This article outlines the frequently asked questions about SFU VPN.
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.
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.
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
Staff that have left SFU since January 2021 have been granted access to SFU’s virtual private network (SFU VPN) in order to access their T4 information using myINFO. Instructions are available to download and install the FortiClient onto your device. This includes both Windows and Macs.
To use SFU VPN, your SFU account must be secured with SFU Multi-Factor Authentication. Use your SFU computing ID and password to sign in to myINFO.
The IT Service Desk can be contacted for additional assistance with SFU VPN. If attempts to install SFU VPN are unsuccessful due to unsupported operating systems, contact SFU’s payroll office at 778 782 8486 or send an email to payroll@sfu.ca. Your T4 information will be delivered by mail to your address on file.