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VPN Access

VPN access allows you to access the university's network remotely when you are off campus.
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Overview

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is used to establish a secure connection over the Internet to access University resources from off campus. A VPN connection is needed for remote access to virtual machines in the Data Center, Star HPC, the War Room, and other facilities. The Virtual Machine FAQ explains where on campus you can reach the virtual machines without a VPN.

Hofstra University provides multiple VPN services for access to different network resources. The VPN you should connect to depends on your role and what you need access to. VPN access policies, the request/approval process, and client requirements may vary based on the VPN.

For access to VPN Users Connection instructions
Data Center virtual machines and Star HPC CSVPN Students and Faculty Windows, Mac
Data Center virtual machines and Star HPC SEAS VPN Ask the ITS Service Desk Windows, Mac
Hofstra Network HUVPN Faculty and staff only Windows, Mac
War Room WRVPN Faculty and staff
with a WR account		 Windows, Mac

Computer Science VPN

The Computer Science VPN (CSVPN) provides access to virtual machines in the Data Center and to Star HPC. Follow one of the following guides to install the OpenVPN client and install a configuration profile. After installing the client, make sure to go to csconnect.hofstra.edu and enter your network credentials (portal username and password) to download the profile.

SEAS VPN

The SEAS VPN provides access to virtual machines in the Data Center and to Star HPC. Connect to https://seasvpn.hofstra.edu/ with Cisco AnyConnect. The install guides for Windows and Mac explain how to set it up.

OpenVPN: Getting Started

To connect to the Computer Science VPN (CSVPN), you need to install an OpenVPN client on your computer. Your computer is one end of the tunnel and the VPN server is at the other end. For Windows, you should install the OpenVPN GUI. On macOS (OS X), you would install Tunnelblick. On Linux, you can install OpenVPN through the distribution’s package management system. Once you have the client program installed, you need to install a profile/certificate (.ovpn file). Download and install the profile as instructed for the given VPN.

Support Resources