Install the Fortinet VPN App

OVERVIEW

This article details how to install the FortiClient VPN App.

MFA IS REQUIRED TO ACCESS SFU VPN

Your SFU account must be secured with SFU Multi-Factor Authentication to use SFU VPN.

 

Installing the FortiClient VPN app

Minimum Requirements

FortiClient VPN supports the following operating systems:

Windows
  • Microsoft Windows 11 (64-bit)
  • Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2022
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2019

Note that Windows Server Core is not supported. Additionally, FortiClient does not support ARM-based processors.

macOS
  • macOS Monterey (version 12)
  • macOS Ventura (version 13)
  • macOS Sonoma (version 14)
  • macOS Sequoia (version 15)

The minimum system requirements include an Intel processor or M1/M2 chip, 1 GB of RAM, and 1 GB of free hard disk space

LINUX
  • Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04
  • Red Hat 9 or newer
  • CentOS Stream 9
  • Fedora 36 and later

These distributions should have KDE or GNOME desktop environments. The system should have a Linux-compatible computer with an Intel processor or equivalent, at least 512 MB RAM, and 600 MB of free hard disk space.

 

Obtain the FortiClient installer and install it

Choose your operating system (OS) and follow the instructions to install:

WINDOWS

STEP 1

Download FortiClient VPN client.

See the Minimum requirements for Windows.

Note: SFU Managed Device should already have the FortiClient VPN app installed. If not, it is available for installation on SFU's Software Centre app on the device. Skip to Step 6 if the VPN client is already installed

STEP 2

Locate the file after you have downloaded it from the link above and double click to launch.

STEP 3

Accept the “License Agreement” and click Next.

STEP 4

Then click Install.

STEP 5

After the installation is complete you will see the “Finish screen”. click on Finish.

STEP 6

Launch the FortinetClient app from the System Tray and select the acknowledgement box, then click "I accept".

STEP 7

Configure the VPN client using the settings below and hit Save.

VPN Type: SSL-VPN
Connection Name: 
SFU VPN
Remote Gateway: vpn.its.sfu.ca    
Port: 10443
Client Certificate: None

Note: Ensure that "Customized Port" is selected.

STEP 8

Enter your Computing ID and password, then click Connect.

STEP 9

A final prompt for your SFU Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) code will appear. Grab your MFA phone app or hardware token and enter your MFA code in the box next to Answer, then press OK.

STEP 10

Make sure to you are connected to the VPN every time it's needed. The VPN disconnects when your computer is idle or sleeps. Unlike Wi-Fi, it does not re-connect automatically.

Log in to SFU VPN using the 6-digit MFA code displayed on your MFA app or hardware token.

 

MAC

STEP 1

Download FortiClient VPN 7.4.1 for macOS 10.15, 11 or 12.

See the Minimum requirements for Macs.

Note: SFU Managed Device should already have the FortiClient VPN app installed. If not, it is available for installation on SFU's Software Centre app on the device. Skip to Step 9 if the VPN client is already installed.

STEP 2

Run the Installer from the downloaded location by double clicking on it.

STEP 3

Double click on FortiClientUpdate to start downloading the full installer.

STEP 4

Click Install to continue.

STEP 5

Click Continue.

STEP 6

Click Agree.

STEP 7

Click Install.

STEP 8

Click Close.

STEP 9 

In the Menu bar, click FortiClient icon and then Open FortiClient Console.

STEP 10

Select "I acknowledged..." and then click I accept.

STEP 11

Click Configure VPN.

STEP 12

Configure using settings below and hit Save.

VPN Type: SSL-VPN
Connection Name: SFU VPN
Remote Gateway: vpn.its.sfu.ca
Port: 10443
Client Certificate: None

Note: Ensure that "Customize Port" is selected.

STEP 13

Enter your SFU Computing ID and password then click Connect.

STEP 14

A final prompt for your SFU Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) code will appear. Grab your MFA phone app or hardware token and enter your MFA code in the box next to Token, then press OK.

STEP 15

You are now connected to the SFU Network when you see this.

STEP 16

Make sure to you are connected to the VPN every time it's needed. The VPN disconnects when your computer is idle or sleeps. Unlike Wi-Fi, it does not re-connect automatically.

Log in to SFU VPN using the 6-digit MFA code displayed on your MFA app or hardware token.

You can tell you are connected to SFU VPN, when this dropdown menu shows "Disconnect SFU VPN".

Linux

STEP 1

Download FortiClient VPN client.

FortiClient VPN .deb (Ubuntu, Linux Mint)

Click here for Important information for Ubuntu 24.04+

FortiClient VPN .rpm (Fedora, CentOS, Redhat)

See the Minimum requirements for Linux.

STEP 2

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

STEP 3

Click Install.

STEP 4

Click on Show Application and open FortiClient.

STEP 5

Put a tick on "I acknowledged..." and then click I accept.

STEP 6

Click Configure VPN.

STEP 7

Configure using settings below and hit Save.

VPN Type: SSL-VPN
Connection Name: SFU VPN
Remote Gateway: vpn.its.sfu.ca
Port: 10443
Client Certificate: None

Note: Ensure that "Customize Port" is selected.

STEP 8

Enter your Computing ID and password then click Connect.

STEP 9

A final prompt for your SFU Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) code will appear. Grab your MFA phone app or hardware token and enter your MFA code in the box next to Token then press Submit.

STEP 10

You've successfully connected to the SFU Network when you see this.

STEP 11

Make sure to you are connected to the VPN every time it's needed. The VPN disconnects when your computer is idle or sleeps. Unlike Wi-Fi, it does not re-connect automatically.

Log in to SFU VPN using the 6-digit MFA code displayed on your MFA app or hardware token.

You can tell you are connected to SFU VPN, when this dropdown menu shows "Disconnect SFU VPN".

 

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