VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Use a VPN connection to create a secure link between your device and the University network. This will let you access certain protected UofG resources and systems while off campus, or from your mobile device on campus.

NB: You don't need VPN to access day-to-day systems like WebMail, Moodle, MyCampus, Office 365 and remote desktop.

You must be enrolled to use multi-factor authentication to use this service.

Instructions

Download VPN client for your device

If you need to use VPN to access a protected UofG system, we recommend Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client. Download it for your device here:

If you need the AnyConnect Start Before Login Module for Windows download it here. This should ONLY be installed when instructed by IS staff.

Connect to VPN off campus

While off campus, you can use VPN to access certain protected UofG systems.

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi or ethernet 
  2. Launch your VPN Client
  3. Enter server name: gucsasa1.cent.gla.ac.uk   - that's 1 (the number one) after gucsasa, not I or L
  4. Click Connect
  5. Enter the following settings:
    • Group: Off_Campus_Use
    • Username: your UofG email address
    • Password: your password

While using VPN off campus, only your traffic to UofG pages and systems will be tunnelled through UofG. Your other online activity will continue to go through your usual Internet provider.

Connect to VPN on campus

You only need to use VPN on campus if you need to access certain protected UofG systems. For any other online activity, simply use eduroam Wi-Fi for a secure Internet connection.

  1. Connect to flexaccess Wi-Fi
  2. Launch your VPN Client
  3. Enter server name: gucsasa1.cent.gla.ac.uk   - that's 1 (the number one) after gucsasa, not I or L
  4. Click Connect
  5. Enter the following settings:
    • Group: Campus_Use
    • Username: your UofG email address
    • Password: your password

While using VPN on campus, all your online activity will be tunnelled through the UofG network. To allow this you will need to configure your web browser proxy connection to "Automatically Detect settings".

Log into a SSD workstation via Cisco AnyConnect VPN

Set up document with screen shots: 

Set up steps:

Power on your device and allow it to start up:

  • At the login screen, a mouse click, or key press will remove the welcome screen
  • Select OK to accept the University of Glasgow workstation usage policy and you will be presented with the Standard Staff Desktop (SSD) login screen.

Connect to the internet:

  • Note: If you connect to your home network or campus network by a wired network connection or docking station, rather than Wi-Fi, then skip this section below and go to the steps to Connect to VPN (below).

Click on the Internet/Wi-Fi button on the bottom right of the screen, to view the available Wi-Fi networks.

  • If you are on campus, connect to the Wi-Fi
  • If you are at home (or elsewhere), connect to a wireless network in your location following the network provider’s guidance:
    • Select Automatically Connect so that it will connect to this network when within range

Connect to VPN

1. When you are connected to your selected network, select the icon on the bottom right of the screen labelled Network sign-in.

2. When the VPN service launches, click the drop down menu and select SBL (Start Before Login).

3. Select Connect.

4. From the Group drop down list select either SBL (for off campus use) or SBL_campus (for on campus use), depending on where you are working. 

5. Enter your GUID and password, select OK.

6. Once VPN is connected, you will now be presented with the normal SSD log in screen.

7. Select Other User at the bottom left then enter your UofG credentials and password and press the Enter key or the right facing arrow.

8. If this is your first time logging in can take up to 10 minutes to complete:

  • A prompt will welcome you and say it is setting up offline files and then it will restart
  • After the device restarts, please remember to re-connect to the VPN via the instructions above

To gain the full function of SSD, it is recommended that every time you power on or restart the device, that you connect to the VPN first, before logging into Windows.

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