Secure Access Virtual Environment – Desktop (SAVE-D) FAQ

Secure Access Virtual Environment – Desktop (SAVE-D) is one of several options that provides a secure remote connection to the ESDC network. SAVE-D is accessed via a web portal or by downloading a desktop application to your own computer. You can connect to SAVE-D with your own computer at home if you have access to a high-speed Internet connection.

SAVE-D usage must comply with the network policies, guidelines, and standards issued by the Treasury Board and ESDC including Policy on Service and Digital, Directive on Service and Digital, and ESDC Storage of Electronic Information Directive.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is SAVE-D intended for?

    The current priority of SAVE-D is to provide access to the ESDC network for all ESDC consultants, students, and temporary access to employees (when laptops need to be sent in for repairs) who do not have an ESDC computer at home equipped with Virtual Private Network (VPN) software, and who do not have an office computer to connect to with AppGate software.

    Beyond these priorities, all other SAVE-D requests must follow the Personal Computing Device Directive.

  • What am I not able to do with SAVE-D?
    • Microsoft Teams Audio/Video: Due to network constraints, we recommend that you do not participate in Teams Audio/Video calls while on SAVE-D. Please refer to section: Alternative ways to attend a Teams meeting on SAVE-D.
    • Printing: the SAVE-D virtual environment cannot access ESDC network printers or your printer at home (printer redirection is disabled).
    • Copying/pasting content between your SAVE-D window and other applications on your computer at home. This is disabled to protect the integrity of data on the ESDC network.
    • Shutdown: you cannot choose the Shutdown option in the SAVE-D window. This is deactivated as a precaution, since there is currently no way for you to turn a SAVE-D virtual machine back on.
    • Video/Graphics: complex graphics, video design, or transcribing recorded video
    • Assistive Technologies: SAVE-D does not support assistive technologies (e.g., JAWS, Dragon Naturally Speaking, etc.)
  • How do I request SAVE-D access ?

    If you fall within the identified SAVE-D onboarding priorities, your manager can submit an online request to the National Service Desk to request access for you.

  • How do I use SAVE-D to connect remotely?

    Visit: Secure Access Virtual Environment – Desktop (SAVE-D) User Guide, for step by step instructions.

  • What is the difference between a "desktop client" and a "web client"?

    You have two options for accessing the network through SAVE-D.

    • You can install a remote desktop client on your personal computer, following the instructions in the SAVE-D user guide.
    • If you prefer not to install anything, you can use the web client version of SAVE-D instead in your web browser (Google Chrome is recommended).

    The web client can be more limited for features; for example, it does not support dual monitors. Visit the Microsoft site to compare the clients' features (Windows Desktop versus Web).

  • What is "multi-factor authentication" and how does it work?

    Multi-factor authentication is a security measure that helps to confirm your identity. It is an essential part of remotely connecting to the ESDC network.

    After you login with your ESDC work email address and network password, you will be asked to further confirm your identity by one of three ways, depending on your preference:

    • Using your phone;
    • Using the Microsoft Authenticator application installed on your personal/work smartphone; or
    • Using your personal email address.

    If you have a smartphone, it is recommended that you use the Microsoft Authenticator application.

    When you are asked whether you want to reduce the number of times you are asked to sign in, you may choose your preference (yes or no).

  • What software is available to me when I am using SAVE-D?

    SAVE-D provides the same default applications that are installed on all ESDC computers (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint). You can request additional and/or job-specific software that you require by using the same procedure as you would for a ESDC computer in an office:

    • Visit the Application Catalogue for a list of software that you can install yourself.
    • Submit a request to the National Service Desk for any other software you require, noting that:
      • Some software has a limited number of licensed uses in ESDC (e.g. Visio, MS Project Pro, Adobe Suite, etc.)
      • If this is preventing you from receiving the software, a license can be transferred from another computer (e.g. one that has been assigned to you) to your SAVE-D virtual machine.
  • Alternative ways to attend a Teams meeting on SAVE-D.

    Participating in a Microsoft Teams meeting:

    • Note: Information shared at a Protected B security level (or higher) is not permitted, since the alternative connection will not be sufficiently secure.
    • Forward the event invitation to your personal email account.
      • Leave the Teams meeting if you have already joined it, and minimize SAVE-D on your desktop.
      • Go to your personal email and select the link to launch Microsoft Teams (either in a web browser such as Google Chrome, or as a downloaded application if you have it installed).
      • Enter your full name when you join the meeting as a guest, so that you can easily be identified.

    For all other Microsoft Teams inquiries please refer to the Teams FAQ.

  • Why does my SAVE-D session disconnect after 15 minutes?
    • All ESDC computing devices have a 15-minute time-out policy applied to them to protect the security and integrity of the data. You will receive a warning message at the 13-minute mark of inactivity. “The session has been idle over its time limit. It will be disconnected in 2 minutes. Press any key now to continue session.”
  • How will I know if SAVE-D isn't working because of an outage?

    Beginning on April 13, 2021, as part of providing you with a SAVE-D account, you will be asked for a personal email address. This address will be used to contact you in the event of a SAVE-D service outage, to confirm that it is a system error rather than a problem with your personal computer or SAVE-D installation.

  • Who can I contact if SAVE-D is not working?

    If, after carefully reading the instructions in the User Guide and following each step, you are unable to establish a remote connection using SAVE-D, you can submit an online request to the National Service Desk or call 1-800-268-0408.

  • What if I have more questions?

    For information about SAVE-D other than technical support, you may contact the following email account: edsc.dgiit.evas-b-save-d.iitb.esdc@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.