VPN FAQ
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is software that helps to secure your connection to the internet when using unsecured WiFi and also encrypts transferred data.
What a VPN protects:
• Encrypts your internet traffic while connected to public Wi-Fi
• Helps prevent others on the same network from monitoring your activity
• Reduces risk from malicious or fake public hotspots
• Helps protect DNS requests and browsing activity from local network visibility
• Adds an additional layer of protection when accessing company systems remotely
What a VPN does NOT protect:
• Phishing emails or fake login websites
• Malware, viruses, or malicious downloads
• Weak or reused passwords
• Account compromise caused by sharing credentials
• Unsafe browsing behavior or clicking suspicious links
• Security issues on devices that are already compromised or infected
How does a VPN work?
When you turn on a VPN, it creates a secure "tunnel" from your computer to the website or resource you're accessing. That tunnel routes from your computer to the VPN server which encrypts the data, then sends it to the site or resource.
When should I use a VPN?
You should always use a VPN on an unsecured or untrusted internet connection that's open to the public. An unsecured WiFi connection doesn't require a password and/or has a publicly posted password. An untrusted WiFi connection is a network that you're unsure belongs to the business or if it has proper security set up.
You do not need to use a VPN when connecting to trusted private connections such as your home or office.
For example:
You go to Starbucks, pull up the available WiFi networks, and see 2 networks listed - "Google Starbucks" and "FREE Starbucks WIFI". The "FREE Starbucks WIFI" lets you connect with no password while "Google Starbucks" requires you to enter some information prior to connection. First, how do you determine which one to use?
- Look for signage about the WiFi network. Many businesses will post the name of the network to be sure you're connecting to the correct network.
- Ask an employee for instructions on how to connect and which one to use.
You don't see any signs so you ask an employee and they direct you to "Google Starbucks". When connecting, you're asked for some information (name, email address, and zip code) before you're allowed to connect.
Now that you connected to the correct network, should you turn on the VPN? In this case, since the WiFi network has some access control by way of requesting your information, it is likely secure and you don't necessarily need to connect to a VPN. However, since it is still a publicly accessible network, it would be a good idea to connect to a VPN if you're accessing sensitive information (student information, online banking, etc.) for an extra layer of security.
How do I connect to VPN?
The software you will use to connect is called NetBird.
If you don't see the NetBird icon in your status icons (the icons next to the date/time on your Start Bar), you can install the software by following Install and Configure VPN (NetBird)
To learn how to connect and disconnect from NetBird, see How to Use VPN (NetBird)