Body
This guide provides secure remote access options for RCTC faculty, staff, and students.
Note: Employees should avoid downloading restricted data (College work) to personal devices.
Faculty & Staff
| Use Case |
How to connect securely |
|
Access ISRS, MinnState, or other campus-only apps
|
Go to https://view.rctc.edu. This is a virtual Windows campus computer.
|
|
Collaborate in Microsoft 365 applications
|
Browse to Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, or OneDrive directly.
|
|
Use specialized lab software (e.g., CAD, GIS)
|
Please visit Accessing Virtual Computer Labs for instructions.
|
| Using Minnesota State Systems and Applications on International Travel (see details below) |
- Ensure that the country you are visiting is NOT blocked by Minnesota State or the U.S.A.
- Internet Service Providers (ISP) services abroad can be less secure than in the U.S.
- DO NOT use public Wi-Fi.
- DO NOT store data to your local computer.
- Only use a device for necessary activities.
- Make sure you are accessing a URL that is secure i.e., https://
- Use a trusted VPN provider (see details below).
- Use a work-related device to access work-related applications so that in case of loss/theft, it can be remotely wiped out.
|
Students
| Use Case |
How to connect securely |
| Check Brightspace, email, and Teams |
Sign in with StarID and MFA; no VPN needed |
| Run licensed lab software (AutoCAD, ArcGIS, Adobe, etc.) |
Please visit Accessing Virtual Computer Labs for instructions |
| Work with class folders on network drives |
Please visit Accessing Virtual Computer Labs for instructions |
| Join online classes, tutoring, or student meetings |
Use Teams or Zoom with your RCTC account; no VPN needed |
| Review tuition, financial aid, or eServices records |
Log in through the MinnState eServices Portal; no VPN needed |
Unsecured Networks e.g., "Guest Wifi"
If you don't trust the network, don't use it!
- Use your smartphone as a WiFi Hotspot.
- Check out a MiFi from the TSC.
- Use a secure personal VPN (see details below).
Quick Tips
- Keep your device updated and running an antivirus before you connect.
- Approve only the sign-in prompts you start; report unexpected prompts to the Technology Support Center.
- Lock or sign out of https://view.rctc.edu or Remote Desktop when you step away.
Optional Personal VPNs
Want another layer of protection on public Wi-Fi? These two IT-vetted consumer VPNs are good choices for personal subscriptions. IT assessed alignment with MinnState policies, security offered beyond simple network tunneling, and cost effectiveness:
- Proton VPN (Plus) – SOC 2 Type II, open-source apps, NetShield ad/malware/tracker blocking; ~$9.99/month or ~$4.49/month on 2-year plans
- NordVPN (Plus Plan) – Deloitte-audited no-logs policy, Threat Protection Pro for malware and phishing, Dark Web Monitor; ~$13.99/month or ~$3.99/month on 2-year offers
Note: RCTC IT does not support these VPNs. For any support, please get in touch with the vendor directly.
- VPNs are optional and do not replace https://view.rctc.edu, antivirus software, or safe data handling practices.
- Avoid free VPNs because they often log or sell your traffic, and could be run out of the US, like in China.
- If you do use a VPN, connect to the United States servers when handling RCTC work.
International Remote Access
MinnState, including all member institutions, adheres to federal law by restricting access to college resources (including D2L BrightSpace) from U.S. government embargoed and sanctioned countries. This is required by U.S. federal regulations, not only institutional policy. Refer to the U.S. Treasury OFAC Sanctions Programs and Country Information page for the current list of restricted locations: https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information.
Below is the current list of sanctioned countries as of the time this article was written. Please make sure to check the OFAC information above for the country you may be visiting.
| Country/Region |
IT Service Access |
Notes |
| Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria |
Not Allowed |
U.S. embargoed, blocked by policy |
| Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk (Ukraine) |
Not Allowed |
U.S. embargoed regions |
| Russia, Belarus |
Potential Restrictions |
Targeted sanctions; check with IT |
| All other countries |
Allowed |
May require VPN if blocked locally |
- Public Wi-Fi Risks: Public Wi-Fi is widely available in urban centers but is not secure. Hotspots are often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to intercept sensitive data.
- ISP Security Varies by Country: Unlike U.S. ISPs that often invest heavily in security, some foreign ISPs may lack robust measures like network monitoring, encryption, and incident response.
- Other: Some governments might censor, monitor or do surveillance on online traffic.
Need Help?
Go to the Technology Support Center (TSC) portal: https://services.rctc.edu/
Policy Reference
Employees, your remote work must comply with:
Glossary
- ISP (Internet Service Provider) - a company that provides access to the Internet
- MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) - second security step after password (text code, app approval, etc.).
- MiFi - portable WiFi hotspot device.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network) - encrypts your Internet connection.