Virtual Private Network (VPN) Usage

Calvin University will facilitate access to its network(s) and/or Information Technology infrastructure as deemed necessary for the completion of Faculty or Staff’s primary job function. This remote access may originate from inadvertently or knowingly hostile environments, and/or networks that are unintendedly insecure or less-secure than Calvin University's standard. The control and operation of these untrusted networks are outside the scope of Calvin University's responsibility, but appropriate action will be taken to secure organizational assets and data, while mitigating risk to the institution.

I. Purpose

The purpose of this guideline document is to define requirements and responsibilities when connecting to Calvin University's networks and/or IT infrastructure from untrusted computer information systems and networks. These guidelines and requirements are designed to minimize the potential exposure to Calvin University from damages which may result from unauthorized use of Calvin University resources. Damages include, but are not limited to, the loss of sensitive or company confidential data, intellectual property, damage to public image, damage to critical Calvin University internal systems, and fines or other financial liabilities incurred as a result of those losses.

II. Scope

These guidelines are applicable to all Calvin University staff, faculty, contractors, vendors and agents with a Calvin University-owned or personally-owned computer or workstation that will be used to connect to Calvin University networks. These guidelines apply to any remote connections used to do work on behalf of Calvin University, including but not limited to, accessing file shares, connecting to web/application servers, or any other access to internal technology resources.  These guidelines cover any and all technical implementations of remote access used to connect to Calvin University networks.

III. Guidelines

It is the responsibility of Calvin University employees, contractors, vendors and agents with remote access privileges to Calvin University's corporate network to ensure that their remote access connection is given the same consideration as the user's on-site connection to Calvin University.

General access to the Internet for recreational use through the Calvin University network is strictly limited to Calvin University employees, contractors, vendors and agents (hereafter referred to as “Authorized Users”).  When accessing the Calvin University network from a personal computer, Authorized Users are responsible for preventing access to any Calvin University computer resources or data by non-Authorized Users.  Performance of illegal activities through the Calvin University network by any user (Authorized or otherwise) is prohibited.  The Authorized User bears responsibility for and consequences of misuse of the Authorized User’s access.  For further information and definitions, see the Acceptable Use Policy and Information Security Policy.

A. Requirements

1. Remote Access connectivity must be established according to Calvin University guidelines. Accepted methods include use of the GlobalProtect VPN agent, or in limited (and subject to approval) situations, manual IPSec connections. For further information, see the Policy on Responsible Use of Technology.
2. While using a Calvin University-owned computer to remotely connect to Calvin University's corporate network, Authorized Users shall ensure the remote host is not connected to any other network at the same time, with the exception of personal networks that are under their complete control or under the complete control of an Authorized User or Third Party.
3. Use of non-Calvin owned and/or managed resources to conduct Calvin University business may be subject to additional security checks.
4. All hosts that are connected to Calvin University internal networks via remote access technologies must use the most up-to-date anti-virus software and patched with the latest operating system and software patches, this includes personal computers.

B. Guideline Compliance

• Compliance Measurement - Calvin CIT will verify adherence to these guidelines (as applicable within the Calvin Information Security Policy) through various methods, including but not limited to, periodic walk-thrus, firewall reports, internal and external audits, and inspection via various security tools. CIT will provide feedback to the appropriate employee supervisor.
• Exceptions - Any exception to the Calvin Information Security Policy must be approved by Calvin’s Information Security Officer in advance and must be documented accordingly.
• Non-Compliance - An employee found to have violated the Calvin Information Security Policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

IV. Related Standards, Policies, and Processes

Please review the following policies for details of protecting information when accessing the corporate network via remote access methods, and acceptable use of Calvin University's network:

• Acceptable Use Policy
• Information Security Policy