Setting Up VPN Connection with Network Connect on Mac OS X To establish a secure connection between your Mac computer and our university's virtual private network (VPN), follow these step-by-step instructions for using the NetworkConnect application. This guide is specifically designed for users running Macintosh operating systems 10.7 through 10.9, which includes Lion, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks.

### Prerequisites

Before proceeding with this tutorial:

1. Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements by checking your Java version on 'Java's official website'(https://www.java.com/en/download/).

2. You must have administrative privileges to complete these steps.

3. If you haven't already installed Java, follow the download and installation instructions provided on the above link.

### Step 1: Launch Network Preferences

1. Click on Apple Menu located at the top left corner of your Mac's screen.

2. From the drop-down menu, select System Preferences.

Alternatively, press ⌥ (Option) + ⌘ (Command) and then click on System Preferences in the Finder sidebar or search for 'Network' using Spotlight and click on the result that says 'Network'.

### Step 2: Create a New VPN Connection

1. In the left-hand side of the Network preferences window, select + button at the bottom-left corner.

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### Step 3: Choose VPN Type and Interface

In this step:

1. From the 'Interface' drop-down menu:

- Select your Ethernet or Wi-Fi interface depending on how you prefer to connect.

2. For VPN type, select Cisco IPSec/ikev2, which is usually selected by default if not already chosen.

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### Step 4 (Optional): Configure Additional VPN Settings

If prompted:

1. Choose the 'Authentication' method from the drop-down menu based on your organization's requirements:

- Username/password and enter your university username and password

- For Duo two-factor authentication, select DUO 2-Factor

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### Step: Connect to VPN

1. Once you have entered all the required information, click on 'Connect' at the bottom right corner of the network preferences window.

A dialog box will appear asking for your Mac's Shared Secret (also known as phase 2 secrets or simply Phase 2 password) and/or a second factor code if prompted. Enter these details carefully before clicking 'OK'.

### Step: Verify VPN Connection

1. To verify that you have successfully connected to the university network via Network Connect, follow these steps:

- Open Safari (or your preferred web browser) or any other application requiring an active internet connection.

2. If successful, you should be able to access resources on our internal intranet without being prompted for another username and password.

Troubleshooting:

If you encounter difficulties during the VPN setup process or are unable to connect after following these instructions carefully, please refer to 'our IT support website'(https://helpdesk.university.edu/portal) for more detailed troubleshooting guides.

Network connect application mac