VPN services

Windows requirements

Windows 10, 11

Access

All active University faculty, staff, and student employees have access to Boise State’s VPN service.

How to download and install

1. All active University faculty, staff, and student employees have access to Boise State’s VPN service.
2. Download the VPN software for the Windows Client or Windows ARM Client.
3. Run the GlobalProtect installer. Select Next through each screen to accept the default options. Click Close when finished.
   (If you are unable to install the software, please contact the Help Desk for assistance.)

How to use

1. Connect to the Internet via WiFi or cable like you always do.
2. Launch the GlobalProtect software: Start > All Programs > Palo Alto Networks > GlobalProtect
3. Enter the portal address: vpn.boisestate.edu
   (This step is only required the first time you connect.)
4. Click Connect.
   
5. When the sign in window appears, enter your Boise State email address and click Next. Enter your password and click Sign in.
   (The page will remember your email address, so the next time you connect from the same device, you’ll simply select your account and sign in.)
6. Complete the request for Duo multi-factor authentication. For information about enrolling and using Duo, visit the Multi-factor Authentication page.
7. As VPN is connecting, the following window will appear. Please read and accept the terms of use and close the window.

   

Optional: Connect to your work computer

You may use VPN in conjunction with Microsoft Remote Desktop to connect remotely to a Windows desktop or laptop computer.

Learn how to configure and use Remote Desktop

Mac requirements

MacOS 10.15 or later

Access

All active University faculty, staff, and student employees have access to Boise State’s VPN service.

How to download and install

1. Download the VPN software.
2. Run the GlobalProtect installer. Click Continue to accept default options until you get to the Installation Type screen. Select GlobalProtect and click Continue.
3. Click Install and enter your Mac username and password when prompted.
   (If you are unable to install the software, please contact the Help Desk for assistance.)
4. If you are using macOS Mojave and newer, the system extension will be blocked. Click Open Security Preferences.
5. Click Allow next to “System software from application ‘GlobalProtect’ was blocked from loading.”

How to use

1. Connect to the Internet via WiFi or cable like you always do.
2. Launch the GlobalProtect software: Finder > Applications > Palo Alto Networks > GlobalProtect
3. Enter the portal address: vpn.boisestate.edu
   (This step is only required the first time you connect.)
4. Click Connect.
   
5. When the sign in window appears, enter your Boise State email address and click Next. Enter your password and click Sign in.
   (The page will remember your email address, so the next time you connect from the same device, you’ll simply select your account and sign in.)
   
   Note: If you are only using a keyboard for navigation, the Enter key will not work. Use the Tab key followed by the Spacebar to execute the sign in request.
6. Complete the request for Duo multi-factor authentication. For information about enrolling and using Duo, visit the Multi-factor Authentication page.
7. As VPN is connecting, the following window will appear. Please read and accept the terms of use and close the window.

   

8. On macOS Mojave or newer, the first time you connect to VPN, you will receive a prompt to allow GlobalProtect to Filter Network Content. Click Allow. Failure to do so will result in GlobalProtect not functioning correctly.
   

iOS requirements

iOS 10.0 or later

How to download and configure

1. Launch the App Store on your device and search the Store for the GlobalProtect app.
2. Select Get to download and install the app.
3. Launch the GlobalProtect app.
4. The first time you run the app you may see a pop-up asking you choose your Notifications preferences.
5. Enter the portal address: vpn.boisestate.edu and tap Connect.
   
6. You will be prompted to allow GlobalProtect to add VPN configurations. Choose Allow and enter your PIN for the device.
7. Enter your Boise State username and password and tap Sign in.
8. Complete the request for Duo multi-factor authentication. For information about enrolling and using Duo, visit the Multi-factor Authentication page.
9. As VPN is connecting, the following window will appear. Please read the terms of use and close the window.

   

How to connect

1. Launch the GlobalProtect app.
2. To connect, tap the shield icon.
   
3. As VPN is connecting, the following window will appear. Please read the terms of use and close the window.

   

4. When you are finished with your VPN session, open the app and disconnect by tapping the shield icon.
   

Android requirements

Android 6.0 or later

How to download and configure

1. Launch the Play Store on your device and search the Store for the GlobalProtect app.
2. Select Install to download and install the app.
3. Launch the GlobalProtect app.
4. Enter the portal address: vpn.boisestate.edu and tap Connect.
   
5. You will be prompted to allow GlobalProtect to add a VPN connection. Tap OK.
   
6. Enter your Boise State username and password and tap Sign in.
7. Complete the request for Duo multi-factor authentication. For information about enrolling and using Duo, visit the Multi-factor Authentication page.
8. As VPN is connecting, the following window will appear. Please read the terms of use and close the window.

   

How to connect

1. Launch the GlobalProtect app.
2. To connect, tap the shield icon.
   
3. As VPN is connecting, the following window will appear. Please read the terms of use and close the window.

   

4. When you are finished with your VPN session, open the app and disconnect by tapping the shield icon.
   

• Review Boise State Policy 8130 (Remote Access) to ensure you understand your responsibilities when using the University’s VPN service.
• Remember that you are responsible for maintaining the security and confidentiality of Boise State’s data while working remotely.
• Take care to ensure that mobile devices are not at risk of being stolen (for example, visible in a parked car or left in a public space).
• Whenever possible, use a Boise State-managed device to access confidential and restricted University data. Refer to Boise State University Data Classification Standards to review data classification definitions.
• If you must use a personal device do not download confidential or restricted data.
• Be sure that work-related materials are not accessible to others. For example, log out of all Boise State systems when not in use, and/or set a device password.