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Two-step login is required for VPN connections. With VPN, network computing traffic between your remote machine (off-campus or wireless) and campus passes over a single, encrypted connection, and your remote machine has a UCSD IP address. It also helps ensure only authorized users can access campus networks. The UCSD VPN creates a virtual private connection over public networks using encryption and other security checks to help protect against computer data transmission interception.
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Some department-specific applications (iDocs, BAMTRAC, CRIS).Canvas does not require VPN but is recommended if connecting outside the U.S.Staging links to preview CMS websites (requires 2-Step Secured - allthruucsd).Library resources (requires 2-Step Secured - allthruucsd).Faculty and staff are encouraged to use the VPN when working on administrative activities. Note that most academic and student services do not not require you to be logged in to VPN. However, the VPN should not be used when you are not working, such as when a family member is using your personal computer. When connected to the VPN using the 2-Step Secured - allthruucsd group, all of the traffic to and from your home or remote computer has malware filtered exactly as any on-campus computer does.
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As such you should feel free to rely on the VPN anytime you are working remotely. In response to the surge in remote workers, IT Services has significantly upgraded the capacity and performance of the VPN service. VPN Use During Temporary Remote Work Directives Spring 2020
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