VPN: What is a Virtual Private Network?

What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
Do you want to create a secure connection between your device and the internet that surrounds your connection?  You may want to consider using a Virtual Private Network to protect your web traffic from being linked directly to your location, device, and identity. VPN connections also encrypt your data, adding another layer of data security.

When should I use VPN?

The Virtual Private Network (VPN) utilized by Davidson College is a convenient way to access resources on the campus network that would otherwise be unavailable off-campus. When a user connects using VPN, a secure line of communication between the user’s device and the Davidson network is established.  

The Davidson College VPN allows faculty, staff, and students to access campus-specific web apps and services which is a key component in allowing Davidson users to work remotely in a safe and secure environment. It doesn’t “hide” a user’s web activity in the same way a personal VPN does. Instead, it routes all traffic through the college’s firewall and malware detection systems, adding extra security to your online activity. This helps the college keep remote devices clean of malware and spyware, and allows us to limit access to our online services without limiting functionality for employees.

Where can I learn more about the benefits of using VPN? 

Check out our VPN workflow and best practices here.

Learn more about National Cybersecurity Awareness Month