Ports Blocked to Improve Security of Penn State Network
Due to the increasing level of hostile activity and security threats directed toward Penn State's computing resources, ITS now blocks (filters) selected TCP/UDP ports from the campus border to the Internet. Protective measures began July 28, 2003, and will continue as needed in order to help protect University resources.
This notice is important to those who use a non-Penn State network connection to access Windows and Windows-like file services at Penn State, including the PASS space via the PASS gateway, the UDrive, and shared folders on college, departmental, and private computers. Traffic using the blocked ports, typically for Windows file and printer sharing, will no longer be permitted to pass through the border router in either direction. These services must now be accessed in combination with Penn State Anywhere Virtual Private Network (VPN), a free service that enables your remote computer to appear to be part of the Penn State network. Added benefits of VPN include encryption of all data between your computer and Penn State, as well as easier access to services that are restricted to Penn State IP addresses. Installation packages for the Windows and Macintosh OS X clients have been customized with the setup needs for Penn State users. A valid Access Account is needed to download the VPN client software and use the service.
Unaffected services include on-campus Windows file and printer sharing, dial-up services, and most applications, such as Web servers, mail, remote desktop, FTP, and SSH.
A detailed explanation, technical details, and a list of blocked ports are also available.
