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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), 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 switching from Ivanti Secure Access to Palo Alto Global Protect

Ivanti Secure Access, the Brandeis-approved virtual private network (VPN) software, will be replaced by GlobalProtect from software company Palo Alto. The new software will be available March 17, 2026.

Getting Started

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

Windows Mac Linux Mobile

Note: Mobile instructions are provided as a convenience, Brandeis ITS does not support mobile VPN apps.

When to use VPN

VPN is required to access the following technology resources:

Network drive, File share access (e.g. files.brandeis.edu)
Bitlocker
PowerFAIDS
Remote Desktop/SSH
Cascade CMS editor and test pages
Student Housing (Adirondack)
Printing from off campus (Papercut)

You do not need to use VPN (GlobalProtect) to access web-based Brandeis resources and services such as GSuite, Slack, Zoom, Box, Workday or brandeis.edu web pages.

Support

If you have any questions or issues installing or using VPN (GlobalProtect), 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 GlobalProtect 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. GlobalProtect is the Brandeis-approved VPN application to establish a secure connection to the Brandeis network. Typically, services that require VPN will not allow you to connect without it.

You do not need to use VPN (GlobalProtect) 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 will be traveling internationally, can I use my VPN abroad?

How does a VPN protect you?

When employees connect to the VPN, all internet traffic will route through Brandeis. You will be “virtually” connected to the Brandeis network. This provides additional protection when using home or public networks, because the local network and ISP cannot see your browsing activity — they can only see you are connected to the Brandeis network.

When students are connected to the GlobalProtect VPN, typically only Brandeis resources will go through the VPN. To conserve bandwidth, non-Brandeis related student network activity will typically be directed outside the Brandeis VPN.

Does this mean Brandeis sees all my Web traffic?

Some basic network traffic data such as website addresses may be logged while devices are connected to Brandeis networks or VPN systems. This is true for websites that are actively visited and for background network traffic (e.g., apps refreshing in the background). Security logging is automated and used to detect malware, phishing, and other threats — it is not live viewing of user activity.