Important Update To Staff VPN (For Existing Users)

Please be aware that existing users of the University’s VPN service, FortiClient, will shortly be receiving a prompt to update their VPN client on University staff computers.

This is to improve user functionality, make the service easier to request and setup, and also to bring its security in line with other University services using Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

What staff need to do:

If you already use VPN, the following will apply:

• The next time you connect to VPN you will be prompted to install an update to the software.
• Follow the simple on-screen instructions (screenshots below) to install this update which may also require a reboot of your computer to complete. You can also delay this install up to 24 hours in the future.
• The first time you authenticate to use VPN following the update, this will take place in your web browser. Future connections will use the Microsoft Authenticator App or text message, depending on what you already have setup for other University services that use MFA. Note: If you use Mozilla Firefox as your default web browser you may need to accept a security prompt.
• You can confirm that the update has completed successfully by checking to see what servers you can connect to. If this has worked as expected, you will only see a single server listed called “UW VPN MFA” (also shown below).
• If you encounter any difficulties with this process, please contact the IT Service Desk.

The update will be rolled out to staff in batches beginning on 16/04/2024

These screenshots show the prompts you can expect:

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