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VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a remote access technology that allows you to securely access and connect to systems and services on the Brandeis network when you are off campus. It enables you to connect to resources as if you were on campus, making access to restricted services possible. With VPN, you can connect to a department network drive, file shares (files.brandeis.edu), UNet filespace, browse websites that are restricted to campus, or connect to your office computer from home (i.e., remote desktop connection). All communication using VPN is securely encrypted between your computer off campus and the VPN gateway at Brandeis.

Brandeis VPN Renamed Ivanti Secure Access

Pulse Connect Secure, the Brandeis-approved virtual private network (VPN) software, is rebranding to Ivanti Secure Access. The new name and look will be reflected in all future software updates beginning April 25.

Getting Started

Ivanti Secure Access is the software that Brandeis uses for the virtual private network (VPN). VPN at Brandeis was formerly known as Pulse Secure. Select your operating system to view how-to instructions for your computer including installation, configuration and connecting to the VPN service.

Windows Mac

When to use VPN

VPN is required to access the following technology resources:

Departmental file shares
Network drive, File share access
UNet file space
Remote Desktop
Softphone
Sage
Active Directory Services
Windows updates (Brandeis provided)

>You do not need to use VPN (Ivanti Secure Access) to access web-based Brandeis resources and services such as GSuite (Mail, Calendar, Drive), Slack, Zoom, Box, Workday or brandeis.edu web pages.

Support

If you have any questions or issues installing or using VPN (Ivanti Secure Access), please visit the Brandeis Service Portal or contact the Technology Help Desk at help@brandeis.edu or 781-736-HELP.

Ivanti Secure Access is supported on Windows and Mac operating systems.

Hard and soft bandwidth limits are in place, excessive use of bandwidth can have a detrimental effect on the performance of the system and ITS reserves the right to terminate connections if deemed necessary.

FAQs

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Who is eligible to use the Ivanti Secure Access VPN service?

Do I need to use VPN to access campus resources?

If you access secure resources on the Brandeis network such as departmental file shares or a network drive, you will need to use a virtual private network (VPN) connection. Ivanti Secure Access is the Brandeis-approved VPN application to establish a secure connection to the Brandeis network. Learn more about installing, configuring or using Ivanti Secure Access: Windows | Mac

You do not need to use VPN (Ivanti Secure Access) to access web-based Brandeis resources and services such as GSuite (Mail, Calendar, Drive), Box, Workday or brandeis.edu web pages. To learn more about systems and services available from off campus, see Working Remotely.

I'm located in a country that has restriction on VPN service, what do I do?

Brandeis provides VPN service (Ivanti Secure Access) to all members of the community regardless of location (domestic or international).

In some countries, including China, governments have put restrictions on websites people can access; a commonly blocked website is Google (Gmail). To attempt to circumvent these restrictions, ITS can enable VPN service with full-tunnel mode for those users experiencing issues with their provider or governmental restrictions. Full-tunnel is enabled by the Technology Help Desk by request. By using full-tunnel mode, all internet communications are encrypted between the user's computer and Brandeis.

If you're traveling abroad or for students living in a country with government restrictions, please contact the Technology Help Desk (help@brandeis.edu) to request access to full-tunnel mode.