VPN Access
Overview
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is used to establish a secure connection over the Internet to access University resources from off campus. Faculty, staff, and students with a current, active relationship with the University can use a VPN to access applications that would otherwise only be available on campus. A VPN connection is required for remote access to the Big Data Lab, Cybersecurity Lab, and other facilities.
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 | Client requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hofstra Network | HUVPN | Faculty and staff only | Cisco AnyConnect (connect to https://huvpn.hofstra.edu/) |
| Big Data Lab servers | CSVPN | Students and Faculty | OpenVPN client; profile from csconnect.hofstra.edu |
| War Room | WRVPN | Faculty and staff with a WR account |
Cisco AnyConnect (connect to https://vpn.cyber.hofstra.edu) |
| Cyber Range | CRVPN | Cyber Range users (Students and Faculty) |
OpenVPN client; profile from app.cr.cyber.hofstra.edu |
OpenVPN: Getting Started
To connect to the Computer Science VPN (CSVPN) and Cyber Range VPN (CRVPN), 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.
Computer Science VPN
The Computer Science VPN (CSVPN) provides access to virtual machines, Mac Minis, and other services of the Big Data Lab. 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.
Cyber Range VPN
The Cyber Range VPN (CRVPN) allows you to access virtual machines in the Cyber Range. To connect to it, install the OpenVPN client and download your profile/certificate from app.cr.cyber.hofstra.edu.