What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a software service that provides password-protected access to KFUPM's network and Internet services when you are connecting from off-campus.

Do I need a VPN?

You should use VPN when you are connecting to KFUPM resources that are protected from outside use such as E-Business or BI or a secure service that your department uses or if you want to remotely acccess your office PC. These services will only be accessible from outside of the KFUPM network using VPN.

Who can use the VPN?

Current faculty, staff and graduate students of the University are eligible to use the VPN. VPN access to undergraduate students is provided based on request initiated by student advisor.

What is the WebVPN?

WebVPN is a web based VPN service that enables to you access secure services like E-Business, BI, Filer and Portal directly from your web browser without installing the client.

What is the AnyConnect VPN Client?

AnyConnect is the name of the VPN tool used to launch the VPN. You need to install this tool if you want to connect to your office PC.

What are the supported OS versions?

Microsoft Windows

Can I use the VPN if I'm running Linux?

ITC does not support VPN client on the Linux OS. We do, however, provide installer packages (32-bit and 64-bit) for advanced users who support themselves. Users may also, use OpenConnect as an alternative. However, this client is unsupported and you are using it at your own risk.

I already have a VPN client on my PC; can I use the AnyConnect VPN client as well?

It is highly recommended to uninstall any previous versions of VPN client and restart your machine before installing the AnyConnect Client. VPN clients interact with an operating system's network components, and can conflict with one another if multiple brands are installed.

Will VPN work from within the KFUPM campus?

No, VPN will not work when connected to the KFUPM network, you need to be connected to an external network like STC, Mobily, etc.

Can I connect to machines other than my office PC?

No, you are only authorized to acccess your office PC through VPN. In order to access machines other than your office PC you need to first establish VPN connection to your office PC and then remote to other machines from there if access from your PC is permitted.

What username and password do I use?

When prompted to enter a username and password, you will need to enter your KFUPM internet username and password..

When I'm connected via VPN is everything encrypted?

The vpn client implements split-tunneling, which means that traffic destined for the campus will traverse the encrypted VPN connection while other network traffic will go directly to the internet without going through KFUPM's network.

Does VPN offer virus protection?

No, VPN provides security by encrypting and decrypting data that passes through a VPN connection; it does not offer protection from viruses.

Error: Unable to create the interprocess communication depot.

This error occurs in Windows when Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is enabled. To disable it:

Error: Could not connect to server. Please verify Internet connectivity and server address.

The computer's Internet connection does not work. Please make sure your computer has a working Internet connection and try to connect again.

Error: Connection attempt failed. Please try again.

In AnyConnect the wrong VPN-Gateway was specified. Please enter the VPN-gateway webvpn.kfupm.edu.sa and try to connect again.