Secure Connect Campus VPN Enforcement

Dear Campus Community,

To better protect our university’s systems, research, and sensitive data, UC San Diego will begin enforcing Secure Connect cybersecurity requirements for access to the campus’ Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Who Does This Affect?
Faculty, Staff, Affiliates, and Guests who use the UC San Diego campus VPN.

What Is Changing?
Beginning Monday, April 13, 2026, most faculty, staff, affiliates, and guests will be required to use the new secure‑connect VPN tunnel groups to connect to the campus VPN. These two new secure-connect VPN tunnels require a connecting computer to meet defined cybersecurity requirements that are listed on the Secure Connect: Required Software page.

We are closely coordinating this change with departmental IT leadership. Departments may handle enforcement by users in phases to minimize disruption.

What You Should Do NOW

Start using a secure‑connect tunnel while the 2‑Step Secured groups are still available as a fallback. You will not be able to connect to them after April 13, 2026.
Ensure your computer’s compliance –
- If your computer is managed by your department, your computer is most likely already compliant.
- The easiest way to check is to run the Cisco Secure Client application, select a secure‑connect tunnel group, either “secure-connect-split” or “secure-connect-allthru,” from the dropdown menu, and enter your password. You can then follow prompts to install the required security software, if it is needed.
- Information is available on the Secure Connect: Exception Process page for those with computers/devices that cannot comply with the security requirements.
Contact your local IT support team or the ITS Service Desk if you have any questions or require assistance.

You’re encouraged to avoid waiting until the enforcement date to ensure your computer is compliant because a higher demand for support may result in delays or temporary loss of VPN access until you can receive support.

Why This Matters
VPN access provides a direct connection to critical university systems, including administrative platforms, research environments, and confidential data. Strengthening VPN security helps us:

Protect sensitive student, faculty, and research information
Reduce the risk of ransomware and credential-based attacks
Maintain compliance with regulatory and grant-related security requirements
Preserve system availability for teaching, learning, and research

Thank you for your partnership in helping protect our UC San Diego community, systems and research environments.

Adrienne Esposito
Executive Director, Network and Voice Services

University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093