VPNVirtual Private Network — secure, remote access to the campus network
VPN (Virtual Private Network) is software you run on your computer, mobile device, or in a standard Web browser to connect securely to the campus network from anywhere. It gives your device a Rockefeller IP address, so you can access subscription resources — such as journals and databases — from off campus.
When using non-Rockefeller networks, including public WiFi, VPN extends the university’s full network security safeguards and encrypts your traffic to protect your privacy.
Two things are required
Use of VPN requires the Duo security app or hardware token for multi-factor authentication, and SentinelOne EDR installed.
Choose how you want to connect
There are three ways to connect to Rockefeller VPN, plus a browser-based option for reaching your own office computer. Pick the one that matches what you need to do.
Desktop or laptop computer
Full VPN on your Mac, PC or Linux machine. The complete campus network.
Download the client →Mobile device
Full VPN on iPhone, iPad or Android from the App Store or Google Play.
Get the mobile app →Web browser
Portal access to internal Rockefeller websites only — no software to install.
Open the web portal →Remote access to your computer
Connect remotely to your Mac, PC or Linux device via the VPN web portal.
See HTML5 access →Who can use VPN and Duo
Available by default for
- Employees (faculty, staff, students)
- Guest investigators
- Sponsored accounts (human)
Available by request for
- Temporary workers
- Vendors (via a separate vendor VPN)
Submit requests to your head of lab/department or administrator.
Download the VPN desktop / laptop client
Run full VPN on your Mac or PC computer to connect to the campus network.
Windows 
How to determine your processor type
- Open Settings
- Click on the System icon
- Click About on the left side menu at the very bottom
- Under Device Specifications on the right side, check the System type. This will indicate either a x86-based processor (32-bit), x64-based processor (64-bit), or an ARM-based processor.
Download the VPN mobile client
Run full VPN on your mobile device.
Access VPN via the web portal
Portal access — to internal Rockefeller web sites only, such as the campus online directory.
Log in to the VPN Web site (vpn.rockefeller.edu) with your RUNet username and passphrase and then validate using Duo Security.
Good to know
- By logging into the Web VPN website, it will not provide full VPN access. Users will not be able to access internal campus resources unless users connect using the VPN client.
- If the only access needed is to internal websites or remotely connect to a Windows computer, users can utilize the Web Bookmarks or Terminal Services within the VPN Web portal.
- Users who need a full VPN connection will need to use the full VPN desktop or mobile client.
Browser-based (HTML5) remote access to your devices
Connect remotely to your Mac, PC, or Linux computer through your browser, via the VPN web portal. Create RDP, SSH, and VNC connection bookmarks.
Duo Security two-factor authentication
Every VPN connection is verified with Duo. Set up or manage your enrolled devices below.
- How to use Duo on different devices and on landline phonesGuide
- Add and activate Duo on new devicesVia the RUNet Portal
- Duo Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
VPN FAQ and known issues
I installed the VPN client but it’s not working.
You must be running the latest version of Ivanti and it should be configured with the proper settings after you install it. Please view the configuration instructions. If you continue to have difficulty, contact the Help Desk.
After I connect to VPN using Ivanti Secure software, I am redirected to the VPN Web client?
Users who use an older version of the Ivanti Secure software will need to download and install the current version of the Ivanti Secure software.
When I launch the client, I see two connection profiles. Which do I use?
You can use either profile to connect to Rockefeller VPN. Two profiles may appear if you installed the client on your computer and also clicked the “start” button after logging in to the Web portal. The start button downloads the client and adds a connection profile when you install it. To remove one of the profiles, select it and then click the “X” button to delete it.
I can’t install the VPN client on my computer. What should I do?
Installation problems can occur for a number of reasons. Please contact the Help Desk for help troubleshooting the issue.
Still stuck?
Contact the IT Help Desk and we will walk you through installation, configuration or Duo enrollment.