Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Why Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the network. It helps protect sensitive data, ensures privacy, and secures your connection when on public wifi. When using Trinity’s VPN it allows authorized users to access restricted campus resources from off-campus locations.
Trinity’s VPN is intended for accessing campus-specific systems and data that require a secure connection, not for general internet browsing. When browsing the web off-campus, we recommend using a commercial VPN service (such as ExpressVPN or Proton VPN) to protect your personal data and maintain online privacy.
When to Use the Trinity College VPN
You should connect to the Trinity College VPN only when you need to access:
- Internal campus systems or databases restricted to the Trinity network
- Departmental or administrative file servers that require secure access
You do not need to use the Trinity VPN for:
- Accessing email (e.g., Outlook, Gmail, etc.)
- Using common web applications (e.g., Moodle, Teams, Zoom, or cloud-based tools)
- General internet browsing, for which we recommend a commercial VPN
Connecting to the Trinity College VPN
Trinity provides a secure VPN service for authorized community members. This VPN uses tunneling, encryption, authentication, and access control technologies to protect your data and verify your identity as a Trinity network user.
Recommended Commercial VPNs
When you are not accessing Trinity systems but still want privacy and security online, consider using one of the following reputable services:
- ExpressVPN — fast, reliable, and user-friendly for multiple devices.
- Proton VPN — privacy-focused and offers a free plan with no data limits.
These VPNs are not managed by Trinity College but are recommended for general use, especially on public Wi-Fi or while traveling.
