How do I access the ACU VPN?

The Virtual Private Network (VPN) is only available to full-time employees of ACU. Access is granted automatically. If you were hired recently, double-check with Human Resources that your hiring process is fully completed.

If you are a student employee, contractor, intern, otherwise classified as employed by ACU, but not a regular full-time employee, and you need access to the VPN, please have your direct supervisor contact the IT Support Center at 325-674-5555 or support@acu.edu.

Client Installation

Windows

1. Go to the ACU VPN service page.
2. Download the Windows installer on the right.
3. Run the file.
4. Scroll down to see the set up configuration.

macOS

1. Launch the App Store application.
2. Search for "Sonicwall Mobile Connect."
3. Click Get.
4. Click Install.
5. Use your Apple ID to sign in. If the Apple ID field is pre-loaded with anything other than your Apple ID, delete it and use yours.
6. Scroll down to see the set up configuration.

ChromeOS

1. Launch the Play Store application.
2. Search for "Sonicwall."
3. Click Install.
4. Scroll down to see the set up configuration.

Linux

1. Log into https://k1000.acu.edu using your myACU/SSO credentials.
2. Click on the "Service Desk" link in the left-hand panel.
3. Click on "SonicWall Mobile Connect VPN Client for Linux (.tar)" in the right-hand pane. (Alternatively to the above three steps, web-search for "sonicwall connect tunnel"; make sure that you're at the genuine sonicwall.com web site, and find the appropriate download there.)
4. The instructions for installing are on the resulting screen.
5. Click on "Download."
6. Scroll down to see the set up configuration.

Setup and Connect

Windows /macOS / ChromeOS / Linux

1. After first installing the client, launch (for macOS, ChromeOS, Linux) the SonicWall Mobile Connect or (for Windows) Connect Tunnel application.
2. Click on the drop-down list and click "Add configuration." 
3. For name enter something that you will recognize, such as "ACU," "ACU VPN," "My Connection," etc.
4. For server enter "vpn.acu.edu." 
5. Click "Save."
6. The first time you click on "Connect," you'll be asked to select a login group. Select ACU-Directory.
7. You should now be able to connect with your your ACU username and password (e.g., abc12a. Do NOT include the email domain @acu.edu).
8. The "Status" line should tell you if you're connected or disconnected (or negotiating a connection, etc.).

If, after installing the VPN, you are still unable to connect to the network while off campus, call IT Support at 325-674-5555.

Multi-factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is not required to use the VPN. However certain restricted services will only work on VPN if you use MFA for your connection to the VPN. Your supervisor will inform you if it is required for a service you need. To connect to the VPN with MFA, you must use an authenticator app.

Create your MFA Profile for the VPN

1. Use a web browser to navigate to https://vpn.acu.edu.
2. Select "ACU-MFA" from the drop-down menu under the prompt "Log in to:" and click "next."
3. Log in using your ACU username and password (e.g., abc12a. Do NOT include the email domain @acu.edu).
4. The web page will present a QR code to register your authenticator app.
5. Create a new account/profile in your authenticator app and then scan the QR code with your authenticator app.
6. Enter the one-time password (series of six digits) from the authenticator app into the web page prompt.
7. Close the web page.

Configure the VPN Client to use your MFA Profile

1. Launch the SonicWall Secure Mobile Access / Connect Tunnel application.
2. In the "Configuration" drop-down menu, click "Add Connection" (if you don't have any pre-existing connections, "Add Connection is the only option).
3. It will prompt you to enter a name and server address for the VPN connection.
   • Name: something like "ACU MFA VPN."
   • Server:  vpn.acu.edu.
4. Click Apply.
5. Click Connect.
6. For "Select a realm:," Select "ACU-MFA"
7. Click OK.
8. Log in using your ACU username and password (e.g., abc12a. Do NOT include the email domain @acu.edu).
9. When prompted for "6 digit code," open authenticator app and enter the six digit code from the authenticator app.