Virtual Private Network (VPN) - What Do I Need Before I Can Use the VPN at MSU?

Question

What do I need before I can use the virtual private network (VPN) at MSU?

Answer

The F5 Campus VPN is integrated with MSU's Unified Login (Okta), requires multi-factor Authentication (MFA), and also requires having anti-virus software installed.

If accessing the F5 Campus VPN for the first time the following steps are required:

1. Register a MFA credential (We strongly recommend using the Okta Verify application on your smartphone for ease of use and convenience): see KB 957 (link).
2. Login to MSU's Unified Login (Okta) authentication website and complete the setup of that service: secureit.msu.edu/sspr-process/index.html
3. Have current and modern anti-virus software installed on your computer.

Acceptable anti-virus/malware programs

If you're using an MSU-issued computer anti-virus should already be installed. For personal computers MSU IT provides ESET for Personal and Home use for current faculty and staff. For installation instructions, see KB 882 (link) for Windows, or KB 884 (link) for macOS.

The F5 VPN also accepts other modern anti-virus/malware programs, including free options available to everyone (including students). For a list of accepted software for Windows or macOS see the following lists from OPSWAT OESIS SDK:

• Click the link for your Operating System below:
  • Windows (7, 8, or 10): software.opswat.com/OESIS_V4/Win/docs/support_charts/support_charts.html
  • macOS: software.opswat.com/OESIS_V4/Mac/docs/support_charts/support_charts.html
• On the page it takes you to, click ANTIMALWARE
• Find which software is supported and passes the F5 anti-virus/malware check.

Additional Info

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