If you have difficulty accessing ATO systems, review this information and check the ATO Staff Systems Dashboard and IT System Messages and Support Community in Yammer to see if there are any current connection issues before contacting the IT Service Desk. The contact details are in the Info section in the right-hand menu of the Yammer page.
Remote platforms
ATO staff can connect remotely using either:
- Remote Desktop Access (RDA)
- Virtual Desktop Platform (VDP)
- Virtual Private Network (VPN).
If you have an assigned desktop computer in the office, use the RDA platform. If you are experiencing technical issues connecting to RDA you can use VDP.
If you have an ATO-issued laptop, you use VPN.
If you do not have an ATO-issued laptop or a desktop computer assigned in the office for RDA, you can use VDP to connect to ATO systems.
If you have not previously requested access to VDP, you will need to request access through IT Service Connect. We encourage you to request VDP access as a back-up for RDA before you experience issues, and to test your VDP access regularly.
Using RDA
When using RDA:
- Use your personal browser for Webex and Teams meetings or video streaming, where possible.
- To end an RDA session, click the Start button in your remote PC, then sign out the same way you do while in the office. Don’t use the 'Ctrl+Alt+Delete’ combination on your computer keyboard.
ATO Staff Systems Dashboard
If you have difficulty connecting remotely, check the ATO Staff Systems DashboardExternal Link for near real-time information about the operational status of our internal IT systems including RDA, VDP and VPN.
Using Webex remotely
To access a Webex meeting while working remotely:
- Open a new page on your personal browser (outside of RDA or VDP).
- Enter the meeting URL into the address bar. It will look something like this: ato.webex.com/join/joe.bloggs.
- This will take you to a Webex login screen.
Alternatively, you can use the Cisco Webex appExternal Link on your device.
Webex is not recommended in VDP or RDA and should not be accessed in those systems.
Joining a meeting
You can join a Webex meeting using either your:
- ATO email address (preferred). You may need to authenticate using the Symantec VIP soft token (the same way you access VDP or RDA)
- personal email address (with limited features).
Hosting a meeting or event
To host a meeting or event you must:
- Sign in using your ATO email address. This will take you to the myATO login screen.
- Enter your user ID, password and soft token.
Audio connection
For the best audio experience, download the Cisco Webex app and use either the:
- Call using Computer option within the meeting room to connect over the internet. You will need to have speakers and a microphone connected to your PC or device, or use your mobile phone earbuds and microphone.
- Use the audio options such as ‘dial in’ or ‘call me’ (where available).
Using Teams remotely
To access a Teams meeting while working remotely:
- Open a new page on your personal browser (outside of RDA or VDP).
- Visit teams.microsoft.comExternal Link and enter your ATO email address when prompted.
- You will be directed to the ATO login page where you'll need to enter your user ID, password and authenticate using the Symantec VIP soft token (the same way you access VDP or RDA).
- This will take you to the Teams browser version. From here you can access your meetings and chats as you would in the desktop app.
Alternatively, you can use the Microsoft Teams app on an ATO-issued or personal mobile device.
Teams is not recommended in VDP or RDA and should not be accessed using those systems.
Security and privacy
When working outside the office, the same principles and policies apply to ensure ATO information and data remains within secure and approved channels.
- All ATO information must be handled, stored and marked appropriately.
- Avoid unapproved apps for collaboration or sharing of ATO information.
- Lock your screen and apply the clear desk principle.
- Secure hardcopy information, ATO-issued equipment and devices when not in use.