FortiClient VPN (Mac) - Installing and Connecting

Prerequisites

• Approved Remote Access request. You or your supervisor must submit a request through the System Access Request (SAR) app. Your supervisor must approve it, and you must sign the required agreements. See Remote Access - How to Request VPN or Remote Desktop at SIUE for the full process.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Set up Microsoft Authenticator with app-based notifications. See Multifactor Authentication (MFA).
• SIUE E-ID and password.

Download and Install FortiClient

1. Download the FortiClient VPN software for Mac.

2. Double-click the FortiClientInstaller and click Open.
   

3. FortiClient starts downloading the full installer. Wait for it to finish.

4. Click Install.

5. Click Continue.
   

6. Click Agree to the software license agreement.
   

7. Choose the install destination and click Continue.
   

8. Click Install.

9. Enter your Mac username and password (or use Touch ID) when prompted.
   

10. Click Allow to let FortiTray add VPN configurations.
    

11. Click Close when the installation completes.
    

12. Find the FortiTray icon in your menu bar and select Open FortiClient Console.
    

13. Check I acknowledge and click I accept.
    

14. Click Configure VPN to open the connection settings.
    

15. Enter these settings:

• • Connection Name: SIUE Work From Home VPN
  • Remote Gateway: https://workfromhome.siue.edu
  • Check Enable Single Sign On (SSO) for VPN Tunnel
  • Check Use external browser

16. Click Save.
    

Connect to the VPN

1. In the FortiClient console, click Connect.
   
2. Your browser opens a login page. Enter your SIUE email address and password.
3. Approve the multi-factor authentication prompt in Microsoft Authenticator.
4. After you log in, you see a confirmation page.
   

5. Return to the FortiClient console. The status shows Connected.
   

You can now launch your applications and connect to SIUE on-campus computers.

Remote Desktop to a Windows Computer

Once the VPN is connected, you can use the Windows App on your Mac to access a campus Windows computer.

1. Download the Microsoft Windows App from the Mac App Store.
   

2. Open the Windows App and click + > Add PC.
   

3. In the PC name field, enter <eid>.desktop.siue.edu. Replace <eid> with your SIUE E-ID.
4. Click Add.
   

5. Double-click the saved PC to launch the connection.
   

6. Enter your SIUE username and password when prompted.

7. If prompted, click Continue on the certificate warning.
   

Screen Share to a Mac Computer

Once the VPN is connected, you can use Screen Sharing to access a campus Mac computer.

1. Open Screen Sharing on your Mac.
   

2. Click + in the upper-right corner to add a new connection.
   

3. In the Connect To field, enter <eid>.desktop.siue.edu. Replace <eid> with your SIUE E-ID.
   

4. Click Connect and enter your SIUE email address and password.
   

You can now control your campus Mac remotely.

Need Additional Support?

This guide aims to provide useful information, but as technology changes, interfaces or steps might vary. Please use the Comment button to let us know if anything differs from your experience. Your feedback helps us keep this information accurate. Thank you!