ENWR 1510: Writing about Aliens & Identity

VPN: A VPN scrambles data as it is transmitted between a server and a mobile device (phone or tablet), a desktop computer (at your home), or a laptop computer (when you are traveling). This allows you to access UVa Library resources, including Virgo and databases, as if you were on-grounds. Library subscription databases don't require an individual login to access them. They authenticate through the IP address.  Using a VPN ensures that the database "sees" your computer as being on an acceptable IP address.  Be sure you are also using the database link that is in this guide, or the Library's A-Z database list. 

UVa offers four types of VPNs for accessing UVa resources: the UVaAnywhere, the UVa More Secure Network (MSN), the Joint VPN, and the High Security VPN

• UVaAnywhere VPN: Provides an off-Grounds connection to resources that normally require you to be on Grounds to use them such as Library resources, the UVA Home Directory Service, the Exchange Server, servers restricted by departments, etc. It provides an on-Grounds IP address for all applications on your computer, thereby protecting all network traffic, whether or not it is Web-based, between your machine and the UVa network.

• UVa More Secure Network (MSN): The MSN uses a firewall, a network security device designed to help protect your computer from hackers and other malicious people on the Internet. Your computer can make outbound connections to access resources on the internet, but the firewall blocks inbound connections from remote computers.

• Joint VPN: Enables academic users access to resources protected by the highest security using a UVA Identity Token from on- or off-grounds.

• High Security VPN: Enables users access to systems that are approved for handling highly sensitive data using 2-Step Login from on- or off-Grounds.