VPN Quick-Start Guide
January 10, 2024
A Quick-Start Guide for UNF Students, Staff, and Faculty
What is a VPN?
How to Get Started
- You'll need to verify your identity using the Microsoft Authenticator app, usually via a phone notification.
- Download and install FortiClient.
- If you're not logged automatically, you'll need to use your UNF ID and password to access the page.
- Note: Admin rights are required to install FortiClient on a UNF owned device. Contact the ITS HelpDesk 904-620-4357 for assistance.
- If you're not logged automatically, you'll need to use your UNF ID and password to access the page.
- Install FortiClient using the setup wizard.
- Launch FortiClient once it's been installed.
- Note: For instructions specific to your device and working conditions, please review one of the articles listed below "Further Reading".
Why Use a VPN?
Enhanced Security
Whether you're researching for a paper, accessing your UNF email, or just browsing the web, a VPN adds an extra layer of security. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks, like those at airports or coffee shops, where your data could be more vulnerable to interception.
Remote Access to Campus Resources
For staff and faculty, a VPN can provide secure access to campus resources when working remotely. This means you can access restricted databases, internal websites, and other resources just as if you were on campus. An example of this could be accessing SharePoint from home. Note that a VPN connection is not necessary to read email because mail delivery through Outlook is already encrypted.
Online Privacy
A VPN masks your IP address, making your online actions virtually untraceable. That's why we recommend you connect to the University's VPN when accessing resources from a public network. This is particularly useful for maintaining privacy when using the internet for sensitive tasks or research. For example, this could mean keeping your academic research confidential.