The university’s remote desktop allows access to all of the systems, applications, connections and files found on your usual work computer, but remotely, from another device (for example, via a home computer).

At present, there are three ways in which users can access the remote desktop – via the Virtual Private Network (VPN), a virtual desktop, or the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Gateway.

From Friday 22 December 2023, Digital and Technology Services (DTS) will be decommissioning the university’s Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Gateway.

Please note, the remote desktop will still be available, but must be accessed via the VPN or the virtual desktop moving forward.

Why is the RDS being decommissioned?

The decision to decommission the RDS is driven by recommendations published by Jisc, the university’s network provider, who specialise in the Higher Education (HE) sector. A report published recently by Jisc highlights that at least 50% of major ransomware incidents experienced by the HE sector since August 2020 have been caused by attackers exploiting RDS gateways.

At present, DTS already block access to the RDS gateway from outside the UK as a way of enhancing our cybersecurity. Moving forward, this will be extended, and the RDS gateway will be withdrawn completely, meaning users must use either the VPN or the virtual desktop to access the remote desktop.

I need to access the remote desktop – how can I do so moving forward?

To clarify, the remote desktop will still be available – we are simply decommissioning the ability to connect to it via the RDS gateway.

Moving forward, we ask that users access the remote desktop by using either the VPN or the virtual desktop. These are the most secure ways of accessing the remote desktop, and will allow you to access the remote desktop from inside or outside of the UK.

When is the deadline?

We will decommission the RDS Gateway on Friday 22 December 2023.

Need help?

Should you have any questions regarding the decommissioning of the RDS gateway, please get in touch with Mark Hewitt, Head of Cybersecurity at the university in the first instance.

Should you have any issues accessing the VPN or virtual desktop, or have any other connectivity issues, please contact the IT Service Desk.