VPN (virtual private network) is a direct and secure way to connect to Minnesota State Mankato's campus network remotely. VPN allows your computer to access resources on campus that are blocked from off-campus networks and the Internet by firewalls. Both VPN's replace the Proxy Server.
NOTE: Outlook 2003 and 2007 no longer requires the use of VPN to work off campus. Instructions for setting up Outlook 2003 are available on the MavMAIL - RPC over HTTP page. You can upgrade to Office 2007 and Outlook 2007 at no charge by contacting the ITS Helpdesk.
Office 2007 and Outlook 2007 are free for faculty and staff for use at home.
VPN encrypts all data sent between your computer and the VPN server on Minnesota State Mankato's campus to prevent the ability to tap, capture or view your computer's network communication. VPN is particularly important for wireless laptop users.
NOTE: You will have to allow pop-ups through your browser to see the toolbar.
Moves the toolbar to the other side of the browser
Go to a web address or (URL)
Open Server toolbox (see below)
Go to Minnesota State Mankato homepage
Logout of SSL-VPNTo access library databases, click on "Library Services" on the Minnesota State, Mankato homepage menu bar.
To access your MavDISK folder, click on the Open Server toolbox and enter \\mavdisk\username$ where username is your campus username followed by a $ sign and click "Go".
The following window will open and you can copy files to / from your "My_Private_Files" folder or other folders. For more information on using MavDISK to save your files go to the MavDISK page.
MNSU has a firewall (a system that prevents unauthorized access to a network) between the campus local area network (LAN) and the Internet, as well as filters throughout the campus LAN. Many computer resources are restricted from general Internet access to protect them from hackers, viruses and exploits. VPN allows you to connect your remote (off-campus) computer to the campus LAN and access campus-restricted resources, such as library databases, file servers (MavDISK and Krypton), and Microsoft Outlook.
For example, Memorial Library's electronic resources are not available through the Internet to remote users. However, a connection to the campus LAN through VPN makes the LAN "believe" your computer is on-campus (i.e., creates a virtual network), and allows you to access the library's electronic resources via the Internet.
Network "conversations" are easily intercepted and viewed, particularly those transmitted over wireless networks. Many programs communicate information across networks in plain text, and in some cases, pass usernames and passwords in readable form. Campus VPN uses public key infrastructure (PKI) encryption (a method of changing the text into a meaningless format) to protect data passed over the Internet, the local area network (LAN), and the wireless network.
When you transfer data between the University and your computer, VPN ensures the data will be transferred securely, and will be readable only to the intended recipient. For example, in paying your tuition online using your credit card, you can connect directly to the campus network through VPN, ensuring that your credit card number and personal information will be read only by the intended entity.
