VPN

VPN is a service that allows a remote user to create a secure tunnel into the ICTS network over a non-ICTS Internet service provider. Once authenticated the user is then able to gain access to ICTS-restricted resources.

For remote access to internal services hosted at the ICTS, we utilize the OpenVPN software. This software allows authenticated users to create an encrypted tunnel or Virtual Private Network (VPN) between their remote device and our campus. This has a dual purpose of protecting your traffic from malicious networks and gaining you secure access to campus resources. This access includes services like clusters, workstations, and access to journals.

This page links to installation guides for various devices and operating systems.

How to setup VPN

For Ubuntu 24.04

  1. Open Settings on Ubuntu.
  2. In the left sidebar, click Network.
  3. Under the VPN section, click the + (Add) button.
  4. Select Import from File....
  5. Browse to and select the .ovpn file provided by the Center, then click Open.
  6. Enter the VPN credentials shared by center
    • Note: Some versions of Network Manager may prompt for a Private Key Password / Use key Password. If prompted, enter the same password as your VPN account password.
  7. Click Advanced... and ensure that Use a TCP Connection is enabled (Protocol: TCP) and Set virtual Device Type : TUN
  8. Click Save to save the VPN configuration.
  9. Click the Network icon in the system tray, navigate to VPN, and select the configured VPN connection to connect.
If the connection is successful, the VPN status will appear as connected in the Network menu.

For Older Ubuntu Versions

1. Install Required Packages

Open a terminal and run:

sudo apt-get install openvpn network-manager-openvpn network-manager-openvpn-gnome

2. Restart Network Services

After installation, restart the networking service:

sudo systemctl restart networking

Alternatively:

sudo /etc/init.d/networking restart

3.VPN Configuration

  1. Click the Network icon and select Edit Connections (or Network Settings, depending on your Ubuntu version). Click Add
  2. From the connection type drop-down list, select Import a Saved VPN Configuration.
  3. Import the pfSense-TCP****.ovpn profile provided by the Center and it should automatically import some things into the next screen.
  4. Click Advanced... and ensure that Use a TCP Connection is enabled (Protocol: TCP).
  5. Provide the username and password for VPN (User ID: ****** and password ******) Provide Private Key Password ( Repeat your VPN Password ******* ) .Save
  6. Click the Network icon in the system tray, navigate to VPN, and select the configured VPN connection to connect.
If the connection is successful, the VPN status will appear as connected in the Network menu. Page Updated On Jun 2026

For MAC

  1.  Go to the OpenVPN website (https://openvpn.net/client/) and download the stable version OpenVPN Connect for Mac.
  2. Install OpenVPN Connect Application
  3. Open OpenVPN from Applications.
  4. Add the your  ****.ovpn profile shared by the center.

  5. Enter the username and password of the VPN and click connect.

  6. Use the toggle button to switch on or off the VPN.

For Windows

      • Download OpenVPN Connect from the Website “https://openvpn.net”.
      • Install and Open the application. (it might pop an error)
      • Now click on the Network Icon on the Right bottom of your screen.
      • Right click on the Network icon and Import file.
      • Now select your VPN file provided by your administrator. And click Connect after Import file.
      • Now Enter your Username & Password of your VPN connection. And click on Connect.
    1. Open Google Play Store. And install OpenVPN Connect.
    2. Open the App and click on OVPN Profile.
    1. Browse to your VPN configuration file provided by your Admininstrator. And click Import
    1. Type your Username & Password of your VPN connection. And click Add.
    2. Now Swipe the button to Connect.
  • Open App store and install OpenVPN Connect.
  • Open your Mail and click on the VPN file provided by your Administrator. And click “Open in OpenVPN”
  • Click on + to add the configuration.
  • Enter your Username and Password for your VPN connection. Click on Connect.