University VPN Change - PMACS Supported Users

On Tuesday, June 9th, ISC will block Remote Desktop traffic to the University (full message below). University users will be required to install and connect to the University’s VPN Client before using Remote Desktop.

Will this affect me:

If you currently connect to Pulse Secure before remoting into your computer this change WILL NOT affect you. Please disregard the message below.

-OR-

If you DO NOT connect to Pulse Secure before remoting into your computer this change WILL affect you. Please go to https://www.isc.upenn.edu/how-to/university-vpn-getting-started-guide and follow the instructions to install the University VPN Client.

If you are unable to remote to your computer on 6/9/2020 please submit a helpdesk ticket and an LSP will contact you to assist.

ISC Message:

“On Tuesday, June 9, ISC will block inbound Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) traffic on the University border firewalls. This will block inbound RDP regardless of port, though outbound RDP should remain unaffected. Campus representatives at Firewall Governance have approved this change, which will significantly improve Penn's information security posture. We do not expect this update to cause any service disruptions or downtime.

In March, ISC launched the University Client (GlobalProtect) VPN service for the entire campus community, which provides encrypted and authenticated access to the PennNet network using PennKey and Two-Step Verification. The University Client VPN service provides access to the general campus network, creating a similar experience from a remote location as if connected to AirPennNet on campus.

While we are optimistic that the University Client VPN will reduce dependence on RDP, users will continue to be able to RDP to their workstations after they have successfully connected to the VPN service.

ISC has created an extensive user guide for getting started with the University Client VPN service at https://www.isc.upenn.edu/how-to/university-vpn-getting-started-guide. We encourage our campus IT colleagues to share this guide with their RDP users and contact Client Care if they are running into any support issues. “