VPN Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for Remote Access via Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections to the Essex Property Trust corporate network. All Remote access to Essex Property Trust networks will only be allowed via an approved and/or authorized device meeting specific security and patching requirements. VPN Access requests must be first approved by the requestor’s Director (Regional Property Manager for properties) or above, and then approved by an IT Director or above.
Scope
This policy applies to all Essex Property Trust employees, as well approved for contractors, or third-party agents, utilizing the VPN service to access the Essex Property Trust network.
Policy
Approved Essex Property Trust employees/authorized agents may utilize the VPN service. Please note that the VPN service requires an active internet connection. This means that the user is responsible for selecting an Internet Service Provider (ISP), coordinating installation, and paying associated fees. Further details may be found in the Remote Access Policy.
Additionally:
- It is the responsibility of employees with VPN privileges to ensure that unauthorized users are not allowed access to Essex Property Trust internal networks.
- Access to the internal network requires user authentication for VPN using multi-factor authentication.
- VPN gateways will be set up and managed by Essex corporate IT.
- All computers connected to Essex internal networks via VPN or any other technology must use the most up-to-date anti-virus software
- VPN users will be automatically disconnected from Essex Property Trust's network after a pre-determined period of inactivity. The user must then logon again to reconnect to the network. Pings or other artificial network processes are not to be used to keep the connection open.
- Only IT-approved VPN clients may be used
Enforcement
Any employee found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Last updated:
May 27, 2021
Approved May 27 2021 – P. Klein