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Knowledge Base: Setting Up OpenVPN with MFA
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.
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Go to the FAU HPC Access Portal.
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Log in using your FAU credentials.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to register and configure your Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) with the Microsoft Authenticator App.
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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.
For macOS Users
1. Download the Installer:~2 minutes.
Download the official OpenVPN Connect for macOS installer directly from the OpenVPN Downloads Page.
2. Run the Setup Wizard: Requires Admin Privileges.
Open the downloaded .dmg file. Choose the specific installer package based on your Mac's hardware architecture:
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Apple Silicon: Choose this if your Mac uses an M1, M2, M3, or M4 chip.
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Intel Processor: Choose this for older Intel-based Macs.
Follow the step-by-step setup prompts and agree to the license agreement.
3. Import Your Profile: Profile Setup.
Launch OpenVPN Connect from your Applications folder. Double-click the .ovpn configuration file you downloaded in Step 1. Click Import.
4. Connect & Authenticate:
Click Connect on the OIT HPC Profile.
When prompted, enter your username and password, and when prompted the temporary MFA code generated from your authenticator app's Florida Atlantic University Research Computing Account.
For Windows Users
1. Download the Installer:~2 minutes.
Download the official OpenVPN Connect for Windows installer from the Windows Store. Alternative Downloads are available from the OpenVPN Downloads Page.
2. Import Your Profile: Profile Setup.
Open the OpenVPN Connect app (you can find it in your Start Menu or running in the Windows System Tray). Click on the File tab, browse for the .ovpn configuration file downloaded from the FAU portal, and click Import.
Step 3: Connect
1. Open OpenVPN Connect Application
2. Click Connect: Using OIT HPC Profile (vpn.hpc.fau.edu)
3. Login: Use your FAU Netid and Password
4. Wait for the MFA prompt: Open Microsoft Authenticator on your mobile device.
Click Florida Atlantic University Research Computing Account
Enter the temporary code provided by the Microsoft Authenticator App.
