Beyond simple access, the VPN provides a crucial layer of defense against cyber threats. Public Wi-Fi networks, often used by students in cafes or transit hubs, are notoriously vulnerable to "man-in-the-middle" attacks where sensitive credentials can be intercepted. By utilizing the VPN (often integrated with Multi-Factor Authentication like Duo), Concordia ensures that even if a student is on an unsecure network, their connection to the university’s infrastructure remains encrypted and shielded from external surveillance.
| Need | Better Option than Full VPN | |------|-----------------------------| | Check email | Outlook Web Access (OWA) — no VPN required. | | Moodle/Course content | Accessible from any network. | | Light library access | Proxy bookmarklet or LibKey Nomad (often works without full VPN). | | SSH to a specific server | SSH jump host / bastion (if provided). | concordia vpn
