VPN

VPN stands for virtual private network. A VPN is a secure connection that can be made between a computer (such as a user's computer at home or on the road) and a protected or private institutional network (such as Smith's campus network) using an otherwise insecure public network (such as the Internet). In short, VPN ensures the data you access and the items you access while working remotely are still conducted in a safe, secure environment.

VPN at Smith College

At Smith, not everyone needs to use the Smith VPN when working remotely. When you are off campus, the VPN is required to securely access specific software or servers, such as Smith network drives (S or H drives). You do not need to connect to the VPN to access your email, Google Drive, or other cloud-based software, such as Workday.

Access Ivanti Secure on Smith Computers

Smith College’s VPN software, Ivanti Secure Access, is installed on all Smith-assigned computers. Look for it where you normally launch applications, such as the Start menu on Windows or the Applications folder on Apple devices.

If you encounter issues running the application or have questions, please submit a help request by emailing ithelp@smith.edu.

Installation and Configuration for Non-Smith Laptops

Follow these steps to install the Ivanti Secure Access client on your personal device. Note that only users with active Smith accounts will be able to access the client downloads.

Download the installer for your OS from the Smith Software site:
1. - MacOS Ivanti Secure Access Client Download
  - Windows Ivanti Secure Access Client Download
Once downloaded to your device, run the installer the way you normally would for your OS.
Complete the configuration. To do so, locate the Ivanti Secure icon in the system tray (bottom right-hand side of the desktop). For Windows 10, the icon is gray; for Windows 11 and Mac, the icon is red.
Select the icon, then select Open Ivanti Secure Access Client from the drop-down menu. Then select the + sign to add a connection to Smith’s VPN server.
1. - Select Policy Secure (UAC) or Connect Secure (VPN) from the Type drop-down menu.
  - Enter Smith In the Name field.
  - Enter vpn.smith.edu in the Server URL field.
  - Select Add and close the window.
  - The installation and configuration are complete.

Image showing Ivanti Add Connection screen fields filled in with Smith and vpn.smith.edu. The Add button is highlighted with an orange border.

Connect to VPN:

Select the Ivanti icon located on the taskbar, then select Connect.

The Smith login page will open in a browser window. Enter your username and password as you normally do, then authenticate via Duo.

Disconnect from VPN:

To disconnect Ivanti Secure from the Smith College network, select the Ivanti icon on the taskbar and select Disconnect.

Image of the Ivanti Connections screen showing Smith is Connected with a green check. Next to it, a Disconnect button is highlighted in orange.

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