Virtual Private Network (VPN) Instructions

Who needs VPN?

VPN enables employees with ECU managed laptops to remotely access university systems.

With the adoption of Microsoft 365 for email and calendar, many ECU staff and faculty no longer require VPN.

Employees may occasionally enable VPN to remotely access the following systems:

Department Share
Colleague
Informer

At most other times, we recommend disabling VPN for the most reliable network performance (e.g. during video calls).

If your role does not require access to the systems above, we kindly ask you to opt out of VPN services today.

VPN & 2FA

As of Nov 15th, 2023, employees may only access VPN using Microsoft enabled 2-Factor Authentication (2FA).

The 2FA process for VPN is simple and available today. Please contact IT Services if you experience any issues.

Instructions (macOS)

Expand sections to get step by step instructions, or watch the video below.

VPN using a phone & macOSShow

Step 1: Before you begin, ensure that your phone is nearby, and that it has Microsoft Authenticator installed and configured.

*click on the image to zoom in*

Step 2: Using the Apple menu on the top left of the screen, choose System Preferences and the click on Network.

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Step 3: Select VPN & Filters to reveal the EmilyCarrVPN option shown above*.

*If you do not see this option, please submit a request for VPN access.

*click on the image to zoom in**click on the image to zoom in*

Step 4: Type your ECU email username (including @ecuad.ca) and current email password, then click OK.

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Step 4: Next, open Microsoft Authenticator on your phone, select Emily Carr University to reveal a 6-digit code. This code will change every 30 seconds.

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Step 5: Enter the 6-digit code into the Password section of the popup as shown above. Click OK but do not save password.

Step 6: You are now connected to VPN. When you are finished with VPN for the day, simply click Disconnect as shown above.

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Step 7: Once you have completed the setup one time, you may reconnect later by using the Connect EmilyCarrVPN shortcut at the top right of your screen. You will need to generate and enter a new 6-digit code every time you reconnect.

VPN using Yubikey & macOSShow

Quick setup (no audio):

Guided setup (with audio):

Instructions (Windows)

Expand sections to get step by step instructions, or watch the video below.

VPN using a phone & WindowsShow

Step 1: Before you begin, ensure that your phone is nearby, and that it has Microsoft Authenticator installed and configured.

*click on the image to zoom in*

Step 2: On the lower right hand corner of Windows, expand your system tray to reveal Forticlient (green check box).

*If you do not see this option, please submit a request for VPN access.

*click on the image to zoom in*

Step 3: Right-click the green check box icon and then select Open FortiClient Console.

*click on the image to zoom in*

Step 4: Click REMOTE ACCESS and then type your ECU email username (including @ecuad.ca) along your email password. Do not click Save Password.

*click on the image to zoom in*

Step 5: Open Microsoft Authenticator on your phone and select Emily Carr University of Art + Design to reveal a 6-digit code. This code will change every 30 seconds.