About:

  • Connecting to VPN.
  •  VPN stands for Virtual Private Network

Solution:

  • VPN allows you to connect to the McMaster University network from an off-campus computer anywhere on the Internet and appear as though your computer is on campus.
  • It also provides extra security by encrypting data to and from your computer.
  • You can download the VPN for your computer from the following page: Virtual Private Networking - UTS (mcmaster.ca) and then follow the set-up instructions below for your operating system.

Set up instructions:

For Windows: Windows AnyConnect Client Installation - UTS (mcmaster.ca)

For Macintosh: Mac OS X AnyConnect Client Installation - UTS (mcmaster.ca)

For iPhone: iPhone AnyConnect Client Installation - UTS (mcmaster.ca)


Certificate Validation Error

If someone is receiving a Certificate Validation error when connecting to the VPN, please ensure that they are entering:   sslvpn.mcmaster.ca/vpnusers when connecting.  You can ask them to attach a screenshot to see if they are entering it correctly.  It should look like this:

For future connections, they can choose the Connect from Home profile.

Important Announcement

New:  Effective October 16, 2024, VPN access will require MFA authentication

Starting October 16th, 2024, when users connect to the VPN, they will be prompted to sign in with their MacID@mcmaster.ca and their MacID password and will then be prompted for MFA.

If a user has an account that does not have MFA enabled (e.g.,  MacID only POI, role-based account) they will still have to log into the VPN using their MacID@mcmaster.ca but will not be prompted for MFA and will be logged into the VPN after they enter their MacID password.


Please note:

A button has been added to the VPN page on the UTS website and install / connection details have been moved to SharePoint site.

You will need to log in to download the VPN and access the connection instructions.


Relevant useful links: 

Still need help with other IT issues or questions:

Chat with us: Click to chat

Submit Ticket: Click to submit a ticket

In-Person Support: Join the Line

Phone: (905) 525-9140 x 24357 (2HELP)