Secure Remote Access Service (SRAS)

Service Description

The University appreciates that access may be required to the corporate ICT network and services when staff and 3rd parties are working remotely in order to support business needs.

However, the mechanism by which this is provided must be securely managed with full auditing in order to meet IT Security standards, protecting sensitive information on the corporate network.

Digital Services has developed the Secure Remote Access Service (SRAS), which provides users with a multi-layered approach to remote access, from secure web-based connection, to Active Directory (AD) server file sharing, to the ability to remotely access staff University Workstations.

Check if you really need remote access

There are a number of Ulster online cloud services that work without a remote connection and can be accessed by logging in with your Ulster credentials using a web browser. Some of these are listed below:

• Ulster Office 365 email, Calendar, OneDrive
• MS Teams
• Banner Self Service
• MyDay - Portal
• UniDesk
• VLE Blackboard
• PlanOn (Estates Helpdesk) -  accessible via "All Apps" on Office365

Other corporate systems which are not cloud based are known as 'on premises software', some examples are listed below:

• Talis
• Liberty
• Room Service
• Raisers Edge

If you use any of the above systems, or still believe you need SRAS, follow the business process below.

Business Process

University Staff

University staff requiring remote access in order to work from a location other than a University campus can apply for SRAS. Staff requests should be made by completing a Staff SRAS Application Form, which should then be approved by their Dean or Director. The approved applications must be sent to the Digital Services IT Service Desk, (ServiceDesk@ulster.ac.uk).

Further information is provided in the SRAS Application Advice Notes.

3rd Parties

3rd Party users can apply for access where this is required to support University IT systems.

All 3rd Parties who request SRAS will be required to complete a SRAS 3rd Party Application Form. Authorising signatures are required from the 3rd Party's Manager, the University System Owner, their Dean or Director and final approval from the Director of Digital Services. Approved or rejected applications are then actioned similarly to Staff, as above. System Owners should be aware of their responsibilities related to applications for 3rd Party SRAS, as outlined in the accompanying Advice Notes.

Please note if an account needs extended after a year, there will need to be a new SRAS 3rd Party Application form submitted.

Further details

• SRAS 3rd Party Application Form
• SRAS Application Advice Notes

Policies that apply to SRAS use

All SRAS users are expected to abide by the terms of the University Acceptable Use Code of Practice and other Digital Services Policies related to IT use. These can be found on the Digital Services and Corporate Planning and Governance websites.

SRAS Multi-Factor Authentication

In order to prove the legitimacy of the University Staff Member or 3rd Party Employee making the remote connection, they must register for SRAS MFA. The process involves a user registering for SRAS MFA by providing their Username and Network password.

Supporting Materials

The following materials are available online:

• SRAS Application Advice Notes
• Staff SRAS Application Form
• 3rd Party SRAS Application Form

A Secure remote access setup guide will be sent, by the Digital Services IT Service Desk, to applicants whose application has been approved.

How to obtain help

Eligibility

Staff and Users in external organisations

Service Owner

Digital Services