Due to the need for additional security, students and employees who use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to access their campus computers remotely will now need to take a few extra steps.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) allows you to connect to and control Windows-based computers remotely. It is used by some colleges to provide off-campus students with access to computer labs and by employees who wish to access their work computer from home or while travelling.
Since last December, off-campus attackers have made an increasing number of hacking attempts against the university using Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol. To guard against these attacks, Information Technology Services (ITS) began blocking all RDP connections from the Internet as of May 1, 2012. This additional security measure will prevent these attacks from causing account lockouts and will better protect university computers from the risk of being breached.
You will still be able to make connections to on-campus systems using RDP but, because of the additional security, after May 1, 2012 you will need to do so using either our Remote Desktop Gateway or our Virtual Private Network (VPN).
The Remote Desktop Gateway will allow secure RDP connection from off-campus. Instructions for using this gateway can be found on the ITS website, at http://www.usask.ca/its/services/networks/remote_desktop
Alternately, the university’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be used from off campus to establish a secure connection to the campus network, after which you can use RDP as usual. Instructions for using the VPN are also on the ITS website, at http://www.usask.ca/its/services/networks/vpn
If you require assistance in configuring your computer or mobile device to use either of these methods for making RDP connections please contact your local IT support or the ITS Help Desk at 966-4817.
For more information, contact:
Your local IT support or the ITS Help Desk at 966-4817