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Remote Access to SIPA Network
Remote access is available to senior SIPA staff from their home system on Windows based systems at this time. To access SIPA network resources you must use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
VPN is a program that encrypts data before it is sent across a network. While the wired campus network has built-in security measures to protect patient data, VPN must be used in the following two instances to provide security for data traveling across the non-wired network.
IMPORTANT: Remote Desktop is not supported at all by SIPA IT. It is a very insecure method of connecting back to the Columbia network. VPN is currently the only supported method of accessing assets on the SIPAIT network from a remote location.
SIPAIT/CUIT Policies
All users on the SIPA network are subject to the SIPAIT Computing policies in addition to the CUIT policies. Users should familiarize themselves with SIPA Computing Policies and Procedures. Please remember not to save any sensitive or confidential data to your personal system as per university rules and regulations. If a program requires harrd drive encryption, the policies apply to home/personal systems. Each user is responsible for compliance of these rules.
Download and Installation of CUIT CISCO VPN
(Current faculty and staff of Columbia University are eligible to download.)
Download the installer (required UNI login):
For 32-bit Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7
Version 5.0.02.0090 (10.2 MB)For 64-bit Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7
Version 5.0.07.0240 Beta (4.8 MB)
Accessing the SIPA Network drive
Click here to continue. You must have contacted sipait@columbia.edu to arrange for access.
Getting Help
Step 1: Troubleshoot using CUIT instructions
If you have trouble establishing a VPN connection, take a look at these solutions to common problems. Your problem may be something you can solve yourself.
Step 2: Contact SIPAIT
If you are unable to solve the problem yourself, do one of the following:
- To request support, email sipait@columbia.edu
- Open a ticket with SIPA HelpDesk at (212) 854-0112.