Connect to Duke's network securely on Apple mobile devices
Traveling this summer? A new feature of Duke's virtual private network (VPN) service allows you to make secure connections back into Duke's network on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices running iOS 4.1 or later.
To add VPN capability to your device, follow the instructions in the knowledgebase article How to access the Duke University web based VPN at portal.duke.edu.
Remember, though, that mobile devices are a popular target for hackers and thieves. The Duke IT Security Office recommends that you:
- Set your device up to require a password or passcode, and consider setting it to wipe the device's contents after 10 incorrect log-in attempts.
- Set your device to time out (and require a password) when idle.
- Register with Apple to enable remote wiping of your personal device when lost or stolen, and ask the OIT Service Desk how to set up for remote wiping a Duke-provided device (if you're using Exchange for your Duke mail).
- Limit the amount of information stored on the phone.
- Be aware that iOS devices save a lot of information on the phone (e.g. key strokes, location information, "deleted" files, etc).
- Never respond to strange text messages or messages from people you don't know.
- Never click on suspicious links in text messages or emails.
- Always use the VPN when connecting to unencrypted public WiFi networks.
- Make sure you update the OS and applications when updates are available.
- Never leave the device unattended.
For additional information about Duke's VPN, visit the VPN page on the OIT site.