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.

Table of Contents

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

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

Contact   for Commonwealth Tools and VPN access

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