Technology

Do I Need a VPN?

Last modified 11/13/2024

VPN is software that allows for a secure connection between your computer and some restricted Illinois State University resources. The VPN is only required when you are away from campus and/or unable to connect to ISUNet.

VPN is not required to access commonly used resources such as your Illinois State email, Canvas, or Microsoft (Office) 365.

Note

While a VPN is not needed to access email or Microsoft 365 applications, you will need to verify your identity when logging on to these services from off-campus with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).


Some resources that require VPN include:


  • Connecting to network drives
  • Viewing paychecks in iPeople
  • Accessing databases
  • Accessing Cognos
  • Account Ability
  • Archibus
  • Cisco VOIP Customer Service Portal - https://voip.ilstu.edu/ucmuser/
  • Cognos
  • Colleague (Datatel)
  • EMS Lite
  • FourWinds
  • GitLab
  • Grants Database
  • HyperSpace
  • ImageSite
  • IP Communicator SoftPhone
  • Jenkins
  • Keystone
  • OU Campus editing
  • PCI
  • Perceptive Content
  • Pinnacle
  • SCOM
  • Small Scale Drawings
  • Sonatype Nexus
  • SSRS
  • Synoptix
  • Velocity
  • WebTMA/iServiceDesk
  • YouTrack

How to Get Help

Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at: