How do I setup and use the Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection?

MassArt's virtual private network (“VPN”) provides a method for authorized users to gain access to the private on-campus network when they are off-campus or connected to an insecure public network (e.g., your home network). The VPN allows an authorized user to securely access network resources and applications that are otherwise unavailable except when a user is on campus, and connected to the campus MassArt network.  The College distributes software called FortiClient, to authorized users upon request and approval.

For security reasons, some technology resources (e.g., servers, applications and services) are only available on the local MassArt network, to limit exposure of data or transactions hosted on or provided by these resources from the internet. Limiting access in this way improves information security for sensitive, confidential, and protected data or transactions. Off-campus users who connect to the VPN can access the protected resources which they are authorized to use, primarily to perform work on restricted resources outside of business hours, from a remote location.  

Many of the College’s websites and applications are public-facing and are available to any user in any location with a web browser and internet connection. Restricted resources, such as Colleague, Informer, and the file server (mcafs01), are only accessible to those physically or virtually connected to the MassArt network, therefore they require a VPN connection to be remotely accessed or administered. 

Access to VPN is granted to all staff and faculty, however the service is only available from off-campus networks.

By default, students and alumni do not have VPN access. if you require access please fill out a VPN access request.

VPN access its provided via a software application called the Forticlient VPN Client, which can be installed on Apple macOS and Windows computers. Once installed, users can initiate a VPN connection by launching the software application, entering their NetID and NetID password, and clicking Connect.  

• Navigate to the FortiClient Download site
• Download the appropriate FortiClient software for your operating system.
  

• Run the FortiClient VPN client after the install has completed. 
• Accept all user agreements and install the software normally

• Navigate to wherever you procure applications for your mobile device (AppStore, Google Play)
• Search "FortiClient VPN"
• Download and install the free FortiClient software for your mobile device

• Open the Forticlient VPN and click on "Configure VPN". 
• The default VPN type will be SSL-VPN.
  
  
   
• Enter the Following Settings
  Connection Name - MassArt VPN
  Description - optional
  Remote Gateway - vpn.massart.edu
  Check Customize Port and enter 10443
  Authentication - select "Prompt on login"
• Save the VPN configuration settings
• To connect click Connect for the connection you've just created
• Enter your MassArt NetID and password
• Enjoy your secure connection to MassArt!