The Cisco VPN (Virtual Private Network) at UVa

Secure Access to UVa Resources

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What is the Cisco VPN?

The Cisco Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides secure, authenticated access to on-Grounds networks and services. This means you can access applications and resources, programs on your own office computer, and other restricted network resources, as if you were sitting directly in front of the computer which provides the resource.

How It Works

When connected to the Cisco VPN at UVa, all network traffic between your system and UVa is encrypted to protect it from electronic eavesdropping. No system, however, is 100% secure, so it is always good to follow best practices in using computers.

To use the Cisco VPN with UVa networks and services, you must use the UVa-specific Cisco VPN software.

Using the Cisco VPN outside the United States: If you plan to take the Cisco VPN out of the country on a computer or plan to download it while abroad, be aware that the U.S. Department of Commerce restricts the export of cryptographic software. The use of the Cisco VPN is also illegal in any of the following countries: Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, and Sudan.

The Cisco Systems VPN Client Profiles

The Cisco System VPN Client at UVa hosts six profiles, each having unique requirements and directed towards specific uses:

Profiles Description
UVa Anywhere Provides an off-Grounds connection to restricted resources; e.g., Library resources, UVa Home Directory Service, access to Exchange Server, access to Restricted Departmental servers, etc.
Joint VPN Provides special access for users in the Academic portions of the Health System. Requires additional permissions.
Oracle Applications and/or Mercury Provides secure access for users to access sensitive data. Requires additional permissions.
Oracle Special Services Focuses on users who have been granted a special level of access to the Integrated System. Requires additional permissions.
UVa-HSCS-VPN Provides secure access to the Hospital network.
UVa-More-Secure-Network Provides an additional layer of security within the University network. Requires additional permissions.

Installation Instructions

Follow these installation instructions for all six profiles.

  1. Determine which version to install.
  2. Download the Installer (Cisco Systems VPN Client) from Software Central.
  3. When prompted, save the Installer to your Desktop.
    • Note: We recommend you remove any previous installations of the Cisco VPN client:
      • In Windows, go through Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel.
      • On a Macintosh computer, download and run the Cisco VPN Uninstaller from Software Central.
  4. Expand to Install: Double-click the Installer, and follow the prompts as the VPN Installer does the work.
  5. Obtain and install a Personal Digital Certificate.
    • Note: If you are on a Windows computer, we recommend you do this using Internet Explorer.
  6. Follow the instructions for the profile you need:
    • UVa-Anywhere
    • Coming soon:
      • Joint VPN
      • Oracle Applications and/or Mercury
      • Oracle Special Services
      • UVa-HSCS-VPN
      • UVa-More-Secure-Network

© 2008 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia.

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