SFU VPN FAQs

OVERVIEW

This article outlines the frequently asked questions about SFU VPN.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about SFU VPN

DO I NEED TO USE THE FORTICLIENT VPN APP IF I ALREADY USE ANOTHER VPN APP?

Yes, you will need to use the FortiClient VPN app to connect to SFU VPN. Other client connections will be rejected.

You can download a free version of the client on the FortiClient download page. 
 

WHICH RESOURCES WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO WHILE USING SFU VPN?
The SFU VPN service will connect you to most enterprise resources at the University. If you have resources managed by your department please reach out to your local support points to see if they can take advantage of SFU VPN.
 
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SFU VPN AND REMOTE DESKTOP CONNECTIONS?

SFU VPN is a way for your own devices to securely connect with the SFU campus network without needing an on-campus workstation (such as an office PC). This lets your device directly connect to shared folders and other resources while off-campus.

With a remote desktop connection (also known as RDP), you remotely control an on-campus workstation by sending mouse clicks, movements and other desktop commands over the internet. RDP is a great way to access your on-campus desktop but comes with the technical overhead of maintaining an on-campus workstation.
 

I MANAGE CREDIT CARD INFORMATION AT SFU. DOES SFU VPN MEET PCI DATA SECURITY STANDARDS? 
No, SFU VPN is not PCI compliant. If you manage credit card information at SFU and are using SFU VPN, please follow SFU's best practices. If you have questions or concerns, please email pci@sfu.ca.
 
CAN I LOG IN TO SFU VPN USING A SPONSORED / DEPARTMENTAL ACCOUNT?

We recommend logging in to SFU VPN using your personal SFU account, and accessing any sponsored accounts once you are connected to the VPN.

For users who only have access to sponsored accounts for personal use (i.e., your sponsored account is only used by a specific individual, where the password and access to the account would never be shared with or transferred to others.), you can enroll in SFU's Multi-factor Authentication and contact the IT Service Desk for access to the VPN

WHICH SERVICES REQUIRE VPN FOR FACULTY AND STAFF?     
myINFO, FINS and Hyperion are only available while connected to the SFU on-campus network or on SFU VPN. Many online resources will be unaffected by this (such as Canvas, SFU Mail, Zoom, SFU Vault).
 

 

0% helpful - 3 reviews
Print Article

Related Services / Offerings (1)

Virtual Private Network (VPN)
SFU VPN is a way for faculty, staff and graduate students to remotely connect to SFU's internal network using a secure (encrypted) and private connection. SFU VPN provides access to SFU systems that are typically inaccessible while working remotely.