IT News

UM's Virtual Private Network

Stay secure while connecting to the Internet anywhere in the world!


Important VPN Information:

The University's virtual private network (VPN) should only be used for remote access to University on-premise systems/servers, or when there is a need to securely connect to the Internet while in a location with an unsecured public wireless network.

The University's VPN is no longer required for off-campus access to University enterprise systems, including but not limited to: Workday; CaneLink; Microsoft Office 365/Email/Teams; Epic/UChart; Blackboard; Adobe Creative Cloud; cloud storage like Box or OneDrive; and Zoom.

If you are using VPN, please ensure that you are not using high-bandwidth tools, including video-streaming services like YouTube or Zoom, while connected.

If you are uncertain about whether or not you should use VPN, or if you have any questions, please contact the UMIT Service Desk at: (305) 284-6565 or help@miami.edu.


A virtual private network (VPN) is a secure connection between your computer and any website or application. Connecting to the Internet via a VPN adds an extra layer of security on your computer by encrypting your data.

Whether you are browsing the Internet while having coffee at your local cafe or logging in to your bank account while traveling abroad, a VPN creates a private and secure virtual connection between you and the web!

The University of Miami offers VPN access to all UM faculty, staff, and students with a valid CaneID and password at no charge.


Benefits:
  • Protect your privacy and security. Using a VPN encrypts your Internet connection to prevent hackers from viewing your online communications, location, and browsing activity.

  • Ideal for travel. While traveling, you often connect to public or semi-public Wi-Fi networks in places like airports, cafes, hotels, or train stations. Anyone on the same unsecure network can potentially access your unencrypted data—that includes your usernames, passwords, bank information, credit card numbers, and more. Using the VPN is essentially a private network that only you can access, so you minimize the risk of theft or a data breach.

How to get VPN:

First install the VPN client and then follow the instructions to connect. For those that would like to use VPN from their mobile device(s), a VPN mobile application is available for free from the app store on your device. Full installation details are available at: it.miami.edu/vpn


At a glance:

The VPN provides a secure way to browse the Internet from your computer or mobile device. For example, if you are on a public WiFi connection, a hacker on the same network could potentially grab your unencrypted data. Usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, browser cookies, and other identifying information can be viewed from your web browser and mobile apps. Connecting to the VPN can protect you from all of this!


Who can use it?:

The University of Miami's VPN is available at no cost for all UM faculty, staff, and students.


Who to contact?:

If you have questions, or experience any issues connecting to the VPN, please contact the UMIT Service Desk at: (305) 284-6565 or help@miami.edu.