Secure access to restricted Wayne State resources using a Virtual Private Network

Contents

About the Virtual Private Network at WSU

The Virtual Private Network (VPN) at Wayne State uses the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, which provides secure communications on the Internet and is found in standard Web browsers.

The SSL VPN provides a simple and secure method for accessing Wayne State University resources normally restricted for on-campus use. This includes access to Banner, Cognos ReportNet, and Windows file shares, and also relaying mail directly through the WSU E-Mail System (using Mozilla Thunderbird or Microsoft Outlook, for example). Using the SSL VPN, your computer effectively and securely becomes part of the Wayne State University network—regardless of its location.

In some respects the SSL VPN is similar to the WSU proxy server. The SSL VPN method differs from the proxy server in that it provides data encryption. Since this encryption can protect sensitive University data as it travels the Internet, the SSL VPN is the recommended method for remote access to WSU administrative systems such as Banner and Cognos ReportNet.

Who can use it?

All WSU employees, including graduate assistants, currently have access to the SSL VPN. Login requires your WSU AccessID and password.

How can I use the SSL VPN to access restricted WSU resources?

Using Microsoft Windows

Note: To set up the SSL VPN, you must have administrator access to your computer. If you need help, ask your local departmental support person for suggestions or contact the C&IT Help Desk.

  1. Use the latest version of Internet Explorer (IE).
  2. Add the SSL VPN address to a list of Trusted Sites in IE's Internet Options, as follows:
    1. On the Tools menu click Internet Options.
    2. Click the Security tab and then click Trusted Sites.
    3. Click the Sites button.
    4. Under Add this Web site to the zone, type in:
          https://vpn.wayne.edu
    5. Click the Add button and then click OK.
    6. Click OK again to close Internet Options.
  3. Now go to https://vpn.wayne.edu.
  4. In the VPN window, type your WSU AccessID and password and click Sign In.
    • If this is your first time using IE to access the SSL VPN, a prompt along the top of the window asks you to install an ActiveX control. Click Yes in every box.
  5. On the bottom of the page, under Client Application Sessions, click the Start button to the right of Network Connect.
    • If this is the first time you are using Network Connect, wait for the application to download. You then must agree to install and enable the software.
  6. The Network Connect icon (shown in red box below) then displays in the Windows System Tray (bottom-right corner of your screen):

    VPN Network Connect Windows icon

    NOTE: To ensure safe web browsing, it is highly recommended that you use another web browser other than Internet Explorer at this point, unless it is required, as is the case with using the Banner System.
  7. Your computer is now a part of the Wayne State University network. You have full access to Banner, Cognos ReportNet, mapped Windows drives, and the WSU E-Mail System, and can use them as you normally do while on the campus network.
    • When using an e-mail client program (such as Mozilla Thunderbird or Microsoft Outlook), you can use the default WSU e-mail settings for your e-mail client regardless of your location.
  8. Open a new browser window or a client application, depending on what you want to do.
  9. To end your SSL VPN session, right-click on the Network Connect icon (shown in red box below)—located in the Windows System Tray (bottom-right corner of your screen)—and select End Session:

    VPN Network Connect Windows icon

  10. Then click Sign Out on the top black bar of the open VPN browser window.

Using Macintosh OS X

Note: To set up the SSL VPN, you must know the administrator password for your computer. If you need help, ask your local departmental support person for suggestions or contact the C&IT Help Desk.

  1. You must use the latest version of the Safari web browser. Network Connect will not work on a Macintosh using any other Web browser.
  2. Go to https://vpn.wayne.edu.
  3. Type your WSU AccessID and password and click Sign In.
  4. On the bottom of the page, under Client Application Sessions, click the Start button to the right of Network Connect.
    • If this is the first time you are using Network Connect, wait for the application to download. You will need to enter the administrator password when prompted. You then must agree to install and enable the software.
  5. The Network Connect icon (shown in red box below) then displays in the Mac OS X Dock:

    VPN Network Connect Mac icon

  6. Your computer is now a part of the Wayne State University network. You have full access to Banner, Cognos ReportNet, mapped Windows drives, and the WSU E-Mail System, and can use them as you normally do while on the campus network.
    • When using an e-mail client program (such as Mozilla Thunderbird or Mac OS X Mail), you can use the default WSU e-mail settings for your e-mail client regardless of your location.
  7. Open a new browser window or a client application, depending on what you want to do.
  8. To end your SSL VPN session, click on the Network Connect icon—located in the Mac OS X Dock—and select Sign Out from the Network  Connect window:

    VPN Network Connect Mac sign out icon

To access a Windows file share without using Network Connect

  1. Enter the path to the server you want to access in the Browse field at the top of the page. For example, to access the server CIT-SERVER, you would type \\CIT-SERVER\ and then click Browse.
    • To download a file, navigate through the directories until you find the file you want to download. Click on the filename, and you are prompted to save it to your local computer.
    • To download multiple files and folders, select the check boxes to the left of the folders and files that you want to download and click the Download button at the top of the page. Click the Download button again to download all of the files and folders as a compressed zip file.
    • To upload a file, navigate to the directory you want to upload the file to and click Upload. You are prompted to select the local file that you want to upload to the server.

Getting Help

The SSL VPN comes with a full set of online help files. After you sign in to the SSL VPN, click the Help link on the top bar.

If you need additional assistance, contact the C&IT Help Desk at (313) 577-4778 or helpdesk@wayne.edu.