Public and free Wi-Fi networks have become very popular, and yet they are typically very unsecure. eduVPN is a solution to the times a user finds themselves using these unsecure networks, especially when the user has to send or receive confidential or sensitive information.
On 27th April 2018, eduVPN was launched as a service in RENU. eduVPN enables users to connect securely to the internet, despite being connected to an unsecure network. eduVPN sets up an encrypted path, or rather a Virtual Private Network (VPN), between one's user device (smartphone or laptop) and the user's home organisation's network. One's home network is typically not always very secure either, but it should at least be more trusted than a free open Wi-Fi network. This encrypted path allows the user connect securely to the internet, without worrying about eavesdroppers, interceptors, and the related attacks.
Below are the summarised reasons why one needs eduVPN;
- Secure internet access over unsecure networks. eduVPN encrypts your path.
- eduVPN hides your actual IP address from the internet.
- One can access their home organisation's network services remotely, when their eduVPN server is in their home organisation's network.
Important to note is that when using eduroam, a user does not need to use eduVPN to enjoy secure internet access. This is because eduroam is
an already reliable and secure way to access Wi-Fi connectivity.
eduVPN is free, was designed, and is maintained by SURFnet, the National Research and Education Network (NREN) for the Netherlands.
For more information please visit eduVPN
