The university also requires the use of Duo for multi-factor authentication (known as MFA or 2FA).  MFA allows you to present two categories of credentials when authenticating to a service. Duo is a software tool provided by Duo Security, a cloud-based access security provider that enables us to support a second factor when authenticating to certain Cardinal Applications and to the WFH VPN connection. Duo provides 'something you have' and, when paired with your password 'something you know', we have a greater assurance that the individual logging in is who they say they are. Please read about Using Duo to learn more about Duo, including how to enroll your devices.

This page explains how to

1. Connect to the Catholic-WFH VPN.

2. Use Remote Desktop to connect to a campus computer (normally your assigned office computer).

But first, a few important FAQs

Why do I need to use the VPN?

VPN ensures no one can observe the network traffic from your home to campus and multi-factor (using a product called DUO) secures your personal login.  Taken in combination, these ensure only you can log in to the university services, even if someone else with nefarious intent may have stolen your password and that your communications can’t be listened to by third parties. 

When do I need to use the VPN while working from home or off-campus?

Consistent with the University’s expectations of information security for employees working at the office, Work from Home (WFH) employees must ensure the protection of proprietary University information accessible from their home location. Appropriate steps include regular password maintenance, segregation of University materials from access by others, and any other measures imposed by the department or appropriate for the job and the environment.

• Employees working from home or off-campus are required to use multi-factor authentication provided by Technology Services to securely access and connect to University systems. This is accomplished using the University's Duo Security service.

• Employees are required to connect to the Catholic-WFH VPN and log in using Remote Desktop Services if they need to use their office desktop computer from their home location.

  • Work products like reports, documents, or other files should be stored on the University provided storage (e.g. the Cardinal Mail Google Drive) and not on personal devices. 

How do I work at home or off-campus safely?

 Please follow Microsoft's steps to keep your remote Windows computer safe before using it to access University data.  Mac users should similarly follow Apple's recommendations to keep your Mac secure and guard your privacy.

Please exercise care in handling University data:

• Please be sure to keep system data within its system, and

• Store CatholicU-related products like reports, papers, spreadsheets, or other files on University-provided storage (Cardinal Mail Google Drive) and not stored on personal devices.

How to connect

Please read on for detailed instructions on how to connect.

Prerequisites

Before you can follow the steps below, please make sure you have completed the necessary preliminary steps.

1.  On your home computer, use Cisco AnyConnect to connect to the VPN

This extends the campus network to the computer in your home location, allowing you to access networked resources and services as if you were on campus. The VPN connection is required for you to be able to make a remote connection to your office computer.

2. Connect to your campus computer using Microsoft Remote Desktop

Working from Home by remote access to your office computer is the best way to make sure University data remains stored on the University provided storage, not on your personal devices.

Additional Resources

Installing Cisco AnyConnect on Microsoft Windows (PDF)