Access Research Computing Resources and Academic Networks via Ubuntu Desktop

Knowledge Base: Setting Up OpenVPN with MFA with Ubuntu

This guide outlines how to configure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), download your required VPN files, and install OpenVPN Connect on both macOS and Windows devices.

OpenVPN provides secure, encrypted access to FAU Research Computing clusters, high-performance computing (HPC) nodes, and academic research network services. It is designed specifically for researchers and students who require command-line access via SSH or graphical session access via Remote Desktop (RDP) to specialized environments and academic networks.

Important Note: This gateway is exclusively isolated for academic and research infrastructure only. If you need access to standard FAU enterprise services you should use the Fortigate VPN.

Step 1: Configure MFA and Download Your Configuration Profile

Before installing the software, you must set up your security credentials and retrieve your unique configuration file.

Go to the FAU HPC Access Portal.
Log in using your FAU credentials.
Follow the on-screen prompts to register and configure your Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) with the Microsoft Authenticator App.
Once MFA is configured, download the OpenVPN configuration profile (a .ovpn file). Keep this file handy.

Step 2: Install OpenVPN Connect

Choose the instructions below matching your computer's operating system.

Option 1:

For Linux Users

1. Download the Installer:~2 minutes.
Download the official OpenVPN Connect for Linux installer directly from the OpenVPN Linux Guide, and follow their instructions.

Option2: (DRAFT)

Install OpenVPN Client via apt
Open the terminal and Install
sudo apt install openvpn network-manager-openvpn network-manager-openvpn-gnome
Go to the Network, click the + (Add) sign to the right of VPN section.
Click Import from file
Select your ovn file downloaded in step 1.
Modify the configuration to look like this (replace netid with your netid)
Click Apply
Now click the toggle to start the VPN.
When prompted enter your FAUNet Id password with the code from Microsoft authenticator appended to the end.
Example: If your password is I-Love-FAU-2024-Owls you would type I-Love-FAU-2024-Owls123456, where 123456 is the code in the app.
Open Microsoft Authenticator on your mobile device.
Click Florida Atlantic University Research Computing Account
Enter the temporary code provided by the Microsoft Authenticator App.