VPN: Frequently Asked Questions

VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network." VPN software protects your online identity by masking your computer’s IP address, encrypting your data, and routing that information through a secure network—even while using a shared or public WiFi connection. This is an additional layer of protection to help keep you and Villanova's networks secure, particularly when you are working remotely.

Technology Services provides support for GlobalProtect only on currently managed and supported operating systems in our environment. PaloAlto Global Protect client software is available for the following operating systems. To comply with our policies, if an operating system is no longer supported by the vendor such as Microsoft or Apple, and/or security updates and enhancements are not made available from the vendor, Technology Services will also no longer support the GlobalProtect VPN solution on this operating system.  

There is no need to do anything. This message indicates your computer is meeting the University's requirements for access.

When the available version of the GlobalProtect VPN client has been upgraded, you will see the prompt above. You should click "Yes" in the download prompt to start the download.  When the download finishes, a second prompt will ask you if you want to "Install now?".  You should click "Yes" to start the installation process. You may be asked to restart your computer. Before clicking "yes" to restart, be sure to save any open files. During the installation, the VPN connection will be terminated and re-established. 

Yes. VPN sessions have a maximum length of 12 hours, with a maximum idle time of 2 hours before the VPN disconnects.

No. To comply with regulations and sanctions enforced by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, services such as GlobalProtect, Microsoft Office 365, Zoom and Duo block authentication requests from an IP address that originates in a country or region subject to economic and trade sanctions. These regions are updated from time to time but presently include: 

• Cuba
• North Korea
• Iran
• Sudan
• Syria
• Crimea Region
• Donetsk Region
• Luhansk Region
• Sevastopol Region

Presently, GlobalProtect on Linux is not officially supported and troubleshooting is limited. However, if you need access to the installers, please contact Technology Services for support or call (USA area code +1) 610-519-7777 and we will provide you with the instructions and the corresponding installer.

Follow the instructions below:

Uninstall GlobalProtect from Windows

Uninstall GlobalProtect from macOS

If you see an error message for "Connection Failed", the network connection is unreachable or the portal is unresponsive. Check and re-establish your network connection, then reconnect to the VPN with GlobalProtect.

Access to Villanova University’s systems is not permitted when using an unauthorized VPN service. For more information, please refer to the Anonymized Network Access FAQ.

If you experience this issue, please let us know using the Report VPN Connectivity and Support Form so we can review and correct the issue.

Villanova University is continually improving our security posture and only supports connectivity from Villanova owned and managed computers using these remote access applications. If you do not have a Villanova owned computer, Citrix vDesktop can be used as an alternative. Review the Remote Access Policy for more details.

Review Palo Alto's knowledge base article, How to Collect Logs from GlobalProtect Clients.

The University's main VPN portal can only be used by active, registered students and employees. Third-party vendors, alumni, and contractors who need remote access to Villanova's networks should pursue access to the Vendor VPN portal (vendorvpn.villanvoa.edu). 

Third-party vendors, alumni, and contractors who need remote access to Villanova's network.

A Villanova employee must sponsor all requests for access to the Vendor VPN portal. The first step is for the sponsor to submit a request for a guest account to HR through the Guest Accounts (Courtesy Card) form. Once you've been approved for an account, you must also provide a signed Data Addendum and Certificate of Insurance (if a vendor or contractor). 

To view requirements, please visit the Vendors with Access to Villanova Data webpage and select the "Off Campus" option under the "Insurance Requirements" section.

Specific access will be provisioned based on the applications, ports, and/or protocols provided to Villanova by your sponsor through the Guest Accounts (Courtesy Card) form.

If you are using a non-Villanova issued device which uses a username tied to another organization, GlobalProtect VPN may automatically try to use your non-Villanova account to sign-in. You may need to add an additional profile in your Edge browser. Follow the steps in the VPN: Creating an Edge Broswers Profile knowledge-based article to add your Villanova account as new profile.

To submit a support request for issues associated with connecting to or using the vendor VPN portal ('vendorvpn.villanova.edu'), please fill out the Report VPN Connectivity and Support Issue ticket.

You must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy, and the Network Policy when connected to the VPN service. 

Data is logged for the purpose of protecting the user when on the network. This includes automatically blocking threats such as malicious links by our VPN appliance.

The VPN service is configured to support current standards defined by Technology Services and requirements of the Remote Access Policy and Network Policy.

Security posture checks help administrators ensure devices connected to the network are healthy and configured optimally so we can spend more time ensuring you have the access needed to reach University resources consistently.