Setting up SFU VPN on Linux

OVERVIEW

This article describes how to set up the FortiClient app on a Linux computer to connect to SFU VPN:

1. Downloading FortiClient VPN
2. Installing FortiClient VPN
3. Setting up the VPN connection
4. Connecting to SFU VPN
5. Troubleshooting connection issues
6. Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

SFU managed devices should already have the FortiClient app installed, but you may need to set up the connection (step 3).

System Requirements

As of February 24, 2025, only FortiClient VPN version 7.2.x or higher is compatible with SFU VPN.

In addition to meeting the account and security requirements outlined in Getting started with SFU VPN, your computer must meet the following system requirements:

• Ubuntu 18.04 or newer; Debian 11 or newer, Red Hat 7.4 or newer; CentOS Stream 8, 7.4 or newer; Fedora 36 and later (with KDE or GNOME desktop environments)
• Intel processor or equivalent
• 512 MB RAM
• 600 MB free hard disk space

For a complete list of system requirements, see FortiClient 7.2.0 Administrative Guide.

DETAILS

1. Downloading FortiClient VPN

Important Instructions for Ubuntu 24.04+ - Additional packages required

As of this article, the latest version available is 7.4.2. The latest of FortClient VPN app can also be found on the FortiClient Product Downloads website.

2. Installing FortiClient VPN

1. Right click on the downloaded file and then click Open with Software Install.
   
   
    
2. Select Install.
   
   

3. Setting up the VPN connection

1. Click on Show Application and open FortiClient.
   
    
    
2. Check "I acknowledge..." box and then click I accept.
   
   
    
3. Select Configure VPN and configure the connection as follows. Then click Save.
   
   

4. Connecting to SFU VPN

1. Enter your SFU Computing ID and password then select Connect.
   
   
    
2. Enter your MFA code in the Answer field. Then select OK.
   
   
    
3. If the connection is successful, you'll see a confirmation screen with the VPN connection details:
    
   
    
4. To close your VPN connection, select Disconnect.

Make sure to connect to the VPN every time you need it. The VPN will disconnect if your computer is idle or sleeps and does not re-connect automatically.

Troubleshooting

If you're still unable to connect to SFU VPN, see Troubleshooting SFU VPN connection issues for help before submitting a ticket.

Other FAQS