Connecting to the VPN - Mac (Personally Owned)

***NOTE: Faculty and staff with personally-owned Macs may install our SafeConnect VPN so that they can connect to certain campus resources that normally require being on campus. This allows users to connect to network shares from their personal computers.***

***NOTE: For users who need VPN installed on their UWGB laptop, please contact the GBIT Service Desk.***


1. Make sure your Mac is up to date prior to installing VPN. It needs to be on one of the latest three major versions of macOS.

2. From a browser, navigate to https://safeconnect.uwgb.edu.

Screenshot of SafeConnect URL in Browser


3. Log in with your UWGB credentials.

Screenshot of UWGB Login


4. Authenticate with Duo.

Screenshot of Check Duo Push

5. Select "Yes, trust this browser."

 Screenshot of Trust This Browser

6. Select "Mac 32/64 bit Global Protect agent."

Screenshot of Select Mac 32

7. Open Finder from the desktop.

Screenshot of Finder

8. Select "Downloads."

Screenshot of Downloads Tab in Finder

9. Double-tap on "GlobalProtect.pkg" in Finder.

Screenshot of Downloads Folder

10. Select "Continue."

Screenshot of GlobalProtect Installer Welcome Window

11. Select "Continue."

Screenshot of Custom Install on "Macintosh HD"

12. Select "Install."

Screenshot of Standard Install on "Macintosh HD"

13. Then:

        1. Enter your computer's username and password.

        2. Select "Install Software."

Screenshot of Installer Window

14. System Extension Blocked popup will appear. Select "Open Security Preferences." If you selected "OK," or if you already had System Preferences open, then in System Preferences, open "Security & Privacy."

Screenshot of System Extension Blocked Window

15. Press the lock in the lower left of the window to unlock settings on Security & Privacy window.  

Screenshot of Security & Privacy Window

16. Enter your Mac's password to unlock the settings.

Screenshot of Security & Privacy Preferences

17. Where it says ".System software from developer "Palo Alto Networks" was blocked from loading," select "Allow." It's possible it may say from other vendors there if you had pending system extensions to allow.  

Screenshot of Security & Privacy General Tab

18. Select the globe at the top of your screen (toward the top right) and enter the portal address as safeconnect.uwgb.edu.

Screenshot of Welcome to GlobalProtect

19. Select "Connect."

20. A GlobalProtect login screen will pop up. Enter your UWGB email and password and select "Sign in."

Screenshot of UWGB Sign-in Page

21. Authenticate with Duo.

Screenshot of Check Duo Push

22. Select "Yes, trust this browser."

Screenshot of Trust This Browser

23. Three pop ups in a row where GlobalProtect asks for access to Desktop, Documents, and Downloads folders. Select "OK" for all three prompts. 

Screenshot of GlobalProtect Desktop Folder Access

Screenshot of GlobalProtect Documents Folder Access


Screenshot of GlobalProtect Downloads Folder Access

You should now be connected.

***NOTE: If you have a Windows desktop in your office, you can use Microsoft Remote Desktop to access it: Mac - Installing Remote Desktop Connection ***

***NOTE: Otherwise you can map network shares as if you were a University Mac on Campus: Mac - Connecting to Network Drives ***