Beginner’s Guide: Using Pulse Secure VPN on iPad Safely

Step 1: Download Pulse Secure

Go to the Pulse Secure website and download the VPN client for your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux).

Step 2: Install Pulse Secure

Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install Pulse Secure on your device.

Step 3: Launch Pulse Secure

After installation, launch the Pulse Secure application. You will see a login screen.

Step 4: Enter Connection Details

Enter the VPN server address provided by your IT department or VPN service provider. You may also need to enter your username and password.

Step 5: Connect to VPN

Click on the 'Connect' button to establish a VPN connection. Once connected, you will see a confirmation message.

Step 6: Access Resources

Now that you are connected to the VPN, you can access company resources securely as if you were in the office.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that allows you to securely connect to the internet through an encrypted tunnel. This provides privacy and security by hiding your IP address and encrypting your online activities.

How to connect to a VPN server:

• Choose a reliable VPN service provider like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
• Download and install the VPN app on your device.
• Open the VPN app and log in to your account.
• Choose a server location you want to connect to (e.g., United States, United Kingdom).
• Click on the connect button to establish a secure connection to the VPN server.

Why use a VPN?

Using a VPN can help protect your online privacy and data security, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi networks. It can also bypass geo-restrictions to access content from different regions.

Welcome to the Pulse Secure interface! Let's explore some key features:

Connecting to a VPN

To connect to a VPN, click on the "Connect" button, enter your credentials, and select the desired VPN server (e.g., "Company VPN" or "Home Network").

Accessing Resources

Once connected, you can access company resources by navigating to the "Resources" tab and clicking on the desired application or file share (e.g., "Intranet" or "Shared Drive").

Settings and Preferences

Customize your experience by visiting the "Settings" section where you can adjust preferences such as language, notifications, and auto-connect options.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues, refer to the "Help" section for troubleshooting guides or contact your IT support team for assistance.

If you're looking to choose the right VPN protocol, it's important to understand the different options available and how they work.

OpenVPN: This is one of the most popular VPN protocols due to its open-source nature and high level of security. It's compatible with a wide range of devices and offers strong encryption.

• Example: You can set up OpenVPN on your computer to securely access your work network from home.

IPsec (Internet Protocol Security): IPsec is commonly used in enterprise VPN setups. It provides strong security through encryption and authentication protocols.

• Example: A company uses IPsec to create a secure connection between its headquarters and branch offices.

L2TP/IPsec (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol with IPsec): This protocol combines the best of both L2TP and IPsec to provide a secure connection.

• Example: You can use L2TP/IPsec on your mobile device to securely connect to a VPN while on public Wi-Fi.

To customize your VPN settings, follow these steps:

1. Open the VPN app: For example, if you're using ExpressVPN, open the app on your device.
2. Access settings: Look for the settings option within the app interface. This is usually represented by a gear icon.
3. Customize your preferences: You can adjust settings such as protocol (e.g., OpenVPN, IKEv2), server location, and auto-connect options.
4. Save your changes: Be sure to save your customized settings before exiting the app.

What is Split Tunneling?

Split tunneling is a VPN technology that allows you to divide your internet traffic between the encrypted VPN tunnel and your local network. This means you can choose which data goes through the VPN and which data accesses the internet directly.

Why use Split Tunneling?

Split tunneling can be useful when you want to access local network devices, such as printers or servers, while still encrypting sensitive data through the VPN. It also helps in reducing bandwidth usage and improving connection speeds for non-sensitive activities.

Configuring Split Tunneling

To configure split tunneling on your VPN client, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Open your VPN client settings.
• Step 2: Look for the split tunneling option. It may be under advanced settings or network preferences.
• Step 3: Enable split tunneling and choose which apps or websites should use the VPN connection.
• Step 4: Save your settings and connect to the VPN.

When it comes to VPNs, security is paramount. Let's take a look at some key security features:

• Encryption: VPNs use encryption to secure your data. For example, AES-256 encryption is considered very secure.
• Tunneling: VPNs create a secure tunnel for your data to pass through. This prevents outside interference.
• Authentication: Users need to authenticate themselves before accessing the VPN. This adds an extra layer of security.
• Kill Switch: A kill switch automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops. This prevents data leaks.

1. Connection Failure

If you are unable to establish a connection to the VPN server, double-check your internet connection. Ensure that you have a stable internet connection before attempting to connect to the VPN.

2. Slow Connection Speed

If you are experiencing slow speeds while connected to the VPN, try connecting to a different server. Sometimes, the server you are connected to may be overloaded, causing slow speeds.

3. DNS Leaks

To prevent DNS leaks, make sure your VPN provider offers DNS leak protection. You can test for DNS leaks using online tools to ensure your browsing activity remains private.

4. Incompatibility with Apps or Websites

If you are having trouble accessing certain apps or websites while connected to the VPN, try disabling the VPN and accessing them again. Some apps and websites may block VPN connections.

5. VPN Blocking

If you suspect that your VPN is being blocked by a network or firewall, try connecting to a different network or using a VPN protocol that is less likely to be blocked, such as OpenVPN or IKEv2.