What is VPN?

Virtual Private Networking (VPN) facilitates secure remote computing by providing access to the GSD network which would otherwise be shielded by our firewall. With an active VPN connection you can run software that is network licensed and access other internal resources

Note: the VPN service is not an Internet Connection, it creates a secure connection to the University network using your existing Internet connection.

Harvard’s VPN Service is automatically activated for all GSD Students and will remain active until you are no longer a GSD Student. There is no need to sign-up.  Please contact the Help Desk (617-496-3810) if you require any assistance

 

VPN Download and Installation Steps

Open your browser and go to the following URL:  https://vpn.harvard.edu

At the login screen you will be prompted to authenticate with your Harvard Key credentials and click Sign In

Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the software.

After the installation, you may launch Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client from your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder if you are on OSX

Once launched, make sure vpn.harvard.edu is entered in the Connect dialog box.  Next, you will be prompted for your Harvard Key in conjunction with two-step verification.

For more information about the University’s VPN service, visit their IT Help knowledge base article