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Protect Your Privacy Using a VPN at Northwestern and Beyond

Posted Date: May 15, 2025

Whether you're studying abroad, completing a program at another university, or will be off campus this summer, using a virtual private network (VPN) keeps your online activity secure.  

For many, VPNs first entered the mainstream as a tool to sidestep local streaming restrictions and access international content. However, there are more than enough reasons to use one in your everyday life beyond streaming—top among them, Northwestern provides a trusted VPN to use for University-related activities.  

What is a VPN?

A VPN is a tool to protect your sensitive data from bad actors. VPNs secure your internet activity by encrypting the data your devices send and receive, then routing it through a remote, private server. This encryption protects you from eavesdropping and monitoring that can happen on public Wi-Fi networks.  This process also conceals your public IP address, which can be used by websites to determine your physical location.

When Should You Use a VPN?

When working on campus, you generally do not need to connect to the GlobalProtect VPN because the Northwestern eduroam network provides encryption and is trusted by many applications and services. The GlobalProtect VPN can be used when conducting University-related business on a different network when an additional layer of security is needed.

GlobalProtect VPN at Northwestern

To secure public Wi-Fi connections and enhance hybrid work, Northwestern IT provides students, faculty, and staff with the GlobalProtect VPN to use for University-related activity.

Recently, GlobalProtect underwent regular maintenance, so it will require all users to download and install the new version the next time they initiate a VPN connection. Should you have any questions or need assistance with the upgrade, please contact the Northwestern IT Service Desk at consultant@northwestern.edu or call 847-491-4357 (1-HELP).

Ready to protect your data? Download the updated Global Protect VPN today and browse with confidence—on or off campus.