.edu

Android: 

Visit the Google Play Store, download and install the Global Protect VPN app.

For the gateway/vpn server name enter:

mobile.vpn.alaska.edu 

Linux VPN Services: 

Linux users will need to contact the OIT Service Desk, as the VPN option for Linux is a restricted download.