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Set up VPN on a State-Issued Computer

Owned by Frank Gonzales
Last updated: Nov 15, 2023 by Mitashi Parikh
4 min read

Cal Poly’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) service allows faculty, staff, and students to access campus technology resources securely.

Items to consider before connecting to the Global Protect VPN client on your computer:

Cal Poly state-owned computers or tech rentals typically have the GlobalProtect VPN preinstalled. If GlobalProtect VPN is not pre-installed please see the support page for installing software on Windows or Mac.

  • You must be enrolled in Multi-Factor Authentication (Duo) before setting up VPN.

  • The GlobalProtect VPN app uses your default browser for you to input your login information and to display messages related to connectivity. (Learn more about changing your default browser on Mac, or Windows)

  • Department email accounts will not connect to the VPN. Connect using your personal Cal Poly account.

Connect VPN Client - (On Mac and Windows)

  1. From the top screen menu bar, Click the GlobalProtect icon, then click Get Started. 
    If the icon is not showing, use Spotlight to search for the GlobalProtect app and run the app.

Global Protect icon is highilghted and clicked. Welcome message. 'Get Started' is highlighted

 

  1. Enter cpvpn.calpoly.edu as the portal address, then click Connect. A Cal Poly portal sign-in window will appear on your browser.

    GlobalProtect pop-up. 'Not Connected'. Connect button is highlighted

     

  2. Log in with your Cal Poly username (do not include @calpoly.edu) and password (similar to step 2) and authenticate using Multi-Factor Authentication/Duo (similar to step 3).
    If GlobalProtect App security warnings pop up on-screen, always click Allow.

  3. You should see a Paloalto Networks logo and dialog message on your browser, and a popup box saying Open GlobalProtect App? 
    Check the box, then click Open GlobalProtect.app.

     

  4. You are now connected to Cal Poly's VPN.

  5. Once you are done with your session, click the GlobalProtect icon, then click the ≡ menu icon, then select Disconnect.



  1. If you do not see the GlobalProtect window, go to the system tray located in the bottom right section of the Windows taskbar, and click on the globe icon.

     

  2. Click Get Started.

 

  1. Enter cpvpn.calpoly.edu as the portal address, then click Connect. A Cal Poly portal sign-in window will appear on your browser.

     

  2. Log in with your Cal Poly username (do not include @calpoly.edu) and password (similar to step 2) and authenticate using Multi-Factor Authentication/Duo (similar to step 3).

  3. You should see a Paloalto Networks logo and dialog message on your browser, and a popup box saying This site is trying to open GlobalProtect. 
    Check the box, then click Open. You may need to click on the click here link in the browser window to launch GlobalProtect.

     

  4. You are now connected to Cal Poly's VPN. The Connected status is displayed in the system tray located in the bottom right section of the Windows taskbar. 

     

  5. Once you are done with your session, click the GlobalProtect icon, then click the ≡ menu icon, then select Disconnect.

     

 

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