Perhaps you are off campus and need to edit a document on a shared network drive or to connect to the Virtual Computing Lab to access a specific software program. Maybe you’re a Design student and must submit your assignments via the ClassStore. Or, you could be taking a distance education course or online class that requires access to the Statistics Virtual Teaching Lab. How do you access NC State network files and software, while ensuring that your applications, documents and communications remain private and protected from interception and hacking?

Luckily, you can securely connect to your needed resources via NC State’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) client, which encrypts and protects data traveling to and from the NC State network. The VPN allows you off-campus access to your computer’s desktop, personal folders and mapped drives, while providing protections against cyber attacks. You can also safely connect to NC State remote virtual computers that have the software applications you need to complete your work and assignments.

The VPN download is free for all students, faculty and staff and provides a secure connection to NC State computing resources at anytime, from anywhere.

To remotely access NC State’s servers using VPN, see NC State Virtual Private Networking (VPN) Service for download links and installation instructions.

Please note:

• VPN software is available for all major platforms (e.g., Mac, Windows, Ubuntu, Linux) as well as Apple and Android devices.
• A valid Unity ID and password are required in order to gain access to the university network.
• All users of the NC State VPN service are subject to NC State’s Computer Use Policy and VPN Acceptable Use Policy.