Tag: GatorLink

Securely Connect to UF Files and Services from Anywhere

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The UF virtual private network (VPN) provides remote access to the university network by serving as a “tunnel” that connects your device as if you were physically on campus. By using the UF VPN, faculty, students, and staff can securely access multiple UF resources protected by the network’s firewall that otherwise would be inaccessible while off campus, including:  

The UF VPN isn’t required to access UF’s GatorCloud services or administrative sites, such as ONE.UF and myUFL, when off campus. However, the UF VPN gives users a secure online environment to complete their work. When studying abroad, working in a public space, or even submitting your assignments from home, using the UF VPN adds a layer of protection by encrypting your internet traffic and shields you from malicious actors..

No matter where you are in the world, you only need an internet connection to use UF’s VPN — whether that’s with your own wireless network, public Wi-Fi, or your phone’s cellular data. For step-by-step instructions and to confirm that your device’s operating system is compatible, visit: https://it.ufl.edu/ict/documentation/network-infrastructure/vpn/cisco-secure-vpn-installation–config-guide/. The UFIT Help Desk can assist you with VPN configuration 24/7! Call our friendly tech support team at 352-392-HELP or email helpdesk@ufl.edu.  

Here for You: The UFIT Help Desk

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The UF Computing Help Desk, also known as the UFIT Help Desk, will assist you with a variety of technical support needs. Consultants can also connect you with the appropriate UFIT group, or college or department IT staff if a technical problem requires more in-depth analysis to fix. There are multiple ways to get help whether you are in Gainesville, at an off-campus research facility, or a distance learning student:

Call: 352-392-HELP/4357
Email: helpdesk@ufl.edu
Visit: 132 Hub
Submit a Ticket: https://my.it.ufl.edu/

Several self-help resources are online as well, like instructions for updating your GatorLink password, campus connectivity tips, and GatorMail email troubleshooting. Some of the most popular reasons for contacting the UFIT Help Desk are:

• Technical Consulting: Connectivity assistance to the UF Network or UF’s VPN. Consultants will also help with UF email configuration and GatorLink authentication issues
• Software Sales: Faculty, students, and staff can save up to 80% on software titles, including Adobe, Grammarly, and SPSS
• Support for Administrative Computing: Get questions answered about using myUFL, ONE.UF, and other campus-wide systems
• Electronic Thesis & Dissertation Support: Graduate students can schedule appointments for formatting and submission help
• e-Learning Assistance: Help with UF’s online academic environment, including Canvas, Turnitin, Respondus, iClicker, and Qualtrics
• Account Services: The primary reason Gators contact the UFIT Help Desk! Consultants can fix GatorLink account lockout issues 24/7

Maximize Wi-Fi Experience On Campus

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Eduroam is the campus Wi-Fi network option for students, faculty, and staff with active GatorLink credentials.

Instead of connecting to ufguest — an unencrypted, basic option for visitors — members of the UF community should connect to eduroam for the fastest and most secure experience. Ufguest users have a slower internet speed, can’t use Gatorlink VPN, and are unable to connect to UF’s private IP network. Follow these steps to make eduroam your default Wi-Fi when in range:

1) Open your Wi-Fi settings and connect to the “ufgetonline” network
2) Open a new browser window and visit getonline.ufl.edu to register your device
3) Select your device type from the dropdown
4) Follow instructions until you’re able to connect
     a. Note that you must use your “gatorlink@ufl.edu” as the username
5) Once connected, open your network settings again and forget the “ufgetonline” network

When you change your GatorLink password, you will need to follow steps 1-5 again on each device you have previously connected to eduroam. Call the UFIT Help Desk (352-392-HELP/4357) or visit the Help Desk (132 Hub) during business hours for assistance connecting to eduroam.

Before Going Abroad: Tips for UF’s Research Community

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Traveling outside of the United States can put your research data–along with your identity and reputation–at risk. Whether you’re conducting a study, lecturing, or simply vacationing abroad, UF’s Information Security Office (ISO) wants you to understand the dangers of data targeting and identity theft.

Some tips to consider:
• If possible, bring a temporary laptop that has only the files you’ll use/need while abroad
• Verify your mobile device’s encryption
• Be sure your laptop’s antivirus software is up-to-date before you travel
• Disable automatic connections to open WiFi networks
• Use UF’s VPN to connect to any service where Gatorlink authentication is required

Also, to protect your data and personal information, only get online via secure WiFi networks. Recent issues to be aware of include China’s blocking of UF’s VPN. More tips are available on the ISO’s traveling abroad page.

Faculty should contact the Office of Research to ensure they are not traveling with hardware or software subject to export controls. Anyone who needs help configuring VPN or changing their laptop settings are welcome to contact the UFIT Help Desk for assistance.