East Carolina University
 
Enhancing Education Through Technology


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ITCS Title
IT Security



Virtual Private Network

Off-campus faculty and staff can securely connect to the mapped drives and resources they use on campus by setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) using Cisco Anytime Connect software.

For example, if you have access to your department’s Piratedrive folder on campus, connect to that same folder while off campus using a VPN.

Users log in using their PirateID and passphrase–there's no special form or group password required.

Data is encrypted during transmission, so a VPN connection is a secure remote connection to internal ECU computing resources.

Students, Vendors or Non-ECU Guest Users

Other users requesting VPN access (students or vendors, for example), are required to complete the online VPN Access Form in the IT Help Desk system. Supervisor approval is required.

Get Started

  1. Navigate to http://remoteaccess.ecu.edu and log in with your PirateID and passphrase (there is no group login). The Cisco AnyConnect software automatically installs on the first login for most systems (iOS and Android users must download the AnyConnect app). After the initial setup, software updates are automatic.
  2. After installation, the Secure VPN icon is added to the user’s taskbar.
  3. To disconnect from a remote session, click the Secure VPN icon in the taskbar and choose Disconnect.
  4. Drag the AnyConnect program from the Start menu to the taskbar for a shortcut to begin a new remote session at any time.

For detailed instructions, see:

Windows Access (pdf)
Mac VPN Access (html)
iPad VPN Access (html)

Supported Operating Systems and Mobile Devices:

  • Mac OS X Leopard (v. 10.5) to OS X Lion (v. 10.7)
  • Windows XP, Vista and 7, 64- and 32-bit systems
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux (note that ITCS does not support Linux OS at this time)
  • Windows Mobile users connect by logging in to the Remote Access Login
  • iOS and Android users should download the AnyConnect app from the Store/Market for their device and then log in

Users should keep the following in mind:

  • If possible, first-time VPN users should test their connection while still on campus.
  • Once connected to the VPN, you are connected to the ECU network and thus, must adhere to all ECU computing policies.
  • ITCS can only advise/suggest configuration changes to the user’s personal system.
  • ITCS cannot troubleshoot issues with non-ECU equipment/networks i.e. WiFi networks, your home network, the connection from your home to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).