How to connect to the Virtual Private Network

If your VPN has suddenly stopped working, it may be because the VPN has undergone a recent update. Please reboot your computer and try to connect to the VPN again. If the VPN remain inaccessible following a reboot, please contact the Help Desk at help@concordia.ca or 514-848-2424 ext.7613

1. From your home computer, open Remote Desktop Connection by navigating to the following location: Start > All Programs > Accessories > Remote Desktop Connection
2. In the Computer field, enter the full computer name of your office computer (See Step 2).
3. Select Connect
4. You will be prompted to enter your credentials. Enter your netname in the following format: CONCORDIA\[yournetname]. In the password field, enter the password for your netname.  
5. Select OK 

1. From your home computer, open the App Store.

2. Download and install Microsoft Remote Desktop.

3. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop by navigating to Launchpad > Microsoft Remote Desktop.

4. Click Add PC.

5. In the PC name field, enter the full computer name of your office computer (from Step 1).

6. Click Add.

7. You will be prompted to enter your credentials. Enter your netname in the following format: CONCORDIA\[yournetname] as your username. In the password field, enter the password for your netname.

Please check your system parameters by clicking the windows icon> select “settings”> “system”> “about” and verity the “system type” (32-bit or 64-bit). Select your VPN download based on your system type.

You will only need to connect to the VPN to access certain hosted software applications, computer labs/servers or your work computer when you are off campus. The VPN will not encrypt or protect your internet navigation.

Here are examples of applications that require a VPN connection when you are off campus

• GCS mail service (@encs.concordia.ca mailboxes)

• Jabber (Concordia phone system)

• SAP

• Compatible with Windows 10 and 11 
• Compatible with Monterey and newer 
• For Linux OS, please contact the Service Desk 

• Click on the Windows icon (bottom left)

• Click on Settings

• Click on System

• Click on About and look at the Device Name

Click the Apple Menu, located in the upper left-hand corner of the screen.

For macOS Ventura and newer:

• System Settings
• General
• About

For macOS, Monterey and older:

• System Preferences
• Sharing

• Open the FortiClient Agent and select the Zero Trust Telemetry tab
• Select “Disconnect” under Centrally Managed by EMS
  • If this window says “Enter Server address or invitation code:”, there is no action required on your part
• Next, open “Add or remove programs”
• Find FortiClient VPN in the list of installed applications
• Click the ellipses on the right and select “Uninstall”
• Follow the steps in the uninstaller application until it is completed.

• Open the Applications folder.
• Find and run on the "FortiClientUninstaller.app" application.
• Follow the steps in the uninstaller application until it is completed.
• Once the application is uninstalled, restart your computer.

1. When off-campus, initiate a VPN connection first.
2. In the application, navigate to the “Zero Trust Telemetry” tab located on the left.
3. In the field labeled “Enter Server address or Invitation code:”, input ems.concordia.ca.
4. Click on the “Connect” button to proceed.

1. Disconnect from the VPN service.
2. Uninstall the FortiClient application from your system.
3. Download & Install the compatible version of the VPN Client (FortiClient) by visiting hub.concordia.ca — navigate through My CU Account to Apps & Software.
4. Follow the provided installation and configuration guidelines to complete the setup.