MSU-Northern students, faculty and staff can use the Virtual Private Network (VPN) to securely access on campus resources from off campus. A VPN is connection method used to add security and privacy to private and public networks, like WiFi Hotspots and the Internet. The encrypted connection helps ensure that sensitive data is safely transmitted. It prevents unauthorized people from eavesdropping on the traffic and allows the user to conduct work remotely.

Notes:

Initial Setup:

  1. Connect to the GlobalProtect Portal site at https://gpportal.msun.edu.
  2.  Login using your NetID and Password.
  3. Download and install the agent which is appropriate for your OS.
  4. Once the download completes, open the downloaded file and click Next through the defaults.
  5. Once the installation completes, you will see a GlobalProtect pop up on the bottom right side of your screen. Enter gpportal.msun.edu as the portal address and click Connect. 
  6. Use your NetID and Password to finish connecting the agent.

Disconnecting the VPN agent:

  1. Click the agent icon to bring up the GlobalProtect dialog window.
  2. Click the gear icon, then click Disable.

Reconnecting the VPN agent:

  1. Click the agent icon to bring up the GlobalProtect dialog window.
  2. Click the Enable button.
  3. Use your NetID and Password to finish connecting the agent.

Connection Status

You can check your connection status by opening the system tray on the right side of your Taskbar.  The GlobalProtect world icon will either be gray grayed out world (not connected) or blue and green with a check mark blue and green world with check mark  (connected).

Mobile Devices

If you would like to use the VPN on your mobile device, you will need to download it from the store for your device. The app name is GlobalProtect from Palo Alto Networks.

Note for Mac Users

Macs must be told that Palo Alto Networks is a trusted developer.  Here's how:

  1. From your Mac endpoint, launch System Preferences
  2. Open the Security & Privacy preferences and then select General
  3. Click the lock icon on the bottom left of the window to make changes and modify preferences
  4. When prompted, enter your Mac User Name and Password and then Unlock the preferences
  5. Click the "Allow" button next to the message "System software from developer "Palo Alto Networks" was blocked from loading."