Commonwealth Tools and VPN access

While VPN is required to access certain Commonwealth applications or services, many can still be accessed through a traditional internet connection.

What is VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) enables remote users to communicate securely and confidentially over a public network (i.e. internet) to protected resources within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its Wide-Area-Network (MAGNET).  Remote Access VPN establishes an encrypted tunnel for all data to be securely transmitted so that remote users can communicate confidentially over a public network—i.e., the Internet. 

What Commonwealth tools can be accessed without a VPN connection?

• Email including Outlook Online (OWA) and Office 365 Cloud Mail

• Microsoft Office 365 (O365) tools, including OneDrive, Sharepoint, Word, Excel, and Teams

• Other Commonwealth applications for common functions

  • HR/CMS
  • Mass.gov
  • COMMBUYS
  • EPRS
  • AWS

Log in to Office 365 (O365)  Office 365 Cloud Mail login instructions  Outlook Online (OWA) login instructions 

Why do I need a VPN connection?

A VPN connection is required in order to access certain Commonwealth applications and services while you are not connected to the Commonwealth network.  Users may require a VPN connection in order to access the MMARS application, network or group shares, or other Commonwealth applications or services that are not publicly accessible.  IT application support staff, developers, and/or other IT personnel/administrators may require a VPN connection to access services that reside in the Commonwealth datacenter.

Help - I'm locked out of my account!

Locked out of your VPN account?  Use our self-service password reset feature to reset your password on your own from an internet-enabled web browser!

Additional Resources

How to Reset Your Password