Information Services:

Basic Security

Basic Security

VPN Overview:

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is technology that allows secure remote access to a private network via a "privacy" tunnel installed within an existing infrastructure. A secluded (private) tunnel is created inside an already existing larger public network, and from the user's perspective, he/she appears (virtual) to be operating within a distinct and independent system of interconnecting lines or channels (network). While security advantages are obvious, the organization also benefits. A VPN offers the same capabilities as would exist in a private network, but with overall expenses being reduced by providing those capabilities within a shared infrastructure.

Advantages/Disadvantages:

Advantage - Privacy
Security on a virtual private network is accomplished by two levels of encryption: password and data. Password encryption is the assumed minimum level of security, with data encryption - a more intense measure - being second-level security. Additional security may be obtained by encrypting not only the data, but the originating and receiving network addresses as well. Such encryption methods allow users to tunnel through public networks in a manner that provides the same level of security formerly available only in private networks.

Disadvantage - Performance (speed)
Performance issues are a major, and legitimate, concern to the VPN user. In all instances, a connection to the campus network via VPN is significantly slower than a typical connection; the degradation level of each machine is directly related to its specific hardware and software configuration.


How to install VPN:

  • Emory Security Awareness
    Emory Security Awareness Site is A comprehensive site containing information about new vulnerabilities and viruses, statistics on security incidents at Emory, and links to other security sites.
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