If you ever use any of Georgia Tech’s remote desktop or file sharing programs from your home computer, without first connecting to the Institute’s virtual private network (VPN), things are about to change.   

“When people access GT local service like desktops and unit file servers from off-campus and do not use our secure remote access solutions, they are opening Tech up to hackers,” said Jason Belford, information security manager in the Office of Information Technology. “The Institute has experienced an increased number of compromised machines by hackers when a VPN is not used to securely access our systems via the Internet.”

To remedy this issue, starting January 2012, members of the Tech community will need to use the VPN to access the following services (for a full list, click here):

• Databases (MySQL, Oracle, etc.) 
• File-sharing programs (CIFS/SMB, Apple File Sharing, NFS, etc.)
• Remote desktop programs (Windows Remote Desktop, Apple ScreenSharing, etc.)• Printing programs
• Proxy services
• Backup services

“Georgia Tech’s web-based services, such as My GaTech, TechWorks and T-Square will still be available without connecting to the VPN,” Belford added.  For more information about the VPN, or send an email here.

What is a VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) is a piece of software that allows users to securely access a company’s network from a remote location, in this case, the GT network from off-campus locations. For information on installing Tech’s VPN, click here.