Virtual Private Networking (VPN)

A virtual private network (VPN), otherwise known as a client tunnel, is an encrypted path through the Internet between two endpoints. The endpoints of the tunnel are a host running a VPN service and a client running an appropriate client software package for that service. The resulting link provides a secure communications channel for computer traffic between the two endpoints. For more information about Virtual Private Networking, please see our VPN Introduction.

Virtual Private Networking is now supported at NCI-Frederick. If you would like to take advantage of these capabilities, you will need a user account and IPSec Client software.When connected to the VPN, treat the system that is making the connection as US Government property and as if it were physically located on the NCI-Frederick campus. Therefore, access to sites normally restricted by NCI-Frederick are also restricted while connected to the VPN. Likewise, your system will be subject to monitoring of traffic. This means that adult-content, gambling, and other non-work related site access should be avoided as accessing such sites are considered a violation of the use of Government equipment laws.

In addition to the client software, you must also posses a remote access user account and password. The remote access user account is used for both dial-up access as well as VPN access (the accounts are one and the same). To obtain a user account please complete and submit the NCI-Frederick Remote Access Services Application. Upon approval of your application, you will be sent your user account, password, and the documentation for both dial-up and VPN access. Please complete the application online and print the completed application from this web site. Hand-written applications are difficult to read and slow the processing of response significantly. If you already have a dial-up account, you may download the VPN client software and profiles for your operating system from the VPN Clients web site. Please note that this web site is not accessible from outside of the NCI-Frederick campus. You may use your dial-up account to access the campus and then download the appropriate software, or you may download the software from a computer on campus and take it to your remote computer.

RESTRICTIONS ON CRYTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS EXPORT WARNING:
The Cisco VPN client software may not be exported (or transported on a computer) to any of the following countries or territories (see list below). You are NOT permitted to travel using a laptop, desktop, or any other computer on which you have installed the VPN client to any of the countries or territories on the list below.This includes, but is not limited to, e-mailing, transmitting, or otherwise transporting a copy of either the VPN client program and/or the VPN client profiles contained in the authorization e-mail sent upon approval of your VPN account to said countries and territories: